It's Everything You've Been Dreaming About....
Sometimes when I'm sitting in traffic on my way to work I start daydreaming of Napa. The rows of taillights magically turn into ripe grapes on the vines, and the stack of cars turn into beautiful resort villas set into the hillsides. The angry people on their cellphones turn into happy people sipping a nice Pinot, and the guy who just cut me off while flipping me off becomes the Matre 'd telling telling me my table with the view of the vineyards is ready. I'm dreaming of Napa, and when I dream I only stay in the best resorts and hotels and that means St. Helena and Rutherford.
Let's start with a quick geography lesson. As you leave Yountville and travel up Highway 29, you'll pass Oakville (home to the "must see, must stop" Oakville Grocery) and soon will get to Rutherford, landmarked by the popular Rutherford Grill. You won't find clusters of hotels here like you will in Yountville, but you will find a couple of great picks that should tempt you. Continue driving and you'll end up in the small town of St. Helena. Highway 29 runs right through downtown St. Helena so it's hard to miss it. Don't stress out over the slow traffic. Instead, park the car and get out and explore. You'll find cool shops and great restaurants, a wonderful Model Bakery, even a shop that lets you sample different olive oils. If you want Five Star Luxury, you want either Auberge du Soleil or Meadowood, both in the area but off The Silverado Trail, which is the road that runs parallel to Highway 29. Look at this Napa map to get your bearings.
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Yes, this is quintessential Napa with vineyards, wineries, good food, quaint shops, and luxury resorts. If you want a Marriott or a Hilton, you've come to the wrong place. Instead you'll find unique resorts and hotels set among the vineyards and trees. It's romantic, it's beautiful, it's absolutely perfect. Of course, this is only true when you trust Local Wally to show you the way. There are plenty of marginal places here as well, so stick with me and I'll show you the best of St. Helena and Rutherford hotels.
Remember, you can always go directly to the COMPLETE NAPA HOTEL GUIDE if you want to see all of your options, or just check rates and availability. And if you like my little Napa site, try to book with me to help me keep Local Wally up and running. Come on, help stimulate the economy by stimulating Wally and everyone is happy!
Your Napa Guide,
Local Wally
Best ST HELENA and RUTHERFORD AREA Hotels
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1. AUBERGE DU SOLEIL 
Set on a hillside with stunning views of the valley is a true Five Star Resort! WALLY SAYS "and guess what, it's not stuffy!"
When you want the best, this is where you stay. This casual yet sophisticated resort sits off the Silverado Trail on the side of a hillside overlooking the valley. It's clearly upper end, but comfortable enough so that you don't feel uncomfortable wearing shorts and sandals in the lobby. The 52 rooms and suites are housed in cottages set in the hillside of this 33 acre property, giving the resort a nice, spread out and private feel. This is about as close as you'll get to staying at a hillside villa in Provence without leaving the country. Romantic, sexy, and elegant, the rooms feature overstuffed furniture, fireplaces, baths for two, candles, a private patio, and exquisite linens. Look, if you don't get lucky here then you're not even trying!
Of course the 7,000 square foot spa is another of the key attractions here. With views overlooking the valley, it's easy to see why many call this the most luxurious spa in Napa. Sure, you'll find the traditional massages and facial treatments, but you'll also find The Melisee Suite where couples can relax in total privacy next to the fireplace in a suite that overlooks the valley. 120 minutes of spa treatments, a nice bottle of sparkling wine, a touch of gourmet food, finished with a sensual outdoor private shower (Wally, put down that camera!) or a soak in the hot tub overlooking the valley, this is the good life.
Auberge du Soleil was originally just a restaurant before it became a destination resort, so you know the food is top notch. Highly recommended patio dining for a special lunch. Like everything else here, it's the best. And the bar? One of Local Wally's favorite stops at the end of the day, perfect for watching the sun set while dining on delicious appetizers. When you want a special place to stay, a true Five Star Resort but without all of the snobby stuffiness and pretense, then this is your pick. Honeymooners, stop looking and stay here.
