Napa River Inn

Napa River Inn is the best-located historic hotel in downtown Napa and a sensible mid-priced base for a first trip. It occupies part of the Historic Napa Mill, a cluster of brick and timber riverfront warehouses that began life in 1884 as Captain Albert Hatt's grain and warehouse business, restored as a complex of shops, restaurants and lodging on Main Street beside the Napa River. The inn is a member of Historic Hotels of America, and the lobby in the original Hatt Building sets the mood with a fireplace and brass chandelier. Rooms come in two broad styles: Historic rooms in the old warehouse, with period furnishings, exposed brick and Victorian touches, and Embarcadero rooms with a more contemporary feel and, in many cases, river views, plus suites for special occasions. Practical perks are generous for downtown: parking and Wi-Fi are complimentary, the front desk is staffed around the clock, and fresh pastries from the bakery in the mill can be delivered to your room each morning if you order the night before. The spa, in the town's old police station, offers massages, facials and body treatments with local ingredients. There is a fitness center but no pool or room service, and the Mill's own restaurants and the riverfront's dining rooms handle dinner within a few steps. Pets are welcome in designated rooms for a nightly fee. The Wine Train station is about five blocks away, the Oxbow Public Market a short walk, and the riverfront's tasting rooms and bars are on your doorstep.

Why stay downtown. A Napa city base costs less than Yountville or St. Helena, keeps you close to the Wine Train and the valley's southern wineries, and lets you walk to dinner and back, which is the simplest form of designated driving. Napa River Inn puts you at the heart of that walkable district, with the riverfront promenade, Main Street and First Street all within a few minutes.

Room craft. Choose a Historic room for character, with brick walls and antique-style furniture, or an Embarcadero room for a lighter, more modern feel and a better chance of river views. Ask for a quieter room away from the Mill's restaurant terraces on busy weekend evenings. Order the morning pastries at turndown, and book spa treatments ahead in high season. Check-in is in the late afternoon, and luggage storage is available on either side of your stay.

Who should stay. First-timers riding the Wine Train, food lovers who want to walk to dinner, and travelers with a dog will all be happy here. It is less suited to anyone wanting a pool, resort grounds or vineyard views; for those, look upvalley. Rates are mid-range for Napa, rising sharply on harvest weekends, and the free parking alone saves a meaningful sum against other downtown hotels.