The Best Hotels to Book in Calistoga, California

The faux-rustic vibe of this delightfully appointed hotel and spa just north of central Calistoga shouldn’t fool you. The stone fireplace settings, rough wood bed frames and forest-themed wallpaper in UpValley’s guest rooms bely serious luxury. There’s a geothermally heated mineral-water swimming pool and whirlpool tub, a sauna, charcuterie boards delivered to order, plus bike packages for exploring the surrounding forests and wineries on two wheels. We love the chic design of the spacious rooms, fitted with picture windows to let in maximum light.

This handsome member of the Auberge Resort family attracts wine-lovers and wellness-seekers alike. Wine-makers from the area are also drawn to the chic conviviality of on-site Solbar, and can be found enjoying a cocktail here after a day’s work. The outdoor pool is a delight, seemingly surrounded by acres of tables and lounge chairs for an after-swim sun-soak when Calistoga is at its warmest. The suites are all understated Californian style – reminiscent of urban loft living with added private outdoor spaces.

Welcoming guests for over a century, the Mount View is a Calistoga icon. There’s no need to feel guilty about the comfort you’ll enjoy in the scarlet-decorated Luxury Suite 226, or the honeymoon suite, with its clawfoot bathtub and deep-buttoned grey Chesterfield. Mount View donates 50% of its profits to causes such as children’s healthy-meals projects and environmental initiatives. Built in Mission Revival style with Art-Deco flourishes, there’s a 1930s-style “speakeasy” on-site, plus a spa, pool and geothermally heated jacuzzi.

A former Arts and Crafts-style family home from the early 20th century, the Wine Way Inn is the most characterful boutique hotel in Calistoga. Built of American white pine believed to have been shipped from South Carolina, it radiates period charm throughout. Take the guest parlor and dining room, with its shoulder-high oak wainscoting, leaded-glass cabinets and a broad fireplace that acts as a guest magnet in the cooler months. There’s a redwood deck for socializing, and eight guest rooms – all with quality beds and L’Occitane toiletries.

A classic 1947 roadside motel imaginatively modernized by award-winning firm AvroKO, this place is a design-nerd’s paradise. Nods to the classic American mid-century road trip abound. The color palette is all light-blue and mustard-yellow, while camper rooms and suites recall camper living, only with added space and luxury. Try the Moonacre Spa for mud treatments, massages, geothermal mineral pools and more, or get the family together over bocce and board games. Communal activities such as fire pit get-togethers are regularly scheduled.

Samuel Brannan saw Calistoga’s resort potential as far back as 1862, when this eponymous cottage was first built. Immaculately restored, it now features six traditionally decorated guest rooms surrounded by lush, landscaped gardens. Pillow-top beds, original polished-timber floors, whitewashed wood window slats and heated bathroom floors demonstrate BCI’s seamless mix of heritage beauty with comfort. Luxury treatments are available from a neighboring spa, and you’re encouraged to explore the area, with picnic baskets, rental bikes and hiking- and wine-tasting itineraries supplied.

Dr. Wilkinson’s offers 50 varied guest rooms and cottages in central Calistoga. The theme throughout is mid-century road-trip chic. Whitewashed walls set against splashes of orange and ocher are complemented by exposed-beam ceilings and 1950s-style chairs. Some cottages are specialized for families, with timber-framed bunks, while others feature Peloton exercise bikes. The spa component, first developed by the good doctor in the 1950s, now comprises three geothermal pools, four mud-baths, eight mineral baths and a full menu of treatments.

Private, double-occupancy, whitewashed cottages are the attraction at Cottage Grove, perfectly placed in central Calistoga. Traditionally styled throughout, each cottage features polished hardwood floors, a working fireplace, deep tubs for soaking away the day’s exertions and private porches opening onto tranquil gardens studded with elm trees. Cruiser bikes are provided to explore the town and surrounding spa and wine country, and picnic baskets and itineraries are available on request. The cottages are dog-friendly and can accommodate a third guest, with advance notice.