While there aren’t quite as many lodging properties in the Napa Valley as there are wineries, the options, from luxury resort properties to charming B&Bs to all manner of hotels, can still overwhelm. Where to start? With your budget, of course.
If you have to ask, the saying goes, you can’t afford it. But if cost is no object and you truly want to impress, luxury properties including Carneros Resort & Spa, Calistoga Ranch, Bardessono and Solage will pamper both you and your pooch with more amenities than you can aim a Chuckit at.
The larger Meritage Resort, while not so intimate, offers opportunity to stroll with your pup in hilltop vineyards. After visiting the dog-friendly tasting room in the cave complex out back, climb the stairs, stroll between vines and look for the path leading to an easy-to-crawl-through fence. You’ll come out right below the landmark Grape Crusher statue overlooking Highway 12/29. Talk about a photo op!
Another property with space for your smaller pup (under 40 pounds) to stretch her legs is the lushly landscaped Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer in St. Helena. The Westin Verasa and Embassy Suites in Napa also accept small dogs, as does Lavendar, a Four Sisters Inn in Yountville. The luxury Napa River Inn, ideally situated within walking distance of many downtown restaurants and tasting rooms, has no size restrictions, and its spa offers services for canines as well as their people.
In the B&B department, Adagio Inn is a luxury dog-friendly establishment in St. Helena, while Beazley House, Napa Inn, Inn on First and Blackbird Inn, all occupying historic homes in old-town Napa, roll out the welcome mat for four-legged guests. Calistoga, at the far end of the valley, is especially rich in dog-friendly inns; check our listings and study the options.
What if your budget calls for something well under $200 a night? In St. Helena, the El Bonita Motel has attractive, dog-friendly rooms, landscaped grounds, a great location and rates that won’t break the bank even on weekends. Just a bit outside the valley proper, Holiday Inn Express & Suites has pet-friendly, ground-floor rooms at equally reasonable rates. And don’t overlook Motel 6 Napa, where the furnishings are modest but there’s never a charge for pets.
Photo Credit: Sarah_Ackerman (CC)
