Are you looking for the best Napa hotels for meetings, events, and leisure? If so, then you clicked on the right blog!

I’m Danielle Gibson and I have been living in Napa since 2012 and in the Bay Area since 1997. I own Danielle Gibson Events, an event company that plans, designs, and produces corporate events, destination programs, and wine styling in Napa Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond.  We are continually scouting out new hotels, restaurants, wineries, and activities which keeps us dialed into the best Napa has to offer. If you are looking to have an event in Napa, California we are the event planning company to plan and design it for you!

Over the years we have only given our industry insight to our dear friends and clients. However, now we want to open the vault and share what we truly love about the beautiful Napa Valley with everyone that is eager to visit.

To book the best Napa hotel, read this!

You don’t want to be spending more time driving than tasting wine! If you are visiting Napa to taste wine at a specific winery that you have already booked or plan to book, we recommend you search for a Napa hotel relatively close to your tasting appointments. Are you more interested in staying in a certain town? In that case, book a hotel in that town and arrange wine tastings (we have over 400 wineries!) within 20 minutes of your hotel. Careful planning and attention to travel times between wineries will enhance your overall experience in Napa.

Where are the best Napa hotels located?

Napa Valley is a California wine-producing region that is 5 miles wide by 30 miles long located about 50 miles north of San Francisco. Napa Valley basically runs north to south with Napa located at the south end and Calistoga at the north end. When you drive up from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), or San Francisco Bay area, the town of Napa will be the first town you will approach on your drive into the area. Most hotels in Napa are located in the towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. We recommend using the Napa Winery Map to help navigate the area. (click to enlarge and download).

Looking for recommendations on restaurants with event space for your next party? Overwhelmed by how many wineries there are to visit in Napa? Confused about how to navigate Napa Valley? Then check out our other blogs:

Driving in Napa California

I highly recommend having a car. You can easily drive to wineries during the day, as long as you have a designated driver who isn’t drinking. If you need a driver to take you to your selected wineries or need an itinerary I recommend Napa Valley Wine Excursions and RAM Wine Tours. Contacting an Uber or Lyft to travel from winery to winery isn’t very reliable. At night, I would recommend leaving the car at home and walk or grab a Lyft (or Uber) to get around.

Quick tips about our list of the best Napa hotels

Our details are short and sweet, but our list is the only list that makes it easy to figure out where you want to stay! What is most important to my readers?

• What is the daily rate of the hotel room
• What town is the hotel located in Napa Valley
• Does the hotel have event space for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Are local restaurants within walking distance

The pricing guide we are using is in USD from $-$$$$$ (from the least expensive $ to the most expensive $$$$$). Keep in mind prices will fluctuate depending on the day of the week and time of the year. Also, some hotels ask for a 2 or 3-night minimum stay.

The best Napa hotels listed below navigate from south (Napa) to north (Calistoga).

Best Napa Hotels – Downtown Napa

Andaz Napa $$$

• Restaurant on-site
• Rooftop dining
• Small event space for planning a corporate event, meeting, social celebration, or wedding
• Small city feel
• Walking distance to Napa’s downtown restaurants

Archer Hotel Napa $$$

• Charlie Palmer Steakhouse restaurant on-site
• Rooftop dining
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Small city feel
• Walking distance to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Spa
• Fitness center

The Westin Verasa Napa $$$

• Restaurant on-site
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Located on the Napa river next to Oxbow Market and Riverstage
• Walking distance to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center

Best Napa Hotels (outside of downtown Napa)

Carneros Resort and Spa $$$$

• Restaurants on-site
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• 10-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center
• Spa

The Meritage Resort and Spa & Vista Collina $$

• Restaurants on-site
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• 8-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center
• Bowling alley
• Winery tasting rooms
• Spa
• Wine caves

Senza Hotel Napa $$

• Restaurant on-site
• 10-minute drive to Yountville restaurants, a 10-minute drive to Napa downtown restaurants, or a walk to Bistro Don Giovani next door
• Small event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Vineyards views
• Spa
• Outdoor pool
• Country feel

