The best places to stay in california wine country

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There are many different kinds of lodgings available in the Napa-Sonoma wine country: high-end spas, smaller hotels and modest smaller properties that provide good value. This article covers only the very best places to stay in Napa and Sonoma in the opinion of experienced travel writers writing for major magazines and newspapers. Unsurprisingly, these are quite expensive. Added to the list are two unique, smaller and less expensive properties that offer unusual value and that have consistently received high-ratings from similar travel sources.

1. High-End Properties: Carneros Inn

   • Zagat's highest-rated Napa lodging, and certainly one of the most expensive, the Carneros Inn sits beautifully in the midst of 27 carefully tended acres. Accommodations are luxurious and contemporary. Separate cottages provide privacy and calming views of the vineyards. There are two separate pool areas, one for adults only, the other for families, as well as three full-service restaurants, spa treatments and room service. As of early 2010, cottages are $600/night and upward.

     Carneros Inn
     

     4048 Sonoma Highway
     

     Napa, CA 94559
     

     (707) 299-4900
     

     thecarnerosinn.com/thecarnerosinn/

   High End Properties: Calistoga Ranch

   • Another beautiful and astronomically expensive Napa Valley resort, Calistoga Ranch is tucked into a deep canyon overlooking the valley. Forty-six cottages are scattered over 157 mountain acres. Individual fireplaces are the central feature of each cottage, decorated in what the owners describe as "rural chic." Celebrity spottings are not uncommon and the dining room is for resort guests only, so privacy is both necessary and assured. Amenities include hiking, biking, swimming and spa treatments. Calistoga Ranch is rated in the top 10 US resorts by Travel and Leisure Magazine. Rates start at $1,000/night.

     Calistoga Ranch
     

     580 Lommel Road
     

     Calistoga, CA 94515
     

     (707) 264-2800
     

     calistogaranch.com/

   Unique Experiences: Auberge du Soleil

   • Auberge du Soleil ("Inn of the Sun" and pronounced Oh-berj d' So-lay) was Napa's first high-end resort, and is beautifully maintained and situated, overlooking the Silverado Trail and the vineyards beyond. Food has been a particular virtue of the Auberge experience, and remains so today. The less-expensive (and still pricey) rooms in the main lodge are slightly smaller than the newer and even more expensive individual lodges, but there is a beautiful view, a large pool, a variety of spa treatments and an efficient and experienced staff. As of early 2010, rates range from $575 for rooms in the main house to $3500 for a "private maison."

     Auberge du Soleil
     

     180 Rutherford Hill Road
     

     Rutherford, CA 94573
     

     (707) 963-1211
     

     aubergedusoleil.com/

   Unique Experiences: Poetry Inn

   • Best described as either an extremely luxurious bed and breakfast or a small and stylish inn, Poetry Inn has only four rooms plus a suite located in a single attractive building. A pool and spa are available. The atmosphere is more that of a European private villa than of a commercial lodging. Breakfast is served, and wine and cheese are available, but there is no dining room. Yountville, with a dazzling number of fine restaurants for a small village, is only about eight minutes away. As of early 2010, rooms start at a little over $500/night. For a surprising number of affluent travelers, this charming small inn remains their wine country favorite.

     Poetry Inn
     

     6380 Silverado Trail
     

     Napa, CA 94558
     

     (707) 944-0646
     

     poetryinn.com/

   Some Less Expensive and Unique Lodgings

   • Napa River Inn is a converted granary in downtown Napa- it is charming, contemporary, and priced at less than $200/night.

     Napa River Inn
     

     500 Main St
     

     Napa, CA 94559
     

     (707)251-8504
     

     napariverinn.com/

     Just off the plaza in downtown Sonoma, Les Petite Maisons (the little houses) are four beautifully-maintained individual cottages surrounding a common garden. It is "One of the Most Romantic Getaways in the US," according to Sunset Magazine, February 2007. As of February 2010, cottages are $130 to $155/night, and about a third more in the high season.

     Les Petite Maisons
     

     1190 E. Napa St.
     

     Sonoma, CA 95476
     

     (800) 933-0340
     

     lespetitesmaisons.com/

Source: www.ehow.com

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