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2. MEADOWOOD
Are you kidding me? What is this, a country club in the mountains? In Napa? WALLY SAYS "It's crazy but true, a 5 star resort tucked away in the pine trees!"
As you drive into this resort, it almost feels as if you've left Napa and somehow went back in time to somewhere on the East Coast. Mature pine trees line the road, and the rooms are like little cottages with a bit of that turn of the century "upper crust" look to them. Everything about Meadowood seems to suggest a scene from long ago of the wealthy East Coast society. Located off the Silverado Trail, here you'll find a 9 hole golf course, seven tennis courts, a world class spa, and yes, even croquet. If it feels like an exclusive private country club that somehow let you slip in by accident, that's because at one time it was just that - Private. This isn't the best choice if you have screaming bratty kids, and if your good car back home is a Ford Escort (even if it is the "sport" model), you might want to consider somewhere else. However, if your daughter is named Miffy and you drive a Mercedes E class, then come on down!
The 85 rooms offer plenty of options, from a standard studio with fireplace to four bedroom suites. Private decks to take in the views of the pine trees or hillsides, and down comforters keep you cozy at night. Resort service is impeccable. Additionally, the restaurant gets stellar reviews with some suggesting it's near the caliber of The French Laundry. That's high praise, and with prices at less than half the cost it's a worthy stop for those who can't get enough foie gras or truffles. There's also a more casual restaurant as well, and both restaurants have highly desirable outside seating for those warm Summer evenings. Romantic? Oh yeah.....
But I'm not going to kid you - it's expensive. But the key difference in staying here versus a regular hotel is that this is truly a destination in itself. You'll want to spend plenty of time here experiencing the good life, taking in a game of golf or tennis or perhaps learning how to play croquet. And the pool is absolutely gorgeous - no sneaking a cooler of Meisterbrau here, this is high class. But don't worry about a snooty staff wondering whose parents raised you - everyone here is vacation friendly and the staff goes out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. If life's been a little rough lately, maybe a splurge with a stay at a Napa five star resort will cheer you up. And when you want a five star resort tucked away in the pines, one with private cottages that feature spa level baths and high count linens, then you definitely will not be disappointed with a stay at Meadowood.
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3. HARVEST INN 
Old England meets Napa! WALLY SAYS "Lush landscaping and fantastic location makes Harvest Inn a winner!"
Set off the road on Highway 29, The Harvest Inn is the type of place where you twist your head as you drive by and ask "what is that place?" The main lodge, built with the bricks and stones collected from old San Francisco homes is what catches your eye. It's a building that seems just right for Napa, homey and comfortable, yet elegant and refined. The 54+ guestrooms are scattered along trails lined with pine trees and lush natural plantings. You'll feel a bit like you're in a storybook setting, like a Disney movie come to life - you almost expect to see Snow White singing into a wishing well. Quiet and serene, you'll love walking along the paths that lead to secret gardens, and there's plenty of places to stop and just sit for awhile. Picture perfect setting, you won't be disappointed.
Rooms are well appointed and recently updated. As you might expect for a resort of this caliber, you'll find a bottle of wine with glasses awaiting you, as well as Dean and Delucca snacks - a nice touch. Complimentary breakfast, and you can even have them deliver it to your room for a slight fee. Most rooms have fireplaces, whirlpool baths and views of either the vineyards or the lush landscaping. Upon checking in, be a bit picky on room selection if you can - because of the trees, some rooms have more light than others, and the newer rooms lack the mature landscaping of the original area. Make sure you request a patio or balcony room when you check in so you can sit outside and enjoy the views.
First rate location with top notch wineries right down the street make The Harvest Inn one of the top choices in Napa. Perfect for romantic getaways, a popular wedding spot, there is no way you will be disappointed with a stay here. Comparable to The Vintage Inn and Villagio in Yountville, one of the places to stay while visiting Napa.
