Where is the best place to stay in Napa Valley?

Question

Where is the best place to stay in Napa Valley?
I am planning a luxury retreat for 10 key customers to Napa Valley. These people have the money to do whatever they want so we need to impress. I am not very familar with where to stay and what to do in Napa other than drink wine, play golf and go to spas so would like some recommendations on the most high end, luxury accommodations as well as high end winery tours, etc. In addition, I would like to find a location that has a full service, high end spa. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Auberge Du Soleil http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/b is the best of the best in Napa. It's regularly voted one of the top hotels in CA and in the Nation.

After that, Meadowwood is very upper end, but I've had problems with their staff in the past (not classy or polite)

Calistoga Ranch is also supposed to be very nice. Same people as Auberge, but less fanfare. http://search.live.com/results.aspx?q=calistoga+ranch&src=IE-Address

There are also several high end villas that you may be able to rent. Try doing some internet searches for Napa Rental Villas and you might have some luck.

Villagio is supposed to be nice, but I've heard some mixed reviews about it in general.

I recommend looking into renting some limos to set up winery visits. If each customer brings a guest, you'll probably need minimum 2 limos (3 would be more comfortable). Many of these services will include lunch for the group and some great wineries.

You may even want to plan two different tours - one for those who know wine and one for those that don't. The wine 101 groups can go the tour at Beringer (first thing - they give a GREAT tour) and then hit some of the more popular wineries (end up at Opus One). The wine 201+ can start at Caymus, hit Schramsberg & Twomey, maybe Stag's Leap & Silver Oak, and then also end at Opus One at the same time.

On a second day, you could even send limos to do a tour of Sonoma. It's more laid back and can be fun, but the wineries tend to be less known.

If you can finagle reservations at French Laundry for those who wish to dine there, go for it. I think they only take them 2 or 3 months in advance, so you'll either have to be lucky or know someone. Otherwise, the restaurant at Auberge is supposed to be great.

For wineries, you really don't need to do a thousand tours. Caves are caves, for the most part, and a private tasting is more fun as the day wears on.

High end winery tours:

Start at Caymus. This way you get the tour and tasting. It's by appointment only.
Stag's Leap (I'm not a big fan of their tasting set up, but a large group may be better)
Silver Oak
Darioush (reservations for large groups)
Schramsberg (appt. only. The best bubbly in the US. Tour & tastings only)
Opus One (over priced IMHO, but beginners love the name recognition)
Cain (appt only)

Sterling doesn't have the greatest wine, but their tram ride is beautiful.

Beringer really has one of the best tours in the valley. You can buy an additional tasting in the 'reserve library' and get the good stuff. It's really worth it, trust me.

BV (Beaulieu Vineyards) is great for beginners because they offer so many different types of wine. It's a great introduction. They also have a high end room that those who choose to can visit.

I have not been there, but Far Niente has some cult wines that the hoytie toytie like to consume. You may want to consider this winery as well.

Good luck! : )

Answer 2

The Embassy Suites is only reasonable if you think $250+ a night is reasonable. There are a couple Best Westerns here in Napa. The Chardonnay Lodge, the Chablis Inn, there's a Travelodge. Stay in Napa, the farther you go upvalley the more expensive it gets. But there is El Bonita Motel in St. Helena which is affordable and nice with an outdoor pool and jacuzzi. Let me know if I can look any of those numbers up for you or if I can help you more!

Answer 3

Meadowood is beautiful, so is Auberge de Soleil. Silverado Country Club has every single amenity possible and a high class spa and golf course, and excellent food and ambience. I'd personally go with Silverado, it doesn't disappoint.

For limos, call Black Tie Limo Service. They have everything from a Lincoln sedan to stretch limos, to stretch Humvees. I've used them before, the service is superb.

For a unique winery tour, go to Sterling, which is upvalley. You take a tram to the top of the mountain for the tastings. Incredible views. (I used to work there.) And check out Mumms, Krug, and Domaine Chandon. Mondavi and Beaulieu and Beringer are mostly tourist traps.

Don Giovanni, Cole's Chop House, Fume Bistro, and Bayleaf are all very upscale elegant places, but don't overlook some of the smaller ones. The mgmt always accomodates upscale parties.

Any more help I can give, let me know!

Answer 4

Very upscale and beautiful is L'auberge du Soleil: Check out their website: http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/ I believe they have a spa.

They also have a restaurant with a beautiful view of the valley. Read a review of this restaurant at: http://www.cheers2wine.com/auberge-du-soleil.html

Another luxurious place to stay would be Silverado Resort. This place has golf, tennis, dining, and a full spa. For more info go to:
http://www.cheers2wine.com/silverado-resort.html You can arrange to have a driver pick up your guests at the resort and drive them on a winery tour. Ask at the resort for more details.

Answer 5

Motel 6 rocks, AND THEY LEAVE A LIGHT ON FOR YOU!