The Setting Inn $$

• 7-room inn
• No restaurant on-site
• 5-minute drive to Yountville restaurants, 10-minute drive to downtown Napa downtown restaurants
• Backyard property and a small barn for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Vineyard views
• Country feel

Stanly Ranch $$$$$

• 130-room resort, newly opened in 2022
• Restaurant on-site
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• 12-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants and a 20-minute drive to Yountville restaurants.
• Spa
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center

Best Napa Hotels – Yountville

Bardessono $$$$

• Restaurant on-site
• Walking distance to Yountville restaurants, 15-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Event space for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Spa
• Outdoor pool
• Small town feel

Hotel Yountville $$$

• Restaurant on-site
• Walking distance to Yountville restaurants, 15-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Event space for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Outdoor pool
• Small town feel

North Block $$$

• Restaurant on-site
• Walking distance to Yountville restaurants, 15-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Outdoor pool
• Small town feel

The Estate Yountville

Hotel Villagio, the good and oh-so-social, and its sophisticated counterpart, Vintage House, a chic and tranquil sanctuary are both part of The Estate Yountville.

Hotel Villagio $$$$

• Newly renovated in 2020
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Restaurant on-site
• Walking distance to Yountville restaurants, 15-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Vineyard views
• Outdoor pool
• Spa
• Fitness center
• Small town feel

Vintage House $$$$

• Newly renovated in 2019
• Restaurants on-site
• Walking distance to Yountville restaurants, 15-minute drive to Napa’s downtown restaurants
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Vineyard views
• Outdoor pool
• Spa
• Fitness center
• Small town feel

Best Napa Hotels – Yountville (outside of downtown)

Poetry Inn $$$$$

• Five-room resort located high above Yountville with vineyard views
• Restaurant on-site for breakfast, private dining available
• 5-minute drive to Yountville restaurants
• Poetry Inn is available for whole-property rentals
• Spa
• Outdoor pool

Best Napa Hotels – St. Helena

Alila $$$$

• Restaurant on-site
• Walking distance to St. Helena restaurants (about 1/2 mile)
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Vineyard views
• Outdoor pool
• Spa
• Fitness center
• Small town feel

Auberge du Soleil $$$$$

• A resort located off of Silverado Trail
• Michelin Starred restaurant on-site
• 10-minute drive to Yountville restaurants, 10-minute drive to St. Helena restaurants
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or a wedding
• Vineyard views
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center
• Spa

Meadowood $$$$$

• A resort located off of Silverado Trail close to the town of Saint Helena
• Restaurant on-site
• 5-minute drive to St. Helena restaurants
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Spa
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center
• 9-hole golf course
• Currently rebuilding The Restaurant at Meadowood, hotel rooms, and event space due to damage from the fires in 2020, so only partial areas of the resort are open at this time

Best Napa Hotels – Calistoga

Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa $$

• Restaurant on-site
• Walking distance to Calistoga downtown restaurants (Uber and Lyft don’t always operate in this area)
• Event space for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Outdoor pool
• Spa
• Small town feel

Cottage Grove Inn $$

• 3 cozy cottages are located within walking distance to Calistoga downtown restaurants (Uber and Lyft don’t always operate in this area)
• No restaurant on-site
• Event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Country, small-town feel

Four Seasons Resort and Spa $$$$$

• A resort located on Silverado Trail close to the town of Calistoga
• Restaurant on-site (Truss)
• 3-minute drive to Calistoga downtown restaurants (Uber and Lyft don’t always operate in this area)
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Spa
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness center
• Winery tasting room on-site (Elusa Winery)

Indian Springs Resort and Spa $$

• Restaurant on-site (Sam’s Social Club)
• Walking distance to Calistoga downtown restaurants, (Uber and Lyft don’t always operate in this area)
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Large outdoor hot springs pool
• Fitness center
• Spa

Solage Resort and Spa $$$$

• Restaurants on-site (Pico Bar and Sol Bar)
• 3-minute drive to Calistoga downtown restaurants
• Multiple event spaces for planning a meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wedding
• Large outdoor pool
• Spa (treatment rooms, pool, and hot tubs)
• Fitness center

FAQ’s

How many nights should I plan to stay in Napa?

