Where to Stay in Napa City – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley is the region’s namesake city, Napa. Home to 80,000 people, Napa is a buzzing and vibrant city that is crying out to be explored. With a rich and versatile culture all its own, there is so much to see, do and discover in Napa. Being the gateway to the world-famous wine region of Napa Valley, Napa as a city regularly welcomes visitors from around the world.

It is fair to say that Napa’s food and drink culture is thriving, and showing no sign of slowing down. With global demand for Napa Valley’s wines only increasing every year, it is safe to assume that Napa is only going to grow as a destination for travelers of every variety.

From the downtown to the university, Napa is a joy to explore. It should be noted that Napa makes for an excellent base for travelers keen to get out into Napa Valley for day trips to wineries and country estates.

Whether you are heading to Napa on a wine-focused getaway or just passing through on the way to San Francisco, you will not be disappointed.

Let’s investigate where to stay in Napa.

Downtown

The most popular place to stay in Napa is the Downtown district. There is a great deal of history to explore in Downtown Napa. Sitting along the riverfront, Downtown Napa is best known for its late 1800’s architecture. There is an old-world feel to Downton Napa that sets it apart from the stereotypical downtown vibe of many other cities.

The riverfront promenade is simply gorgeous and one of the most picturesque areas of the city. The promenade is lined with boutique shops filled with high fashion items from up-and-coming designers. There are a great many restaurants along the Downtown promenade.

Foodie travelers will feel right at home in Napa. With international influences and a community of innovative chefs all competing to be the best in town, Napa is an exciting place to explore. La Taberna a Spanish pintxos restaurant is a local favorite. Kitchen Door on 1st Street is another must-visit bistro in Downtown Napa.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Napa Riverfront Promenade, Napa Riverfront Green, Fuller Park, Napa Valley Wine Train, Oxbow Public Market, Bingo Emporium, St Clair Brown Winery & Brewery, Downtown Joe’s Microbrewery, Jax White Mule Diner, Blue Note Napa Music Venue, Napa 9/11 Memorial Garden, Napa Valley Opera House, Oxbow Preserve, Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Napa Valley – Hotel Napa Valley is a top pick in Downtown Napa. A beautiful breakfast is included in the room rate. The rooms are spacious and each has a boutique feel. Each room features an open fireplace and a gorgeous ensuite bathroom, many of which feature a deep soaking bathtub.

Beazley House Bed and Breakfast Inn – Beazley House Bed and Breakfast Inn is an exceptional hotel on 1st Street in Napa City. The breakfast is divine and the rooms are wonderfully comfortable. Homely with a sense of luxury, Beazley House Bed and Breakfast Inn is one of the best hotels in the city. Free parking is available.

Cabernet House an Old World Inn – Cabernet House an Old World Inn is a good hotel in Napa. There is a flat-screen TV in each room and complimentary luxury teas too. Breakfast is included in the room rate and is homemade every day. Breakfast room service is complimentary too. The rooms have a heritage feel and wooden furnishings.

Imola

Imola is the best place to stay in Napa for travelers who want to live like a local. For travelers on a budget, Imola is an ideal place to stay in Napa. This neighborhood is home to a great many big-chain motels and affordable hotels too.

There is a strong community feel to Imola and all the amenities long-term travelers could need. Being a little more lived-in than Downton Napa, Imola has supermarkets, clothes shops, and pharmacies aplenty.

Imola is home to Napa Valley College. The student population bring a vibrancy to the neighborhood and make it an exciting place to explore. NapaSport Steakhouse and Sports Lounge is a popular hangout spot for locals and travelers alike.

For sporty travelers, Imola is a great option, too. Placed within the expansive Kennedy Park is Napa Skatepark, which has been kept in flawless condition and features all the ramps and bowls skaters could ask for. Napa Golf Course sits beside the park too.

Good For: Active Travelers, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Sporty Travelers, Long Term Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Kennedy Park, Napa Skatepark, Napa Golf Course, Fairview Napa, Napa Valley Memorial Park, Mi Sueno Winery, Napa Valley College Estate Winery, Napa Valley College Performing Arts Center, South Napa Market Place, Shurtleff Park, Century Napa Valley and XD Cinema, Cayetano Juarez Adobe, Skyline Wilderness Park, Martha Walker Native Habitat Garden

Hotel Recommendations:

Best Western Plus Inn at the Vine – Best Western Plus Inn at the Vine is a very good hotel in Imola. The rooms offer everything travelers could ask for, including a generous ensuite bathroom. There is a swimming pool and a fitness center too. There are family rooms available. There is a Denny’s restaurant next door.

Hampton Inn & Suites – Napa CA – Hampton Inn & Suites – Napa CA is a fabulous hotel in the heart of the Imola neighborhood. There is a swimming pool and hot tub available for guests to use on a complimentary basis. Ideal for families, as the suites offer more than enough room to unpack and feel at home.

Wine Valley Lodge – Wine Valley Lodge is a great hotel in Imola. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool and a BBQ terrace too. Each room offers a kitchenette space with a microwave and refrigerator. A continental breakfast is included in the room rate, as is access to WiFi and free parking.

Union

Sitting to the north of central Napa is the community of Union. For travelers keen to explore Napa City while having easy access to Napa Valley, Union is a great place to stay. There are plenty of green spaces and a welcoming community feel.

Situated just a 6-minute drive from Downtown Napa and 13-minute drive from Yountville, Union is something of a happy medium. For road trippers on a whistle-stop trip to Napa, Union would be the perfect place to stay.

