The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Napa, California

Napa Valley’s oldest hotel, Maison Fleurie, was built in 1873, originally as the Magnolia, using stone from local quarries. With its central Yountville location, next to the railroad and a saloon, it was a lively gathering spot – and remains so today. Four Sisters Inns bought it in the 90s and gave it a south of France-style renovation. Each guest room, located in three different buildings surrounded by landscaped gardens, has a queen or king bed, and many feature a fireplace, patio, or jetted spa tub. An on-the-house breakfast for two, including blueberry pancakes and artichoke quiche, can be devoured at the wooden farm table next to a roaring fire in the main building.

Located in a quiet Downtown Napa neighborhood, this Queen Anne mansion, renovated in 2017, gives guests plenty of peace and a dose of local culture. The owners left stressful, high-powered jobs in Silicon Valley for a simpler life. The innkeepers often chat with guests and share their love and knowledge of local wine. Hennessey House has gardens, a patio and 10 rooms with Belgium antique furniture, as displayed in Mary’s Delight, with its canopy bed and bay windows. Filling breakfasts might include crêpes florentine or tarragon-flecked eggs.

The 19th and 21st centuries collide at Embrace Calistoga. It took four years for the owners to renovate the 1873 mansion into a luxury inn with a wraparound porch in the heart of Calistoga. The five elegant guest rooms have neutral color schemes, marble-floored bathrooms and original art. Guests are welcomed with plenty of gratis amenities, such as snack packs to take on wine-tasting adventures, wine and cheese tastings each evening and a bountiful brunch-style breakfast.

The 19th-century Churchill Manor reflects the height of the aristocracy in Napa Valley. Built by a wealthy banker in 1889, San Francisco’s well-heeled once traveled by boat up the river to attend lavish parties here around the turn of the century. Now a luxury bed and breakfast, travelers can take in this architectural treasure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The interior woodwork has remained untouched, including 12ft (3m) ceilings with detailed moldings, Corinthian columns and museum-quality redwood doors. The 10 guest rooms include the original master bedroom of owner Edward Churchill. The Stag’s Leap suite has an antique walnut French bedroom set, a gold-leaf-adorned fireplace and a tiled shower for two. Guests are treated to three-course breakfasts and a wine reception each evening.

The storied lands comprising Beltane Ranch, originally home to the Wappo Indians, have had many lives. The property has grown fine-wine grapes, fruit, olives and produce, on and off, for over a century. The southern-inspired Ranch House, built by San Francisco civil rights’ hero, Mary Ellen Pleasant, has been a bed and breakfast since the sixties. The fourth- and fifth-generation owners operate it as a luxury farm stay, giving guests the chance to learn about agriculture as they decompress. Refurbished guest rooms have French doors, daybeds and valley views. Beltane Ranch raises turkeys and heritage-breed laying hens, and the chef’s Beltane-grown breakfast almost exclusively showcases ingredients from the farm.

The aptly named Chateau de Vie near Calistoga feels rooted in history, even though it was built in the eighties. The hotel’s formal French-style gardens feature fragrant lavender and rose bushes, and evergreen trees. The views include cabernet sauvignon vineyards in every direction, and Mount St Helena. The most particular travelers will be wooed by thoughtful details such as high-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton linens, and a morning coffee and tea service. Guests have a variety of amenities at their fingertips, including a vineyard spa, garden hot tub, 40ft (12m) heated lap pool and library sitting room. Guests need to adhere only to their own schedule, as breakfast is served whenever they want.