At least 3 nights is recommended because of the travel time getting to and from Napa. If you are flying in, most airports are 1.5 hours away without traffic, this could take up half of your arrival day and departure day just traveling. I recommend planning to have at least 2 full days for wine tasting and activities around the valley.

What hotels have the best event space for a real Napa experience?

When planning events in Napa, we think the best Napa hotels with event space are Stanly Ranch, The Estate, Four Seasons, Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood, and Indian Springs. Looking for a Napa full-service event planning company for your next Napa meeting, corporate event, social celebration, or wine styling for photography? Contact us today!

How different is the experience from staying in a hotel in downtown Napa to staying in the town of Yountville?

Downtown Napa has really changed over the past 10 years, it has more hotels, restaurants, winery tasting rooms, and stores than ever! (and of course Oxbow Market) If you are looking for a small city feel and less expensive accommodations, downtown Napa is for you. The town of Yountville also has many hotels, winery tasting rooms, and stores to enjoy (and of course Bouchon Bakery), but it is more of a quaint, small-town feel and pricier than Napa.

Thanks for joining us here on the blog!

This guide gives you the BEST locations for wine tasting, eating and overnight stays! 

Why are we so confident our list is the BEST? 

For over 17 years our specialty at DG Events has been scouting locations for events and venues for wine tasting in Napa. We have many friends in the wine industry from Mendocino down to Santa Barbara that have shared their favorites with us. Also, my husband David works in the wine industry and has over 27 years of experience in food and wine. While this is both a blessing and a curse, it has brought us a wealth of great connections in many wine regions. Together, we bring you the best of what we love.

Why Paso Robles?…What’s your grape?

Paso Robles Wine Country is an American Viticultural Area located in San Luis Obispo County, California. The region has approximately 33,000 vineyard acres planted and over 200 producers. Back in the day, it was mostly known for its heritage varietal, Zinfandel, with some Bordeaux grapes mixed in… because that’s what you do in California, right? However, as the modern wave of new winemakers began to move in, it became clear that Rhone Valley varietals were more aptly suited to the warm climate and limestone based soils, particularly on the westside of town. We happen to love Syrah, Grenache, and the like so it’s right in our wine wheelhouse. The good news is that it’s all good and there’s something for everyone!

Paso Robles – The Lay Of The Land

Paso Robles is about 3 hours south of San Francisco International Airport and 3 hours north of Los Angeles, also known as the Central Coast of California. The Paso Robles downtown is centered around a small square with a quaint little park in the center. You can visit wineries on both the east and west sides of downtown. 

The eastside is mostly urban tasting rooms and the location of the famous Tin City. (more details about list below) The westside of town is peppered with estate wineries located on vineyard property. Most locations you can get to within 5 -15 minutes, so it is easy to see everything your little wine heart desires. We recommend visiting for at least 2 days so you can devote one day to the eastside and one day to the westside.

No matter what you are looking for in a winery visit, you can find it in Paso Robles. We like to stay small and support the little guys most of the time and always prioritize a higher caliber wine over the design of a location. But, you might not feel the same, so we have categorized the wineries for you below so you can build your itinerary to make everyone visiting happy!

Estate or Garage?

The answer is yes. The beauty of this place can be credited to the balance of how these two approaches to winemaking coexist and promote one another. Hit some spots in the vineyards, but say hi to the cool kids in Tin City and the warehouse spots as well.

Paso Robles Westside Wineries

Villa Creek/MAHA

A little while ago we were lucky enough to get introduced to Cris Cherry of Villa Creek Winery. Since meeting him we swear he should run for Mayor of Paso Robles. He has become a friend of ours who always takes the time to point us in the right direction when visiting, and if you catch him in the right mood he might just share a local secret or two for a slab of paté from Fatted Calf. So, with a little help from Cris and a couple trips around the block of our own, we’ve built a short list of what we love. 

