Silverado Resort and Spa

Silverado Resort and Spa is the valley's classic golf resort, spread across about 1,200 acres of oak groves and vineyards at 1600 Atlas Peak Road, east of downtown Napa. It has 355 rooms in condo-style clusters connected by walking paths, so it feels like a small, self-contained community rather than a single tower. Golf is the headline, with a 36-hole course, driving range, lessons, a pro shop and carts, and the North and South Courses are a three-minute walk from the rooms. Beyond golf, there are two outdoor pools and a children's pool, with a seasonal pool operating from July 1 to September 30, and a full-service spa with ten treatment rooms plus a sauna, steam room and hot tub. Dining includes Matchplay Kitchen and Bar, Boost Cafe, Mansion Bar and Silverado Market Bakery, along with a poolside bar. The resort is rated four stars. Self-parking is free, a nightly resort fee applies, and pets are not allowed. Check-in starts at 4 p.m. with a minimum age of 18, and check-out is by 11 a.m. The location is quieter than downtown Napa while still close, with the Wine Train about five miles away, Oxbow Public Market just over five miles and downtown Napa about five miles. It is a car-dependent stay, but the grounds are large enough to keep you busy for a day.

Who it suits. Silverado is a strong choice for families, groups and golfers who want space and amenities more than a boutique feel. Condo-style rooms give you more room than a typical hotel, and the pools, spa and golf mean there is something for each member of a group. It also suits larger family gatherings, given the size and the range of facilities. Travelers who want an intimate inn or a walkable town should look elsewhere.

Making the most of it. Book golf tee times early, especially in spring and fall, and check pool dates if you plan a summer visit, since the seasonal pool runs only from early July to the end of September. The spa is a good alternative if the weather turns. The walking paths and groves give you a quiet place to stroll in the evening. Plan to drive into Napa for dinner on at least one night for more variety.

Practical notes. A nightly resort fee applies, so compare the total price against other Napa hotels. Pets are not allowed. Parking is free, and the layout means you will probably want to park near your cluster and walk. The resort is east of the valley floor, so allow time for drives to Yountville and St. Helena. For a first trip with a focus on wine, a downtown base may be more convenient; for a trip that mixes golf, spa and family time, Silverado is hard to beat.