Northern California’s famed Napa Valley is all about luxury. It’s a place where hot air balloons soar overhead and limos cruise up and down the main roads, taking visitors to taste wine that might cost $100 per bottle or more, or to dinner at places like The French Laundry, where a meal for two can easily reach a thousand dollars. It’s no surprise then that the valley is also home to some of the most over-the-top accommodation options in the world.
From suites bigger than single-family homes to personalized service that attends to your every need, these hotels have a lock on outstanding amenities and unequaled luxury. If you’re looking to go all out, look no further than these six over-the-top suites. And if you want luxury on a smaller budget, check out the cost-conscious alternatives for each one.
Meadowood Napa Valley
The hotel: Set on 250 wooded acres in the heart of Napa Valley, Meadowood has long set the standard for superlative service and luxury in wine country. On site, there are several dining options — including the revered Michelin-starred Restaurant — a fitness center, two large pools, croquet court, tennis courts, nine-hole golf course, miles of hiking trails, and a newly renovated spa with private treatment rooms.
The suite: Meadowood offers more than a dozen room types, including villas and family lodges. For the ultimate suite experience, book the 2,000-square-foot Estate Suite, which includes services like a personal concierge, complimentary customizable mini bar, and grocery provisioning. Estate Suites also feature California King beds, one-and-a-half baths, wood-burning fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and sprawling terraces for relaxing and al fresco dining.
The cost: Room rates range by season but are generally between $1,750 and $2,200 per night, with the best prices offered on weekdays during the off season of December to March.
A budget-conscious alternative: If the idea of an all-in-one resort appeals, check out Meritage Resort and Spa, which is located just south of downtown Napa. There’s an onsite bar, restaurant, spa set in a wine cave, fitness room, putting green, chapel, bowling alley, and vineyard hiking trails. The Bordeaux Junior Suite has a king bed and sofa sleeper, fireplace, and large patio with courtyard views. Rates start at around $500 per night.
Farmhouse Inn
The hotel: Set on six acres and located a short drive from the tiny town of Forestville in the Russian River area of Sonoma County, the 25-room Farmhouse Inn oozes romance. From the heated hot tub and pool to the fire pits (with complimentary s’mores ingredients) to the “bath bar” stocked with homemade soaps, the property offers plenty of ways to relax and unwind with your sweet heart. There’s also a full-service spa and a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves dinner and a three-course breakfast. And a high staff to guest ratio ensures great service. Guests are attended by six concierges, who can arrange complimentary tastings at the hotel’s winery partners.
The suite: The 850-square-foot Luxury King Suites are furnished with feather beds topped with European linens and down comforters, while the bathrooms are complete with jetted tubs, saunas or steam showers, and heated marble floors. The large fireplaces are double sided, so you can cozy up by the fire both indoors or under the stars. Nightly turndown service includes homemade cookies and milk.
The cost: These suites start at around $700 per night, but the property often offers deals such as midweek discounts and specials that include spa treatments, dining credits, and even free nights.
A budget-conscious alternative: Ten miles north of downtown Sonoma, the 29-room Kenwood Inn and Spa looks like it was plucked right from Tuscany and transported to California. Rooms are spread among three Mediterranean-style courtyards concealing bubbling fountains, two pools, a spa, and a restaurant. There are nightly wine tastings, evening port, and a lavish breakfast spread including mimosas and made-to-order egg dishes. Rooms have fireplaces, feather beds, and marble bathrooms with deep jetted tubs. Room rates for suites start at around $550 per night.
Calistoga Ranch
The hotel: Located in a secluded canyon on the north end of Napa Valley, Calistoga Ranch (which spans a whopping 157 acres) blends almost seamlessly into the surrounding environment. Here it’s all about being one with nature — without sacrificing any luxury, privacy, or service. The property also features a lakeside restaurant, a fitness center, a pristine spa, acres of private hiking trails, and activities like bocce ball, painting, and wine blending. And, following Calistoga’s long tradition of soaking in the local mineral waters, there’s also heated mineral pool.