Let’s start with him….His vineyard estate is located on the westside of Paso, on the cusp of the fabled Willow Creek and Adelaida Districts. Villa Creek has been making wine for nearly two decades. Starting with grapes purchased from west Paso Robles’ most esteemed vineyards and eventually planting what is now their MAHA Estate. The wines and vibes are as good as it gets in the Central Coast so this is a must.

L’Aventure

With beautiful rolling hills surrounding the property, L’Aventure offers breathtaking vineyard views and some of the best wines in California.  Winemaker Stephan Asseo brought France to Paso Robles, producing red wine blends of primarily Rhône grape varieties and helped propel the region into new found acclaim on the world wine stage.

Law Estate Wines

We met owner Don Law and winemaker Philipp Pfunder last year in Florida at DCWAF. We were quite impressed by their wines, so we put them on our list to visit when we were in the neighborhood. They began with the right approach by bringing in Scott Hawley to develop the winemaking and vineyard program. He and his wife Viquel have since launched their own label Torrin which is also part of our Paso Robles “short list”. Law’s stunning modern facility is located atop rolling hills of vineyards providing 360° views of their property and beyond. Not to be missed if you like sleek design and big, bold, polished wines!

Booker Wines 

After making wine with Justin Smith (of Saxum) for five years and Stephan Asseo (of L’Aventure Wines) for two years, the Jensens decided it was time to create their own expression with Booker Vineyard. The 2005 vintage was Booker Vineyard’s first release with the wines being made by owner Eric Jensen. They became an immediate cult hit and have become more impressive with every release. The wines show both power and precision, totally personifying the modern Paso Robles aesthetic. Get on the mailing list quick if you still can!

Clos Solene Home of Guillaume Fabre, 6th generation winemaker and his beautiful wife Solene. They are a boutique winery on the westside of Paso Robles in the heart of the Willow Creek District. Elegance and finesse, forcefully coupled in a unique style crafted by their honest approach to farming and process. If Guillaume is in the room, I defy you not to join the club.

Denner  One of our favorite spots in Paso Robles (Wine Spectator’s too!) located on the westside in a traditional winery setting. We wanted to buy everything we tasted, so our credit card was nearing meltdown as we left. I might become a part time “ditch digger” myself to keep this stuff in my glass! 

Now For The Urban Approach…

As you head east toward highway 101 out of the square, Herman Story just chills on the corner like a poet that is waiting to write something meant just for you… Late Bloomer? First Time Caller? Anybody? Taste their wines and hear Russell From’s story and you will feel his genuine approach and reckless precision and realize you want Herman Story at your party.

After that, head right over 101 to the corrugated steel chateau that is home to TOP.

Stanley and Elena have created something that just rings so true. The warmest couple you would ever want to meet. And you will, if you visit – it’s just them. The wines are as pure and polished as they are. Ask anyone, and thank us later.

OK – now jump on the freeway and drive a few miles south…as you turn left into Tin City make a hard right into Cordant/Nelle. Tyler Russell is creating beautiful expressions of both Rhone varietals and Pinot Noir under the same roof, but under different labels. This spot was our coolest new find and we simply cannot get enough of their wine. The vibes are warm and the wines are delicious. Amber will keep the turntable spinning and your palate grinning.

Let’s take you into Tin City now…

While this development has a very industrial/communal feel, their structure needs to be understood. Everything is by appointment and a few spots are closed on Mondays.

Our friend Mayor Cherry recommended Turtle Rock. Owned by Claudia and Don Burns, they are perfect ambassadors of the second wave of the Paso Robles revolution. With Don’s Paso roots and his Justin Smith/Saxum pedigree, they were bound for greatness. The finished product is delivered in artfully designed labels, each one with a thoughtful story behind it.

We were lucky enough to track down Tin City’s newest (and busiest) winemaker Riley Hubbard.

Her label is called Hubba and she just moved into a totally rad spot in the deep corner of the neighborhood. Riley’s education (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) and former stops (Law & L’Aventure) have given her the foundation to succeed. However, when you meet her you’ll see that Hubba is her own unique vision, and her wines are fantastic.

