Best Resorts in Napa Valley

Sitting on 250 acres in quaint St. Helena, California, Meadowood Napa Valley resort automatically wins guests over with its serene landscape and isolation. The guest room decor embodies a rustic elegance, with cottage-like beamed ceilings, private terraces and, in most rooms, fireplaces. Although the cost of a stay here is admittedly steep, many travelers feel the exceptional service and on-site activities, such as croquet, tennis and golf, make the expense worthwhile. Guests will also find several pools and an extensive fitness center here. Meanwhile, those who splurged on a treatment at the on-site spa certainly didn't regret it, nor did they have second thoughts about repeat meals at The Restaurant. Should you stay at the Meadowood, you'll be close to the Castello di Amorosa Winery and Schramsberg Vineyards, both of which offer exceptional tours and tastings.

Solage hardly misses a step when it comes to pleasing guests. This Auberge Resorts outpost's 89 suites and studios are set on 22 acres of beautifully landscaped property and come equipped with amenities such as LCD televisions, iPod docking stations and high-speed internet access. And recent lodgers praise the quality of the beds and the extra large bathrooms. Guests also rave about the complimentary cruiser bikes that give personality to the resort. And the lodging decor –composed of neutral hues, expansive windows and fairly simple accents – makes for a relaxing respite. Meanwhile, the Michelin-starred Solbar restaurant garners rave reviews for its outdoor dining space and inventive "California soul food." The Spa Solage is also unique for its "mud bar" and on-site geothermal pools. You'll find this hotel on the northern fringes of Calistoga in northern Napa Valley.

Sitting just a few miles southwest of Napa, California, Carneros Resort and Spa is often described by recent travelers as charming and quiet. Accommodations consist of cottages, suites and homes. Many previous visitors recommend reserving a cottage for an added sense of privacy. (Guests also suggest requesting a room that's not near the highway for a more peaceful night's sleep.) But no matter which type of lodging you choose, you'll find yourself with a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, heated bathroom floors and a private outdoor patio with a garden. When you crave a change of scenery, take some time to explore all 28 acres of the property – you'll find a vegetable garden, two pools with hot tubs, a general store, three restaurants and The Spa at Carneros. Other amenities – such as weekend fitness classes, use of loaner bicycles and on-site parking – are covered by the property's daily $32 resort fee.

Near the small town of St. Helena, the Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer charms guests with its rustic elegance and attentive service. Described as park-like, the grounds are universally applauded for showcasing the area's natural beauty. Guests are also quick to praise the helpful front desk staff and the delicious complimentary breakfast, in addition to the hotel's full-service restaurant by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, Harvest Table. Although most past lodgers raved about the size of the guest rooms and the in-room beverage services, some said the decor felt a little scant. The Harvest Inn also boasts two pools, a spa and a fitness center.

Past guests particularly praise The Meritage Resort and Spa’s Crush Lounge, where guests can relish a drink while enjoying a game of bowling, shuffleboard or billiards. In fact, the array of on-site amenities almost overshadow the resort’s excellent location in Napa Valley, about 5 miles south of downtown Napa and slightly more than 3 miles from the Napa County Airport. The property boasts a smorgasbord of additional eateries, which range from Siena, a luxury restaurant with Californian- and Tuscan-inspired flavors, to The Village, a curated mix of wine tasting, grocery store, culinary classroom and event area. Not to mention Spa Terra, an actual wine cave where guests can enjoy a sip of their favorite grape-based beverage after candlelight yoga or a spa day. But keep in mind that some recent visitors warn the accommodations, which come standard with luxurious perks stone bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi access, don’t justify their cost.

Occupying 1,200 acres of prime real estate north of downtown Napa, this resort is one of the area's largest. The resort is so big actually that guests can choose to stay in a specific neighborhood such as the central Cottage Drive or the gated communities of The Grove or Oak Creek East. No matter which place you choose to stay, all rooms here come with amenities such as Egyptian cotton sheets, Wi-Fi access, coffee bars and TVs with premium movie channels. Guests can grab a meal at one of the on-site eateries before enjoying the in-house spa, tennis courts or outdoor pools on-site. On the other hand, Silverado's two golf courses receive plenty of praise, and many visitors claim that the views from their private balconies or terraces were worth writing home about.

Located in the Oxbow area of downtown Napa, The Westin Verasa Napa caters to visitors who want the convenience of staying in town and the ability to easily take day trips to local wineries. Guests love being within walking distance of restaurants and shops, and then being able to return to signature Westin amenities, such as comfy Heavenly Beds in the hotel's rooms. There's an on-site fitness studio, convenient for those looking to get a work out in during vacation. Visitors also appreciate the pool, complimentary house car and pet-friendly ambiance, but what really won them over was this hotel's unique atmosphere. Many travelers appreciated the attentive service provided by the staff and loved the sophisticated decor that permeated throughout the hotel. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Rewards members can earn and use points here.

Just south of Napa, the Vino Bello Resort offers spacious accommodations complete with small, fully equipped kitchenettes or kitchens to make a longer stay in California wine country more comfortable. The resort's decor is reminiscent of Tuscany, with warm hues and colorful furnishings. And just in case you forgot you were in wine country, you will be greeted with a complimentary bottle at check-in. Recent visitors had plenty of good things to say about the rooms, which include high-speed Internet, full baths, flat-screen TVs and patios or balconies. Because of its partnership with the neighboring Meritage Resort, Vino Bello guests are welcome to sample the region's wines at the Meritage's Estate Wine Cave and Wine Tasting Bar. The Meritage's Siena Restaurant is also open to Vino Bello guests for fine dining.