The suite: The 2,400-square-foot Estate Lodge is its own self-contained unit tucked into the surrounding woodland. With two queen beds, a sofa bed, and two full bathrooms, it can easily (and comfortably) sleep five people. There’s a large living room with fireplace, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, and plenty of outdoor space for dining, soaking in the private hot tub, or taking a shower. Guests also have exclusive use of a Mercedes for exploring the valley.
The cost: Rates start at around $3,000 per night. Smaller one bedroom lodges with living rooms and 1,200 square feet of space start at about half that (about $1,600 per night).
A budget-conscious alternative: If you want to experience the mineral waters of Calistoga on a budget, check out the UpValley Inn and Hot Springs. The hotel describes itself as “rustic-meets-modern,” with contemporary rooms that are comfortable without a lot of bells and whistles. Rooms have king or queen beds, laminate floors, mini fridges, work desks, flat screen TVs, and — in some rooms — fireplaces and balconies or patios. While the hotel doesn’t have a lot of onsite amenities, it’s just a quick walk (or free shuttle ride) to the restaurants and tasting rooms of Calistoga. The biggest draw here is the geothermal pool and hot tub, along with the adjacent sauna and steam room. Room rates start at around $200 per night.
Poetry Inn
The hotel: The five-room Poetry Inn sits on a hillside high above the valley floor and offers spectacular views of the vineyards below. Every room is different in terms of decor, but all have a king bed, indoor and outdoor rain showers, wood-burning fireplaces, a complimentary mini bar, and a large terrace. On-site, there’s a pool, Jacuzzi, and spa treatment room.
The suite: The 1,450-square-foot Robert Louis Stevenson Suite is set on the top floor and has a private entrance and a wrap-around deck. There’s a sitting room; one-and-a-half bathrooms; a large bedroom with a four-poster bed; dual closets; and a pop-up flat screen TV. While the room itself is beautifully decorated, the main feature here is the unparalleled views.
The cost: Rates start at around $1,100 per night, with the lowest rates offered on weekdays and during the winter slow season. A three-course breakfast is also included in the rate.
A budget-conscious alternative: If your Napa Valley dreams consist of a small, romantic inn with amazing vineyard views (albeit from the valley floor instead of a hillside), book a room at the Wine Country Inn in nearby St. Helena. If you're looking for more space, consider staying in one of the cottages, which may feature a Jacuzzi tub, a wet bar, a large soaking tub, a sitting room with fireplace, or a private patio. Perks include complimentary breakfast, afternoon wine and appetizers, passes to local wineries, and a free evening shuttle. Rates for the cottages start at around $400 per night.
Carneros Resort and Spa
The hotel: Located at the southern end of Napa, Carneros Resort and Spa is equally convenient to the southern end of Sonoma, which makes it a great base for those who want to explore both regions. Here, you'll find three restaurants, a general store, a spa, two pools, bocce courts, and a massive fitness center. Bikes are available for cruising to local vineyards and there’s complimentary car service within a five-mile radius.
The suite: The 1,200-square-foot Carneros Two-Bedroom Residences feature two master suites with King beds, large living and dining spaces, fireplaces, bathrooms with heated slate floors, and a full-size, fully stocked kitchen. Designed for indoor and outdoor living, the residences are complete with outdoor showers, front decks with rocking chairs, and private patios and gardens that are connected to the indoor living area by glass doors.
The cost: Rates start at around $855 to $975 per night during slow season and increase on weekends, summertime, harvest season, and holiday times.
A budget-conscious alternative: Also on the southern end of Napa Valley (just a few minutes east of downtown Napa) the Silverado Resort and Spa is another full-service option for those who want a wine country playground to call their own. The property spans 1,200 acres is home to nearly 400 rooms — many of which feel like individual homes. The property is complete with ten pools, several dining options, two golf courses, 13 tennis courts, a fitness center and spa, and miles of hiking trails. There are several different types of rooms and condos available with living and dining areas along with balconies or patios. Rates for one-bedroom suites start at around $400 per night.