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4. RANCHO CAYMUS INN 
Located next to Rutherford Grill is a secret Inn! WALLY SAYS "Killer location, Romantic Setting, and of course, there's Otto!"
Highway 29 can get very busy, especially around The Rutherford Grill. But go down the street a tiny bit and tucked away in the middle of all the activity is a quiet, and dare I say "secret" hideaway called Rancho Caymus Inn. Unlike a Marriott where everything is the same, Rancho Caymus Inn is uniquely different. Mary Tilden, a sculptor and wealthy entrepreneur, set out to build an inn where every room was a work of art. "I'm really sculpting in space", she said, and in 1985 her "dream inn" opened.
With a Spanish hacienda design, the inn welcomes you with gracious hospitality. A beautiful courtyard with wisteria vines and cozy seating is your first impression. Everywhere you look is the feel of old craftsmanship. You know that this place was created with a lot of attention to detail and every room is different. Most of the rooms feature an adobe fireplace that looks a bit like a giant wasps nest and all of them have quirky decor - is it retro, is it art? It's hard to tell, but one thing is for sure, it's different! And that's what makes this place so special if you're looking to get out of the cube. Stained glass windows, original stoneware, wood beams, it's a bit like walking into a rich hippies house - let's call it "eccentrically unusual". Rooms are large and spacious, hotel setting is gorgeous, and location is perfect, right in the heart of the action. In the morning, step outside and enjoy the complimentary continental breakfast in the beautiful courtyard as you plan your day. And since it's located right next to the popular Rutherford Grill, a great dinner is just steps away. Sounds good to me!
But Rancho Caymus isn't perfect. The bathrooms could use a bit of updating and are small by today's standards, a bit like the hall bathroom that you probably grew up with - tub next to toilet sort of thing, you won't mistake this for the spa. And as of my last visit in Fall 2007, the TV's are old school big box square. These are minor tradeoffs. Look at the big picture of setting, location, and charm and Rancho Caymus Inn is still a big winner and excellent choice. And yes, there's Otto. He's the congenial and knowledgeable innkeeper who goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable. Expect exceptional service and personal attention from Otto and his staff. With prices usually not much different from a boxy corporate hotel, this is a delightful alternative. Come on, you've stayed in a boring mainstream hotel before. Be adventurous and try something different! You'll be thanking me, for sure.
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5. AMBROSE BIERCE HOUSE B&B 
Looking for a B&B in the heart of the good stuff? Look no further! WALLY SAYS "Got to love this location!"
Personally, I get a little freaked out with most Bed and Breakfast places. The Victorian decor reminds me of staying at my Grandma's house, and sitting down to a meal with people I don't know is just too much work for me in the morning. So why does The Ambrose Bierce House end up on my list-o-good-stays? One word - LOCATION. With the town of St. Helena right outside the front door, you'll love exploring the shops and walking to some of the finest restaurants in the area. Located right on Highway 29, traffic noise and overall hustle and bustle might discourage you at first, but things calm down by the evening when you are back to relax.
The rooms are, as you can imagine, Victorian age "quaint" with canopy beds and lacy sheer curtains, and suites are available if you want a larger room. Each room has a private bath, not exactly spa-like but it gets the job done. TV's are small and old school - hey, I guess the entire place is old school, so it's all good. Some rooms with jacuzzi tubs, some with fireplaces. A delicious full breakfast is included - we're talking eggs benedict, belgian waffles, home-baked croissants and breads, fresh fruits, coffee, teas, juices and, to start the day off right, champagne. You'd be hard pressed to find a better breakfast in Napa. Complimentary wine and cheese in the afternoon. Look, I already told you I'm not really a B&B guy, but Ambrose Bierce House can almost change my mind for the food alone. So bottom line - if you love B&B's, this one ranks high of the choices in Napa. And if location (and a killer complimentary breakfast) is important to you, The Ambrose Bierce House delivers.
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