Of course Tin City is home to plenty of other great producers and if you find yourself needing a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix, please visit Benom. Arnaud Fabre and his brother Guillaume (Clos Solene) unite the precision and polish of France with the power of Paso Robles in an intimate and stylish setting. Très Bon!

One Must Eat! Grabbing A Quick Bite In-Between Wineries?

Heirloom (Westside – South of Tin City by 10 minutes)

Casual setting, serious sandwiches and super cool salads. You can get in and out quickly if you’re on the go in the westside winery scene and still feel like you treated yourself. Do the right thing and have a Topo Chico with lunch. It’s gonna be a long day and they have all the flavors.

Thomas Hill Organics Bistro & Wine Bar (downtown Paso)

We discovered this randomly and we were so glad we did. Bistro atmosphere with a menu that changes daily, paired with ingredients sourced locally and seasonally. Fresh and simple, served with regional wines and awesome beer selections! Open for lunch & dinner.

New Kids On The Block (2 Minutes North of The Square)

Paso Market Walk is a mixed-use development that gives residents and travelers the opportunity to convene, relax, shop, and taste the distinctive flavor of the Central Coast. Celebrating the people of Paso Robles – from the small scale, family-owned operations, to a new generation of standouts making names for themselves in food and wine, to the neighbors and guests who can savor them all.

Downtown Paso Robles For Dinner

After your day of tasting make sure you have some gas in the tank to hit Paso Robles’ buzzing restaurant scene..

Let’s start at the top.

Les Petites Canailles High Bar, but not High Brow. Causal, fun atmosphere that delivers on every level. Julien Asseo and his wife Courtney have created something truly special here. He doesn’t brag about his chops (and background) but rather flexes them. Magnificent wine list and service with heart. Open for dinner only. This was hands-down our favorite restaurant.

BL Brasserie (formerly Bistro Laurent)

Relaxed but refined dining, offering à la carte and a multi-course, prix fixe option, spiked with classics and paired with local and French wines. Think Provence in Paso, but you speak the language…dining in France just off 101! Not to be missed. Open for lunch and dinner.

Fish Gaucho

Lively cantina vibe featuring modern Mexican plates with radical salsas and ceviches. The bar program is fun and funky, featuring killer margaritas, craft cocktails and a Mezcal program that will blow your mind. Open for lunch and dinner. Always call ahead, it’s the busiest spot on the square for all the right reasons.

The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar 

A modern, gastro pub inspired joint right on the bustling part of the square.

The menu is driven by the culture and comfort that food brings to our lives. Add to that, inspired cocktails and an honest energy. We enjoyed the hip, local vibe and friendly staff…did we say bourbon? Only open for dinner.

Where to Stay In Paso Robles

I would recommend staying downtown around the square. You can enjoy yourself at dinner and casually walk back to your hotel. Our first trip to Paso we stayed at Hotel Cheval. This 16 room boutique hotel embraces Paso’s equestrian heritage with elegant rusticity, the design is both luxurious and smart without feeling too snooty. The service is amazing and they have received several accolades over the years from Conde Nast. 

For more recommendations, check out Villa Creek’s Paso Robles lodging recommendations on their website.

Again, Chris won’t steer you wrong.

Other Paso Robles Lodging Options

We also found these alternatives if you don’t want to stay at a hotel.

Law Estate has a beautifully designed guest house on the property that has 2 bedrooms, if you’re looking for more amenities than just a hotel.

Airbnbs are becoming more popular in Paso Robles. We stayed in this apartment right on the square. It was very convenient and had modern amenities, but be prepared to sing a few tunes in your sleep with the local bar downstairs if you go to bed before 11 pm.

Enjoy your trip!

X, DG Events

Interested in other wine tasting regions? See our Napa blogs here and here.

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This past week has been a whirlwind for me: from traveling to Kentucky to experience The Bourbon Trail, to Tennessee for a visit to Blackberry Farm, to Highlands, North Carolina for a family visit, and finally to L.A. for a conference to end a week long vacation (work + play, right?), it was a nonstop week.