In true Californian style, there are a number of dining options in Union. There are the family favorites of Starbucks and Whole Foods Market and some smaller, locally-run eateries too. Heritage Eats, for example, is a firm favorite with locals. Serving gourmet wraps and fresh tacos, Heritage Eats is not to be missed. Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse is a highly recommended spot in Union too – with all you can eat Brazilian food and a happy hour for good measure, it’s a real winner.

Good For: Active Travelers, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Sporty Travelers Long Term Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Heritage Eats, Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, St Apollinaris Catholic Church, Grace Church of Napa Valley, Klamath Park, Las Flores Park, Fume Restaurant, Dry Creek Park, Trancas Crossing Park, Napa Valley Visitor Center, Napa Premium Outlets, Downtown Napa, Yountville, Trefethen Family Vineyards

Hotel Recommendations:

Hilton Garden Inn Napa – Hilton Garden Inn Napa is a top pick in Napa. There is a very well-equipped fitness center within the hotel that includes an excellent free weights section. The rooms are generous and some offer city views. There are family rooms available and premium suites too. Free parking is available.

Chablis Inn – Chablis Inn is a good hotel in Union. There is a contemporary feel to the hotel and the rooms are just the right size. All ensuite bathrooms feature a bathtub and showering facilities. There is a coffee maker in each room and some rooms have a refrigerator. WiFi access is free.

Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa – Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa is one of the most popular hotels in Napa. There are two restaurants on site and a wonderful spa complex too. All rooms have access to on-demand movies and cable channels. The staff are helpful, welcoming and happy to be of assistance where possible.

Yountville

Yountville is ideal for travelers keen to experience the essence of Napa Valley, as well as Napa City itself. The small town of Yountville lives for tourism and welcomes hundreds of thousands of travelers through the town every year.

Home to just 2,900 people, there is a strong community feel to Yountville. There is a vibrancy and zest for life to the town that can only be understood when experienced first-hand.

Yountville provides the perfect introduction to the wineries of Napa Valley. From Cliff Lede Vineyards to Jessup Cellars, there is so much to discover. When it comes to restaurants, travelers are once again spoilt for choice. There are not one, but two, Michelin restaurants in Yountville. Be sure to reserve your table long before your trip to avoid disappointment. The French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro both offer a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

There are some pretty incredible shopping opportunities in Yountville too. After stocking up on cases of fine wine, travelers can take a saunter through V Marketplace.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers, Luxury Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro, Cliff Lede Vineyards, Jessup Cellars, V Marketplace, Napa Valley Museum, The Alameda, Yountville Park, Domaine Chandon Winery, Hopper Creek Winery, Bell Wine Cellars, Silverado Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, The Caves At Soda Canyon

Hotel Recommendations:

Bardessono Hotel and Spa – Bardessono Hotel and Spa is a 5-star hotel in Yountville that offers complete luxury. The outdoor patio terrace features beautiful furniture and the staff are wonderfully attentive. There is a 40-inch flat-screen TV in every room. Luxury touches like bathrobes and slippers are included.

Napa Valley Lodge – Napa Valley Lodge is a popular choice in Yountville. Offering luxurious facilities like an outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub, guests fall in love with this hotel. All rooms are generous and offer guests access to free WiFi and a minibar. The breakfast is outstanding.

Vintage House – Vintage House is set within a 22-acre estate. The building is of French colonial style and is elegant and highly photogenic. All rooms offer an over-sized hot tub and luxury bathrobes. There is a very well-equipped fitness center within Vintage House and their gardens are expansive.

Calistoga

Tiny in size, yet classed as a city, Calistoga is a wonderful place to stay in Napa. Set just outside the city limits, for city slickers seeking a taste of the countryside during their trip to Napa, Calistoga is an ideal option.

Surrounded by hot springs, wineries and beautiful woodland, Calistoga is a destination in its own right. There is plenty to see, do and discover. Napa and Calistoga are family-friendly places to vacation in, but due to the nature of attractions – wineries – they are often considered to be more couples-orientated destinations.

During a stay in Calistoga, travelers should be sure to visit The Old Faithful Geyser of California. It erupts regularly and reliably – most visitors see an eruption during their visit. Get the camera at the ready.

The Sharpsteen Museum is an impressive museum featuring artifacts and exhibitions on everything Calistoga. From stagecoaches to a working model train, The Sharpsteen Museum is a great day out.

Neighborhood Highlights: Old Faithful Geyser of California, Sharpsteen Museum, Castello di Amorosa, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Ca’toga Galleria D’Arte, Napa Valley AVA, Oat Hill Mine Trailhead, Kenefick Ranch Winery, Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, Freemark Abbey Winery.

Hotel Recommendations:

Cottage Grove Inn – Cottage Grove Inn is an exceptional hotel in Calistoga. With friendly staff, a brilliant location, and a wealth of amenities, Cottage Grove Inn is a top pick. Set within lush gardens and dense foliage, there is a sanctuary, retreat-feel to Cottage Grove Inn that makes for a perfect stay.

Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa – Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa is a great hotel in Calistoga that is family-friendly. With modern, bright rooms and excellent facilities, there is a lot to love about Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa. Each room comes with an iHome alarm clock and a mini bar. Gourmet coffee is also provided on a complimentary basis.

The Bergson – The Bergson is a unique hotel in Calistoga that get rave reviews time after time. There is a homely feel to the rooms, as they each feature an open fireplace. The breakfast is fantastic and included in the room rate. There is a great team of staff who go above and beyond for guests.