If you’re heading to Napa, there’s a wealth of excellent hotel options to call home during your time in Northern California. If being within easy walking distance to some of Napa Valley wine country’s top attractions and rooms with river views sounds attractive, consider checking in to Napa River Inn.
History Worth Knowing
Set along the Napa River in the thick of downtown Napa, the historic Napa River Inn was built in 1884 as a mill. In the 1990s, the Historic Napa Mill was repurposed and became the Napa River Inn. Locally owned, the property is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
The Inn is located in downtown Napa within easy walking distance of assorted popular attractions. Both Oxbow Public Market and the Napa Valley Wine Train are approximately a half-mile walk from the Napa River Inn.
Accommodations
Napa River Inn features 66 guestrooms spread across three buildings. Located above the lobby, the historic Hatt Building has just eight rooms, some of which offer clawfoot bathtubs. Located to the right of the historic Hatt Building and overlooking the Napa River, the Embarcadero Building features 26 rooms. All remaining accommodations are located in the River Plaza Building, set between the river and the historic Hatt Building.
Where should you book? It really depends on personal preference and budget. I stayed in the River Plaza Building, in a third-floor Plaza Deluxe room with a balcony overlooking the Napa River.
Along with a comfy king bed with a pillow-top mattress, there was a sitting area with a pair of cushy chairs, and a gas fireplace that ignited with a twist of a dial. The desk was large enough to get some work done, or to spread out and charge all the gear that tends to come with travel.
Keurig coffee machines and electric kettles are standard in all rooms. While I was happy to find creamer cups in the refrigerator, there was also a pair of single-use plastic bottles of water. I’d love to see those replaced with more eco-friendly options.
Bathrooms feature a vanity with a single sink, toiletries created by staff from the onsite spa, and a lighted make-up mirror with magnification. The toilet and bath/shower combination was located behind a door, allowing more than one person to use both spaces at the same time and still have some privacy.
Public Spaces and Facilities
I didn’t get to experience the day spa during my visit, but if you are looking to pamper yourself, there are several massage and facial options. In-room spa services may be available for an extra charge.
Napa River Inn also features a small fitness center with a Peloton spin bike.
Dining Options
Napa River Inn does not have its own restaurant; however, there are some independently-owned restaurants located within the Historic Napa Mill. Guests who book direct receive complimentary pastries delivered to their room each morning from Sweetie Pies. Those who prefer to make the short walk to the eatery receive a $10 credit to spend on pastries, fruit, quiche, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Angèle serves French fare daily for lunch and dinner. Celadon offers what it describes as “global comfort food” such as Asian sticky ribs, burrata, and coconut fried prawns, for dinner nightly, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
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Open Tuesday through Sunday evenings, The Fink is a fun hangout that’s a mellow cross between a boathouse and tiki bar. Along with a fantastic cocktail menu, expect seasonal bar bites including beet carpaccio, K-Pop chicken, and lobster rolls. Finko! (bingo) happens every Tuesday night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; many nights there’s live music with no cover fee.
Those willing to venture a few blocks will find downtown Napa is bursting with boutiques, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. At newcomer Heston Napa, guests can shop for award-winning cookware, sip Heston wine, and enjoy lunch or dinner all in one location. I highly recommend snagging a table on the covered patio.
Good to Know
Napa is just one of a handful of distinct towns located within Napa Valley wine country. Yountville is approximately 10 miles to the north, St. Helena is approximately 20 miles to the north, and Calistoga is a bit shy of 30 miles to the north.
Plan on at least 90 minutes to make the drive to San Francisco International Airport and a bit more than an hour to reach Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. While the latter is closer, it offers less flight availability.
Napa River Inn features two full ADA rooms and several ADA-compliant accommodations spread across assorted room categories.
Rates for a Plaza Deluxe room in the Embarcadero Building at Napa River start at $319. The Napa River Inn does not charge a resort fee. Self-parking is also complimentary.
Check rates for Napa River Inn online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Napa River Inn is dog-friendly. A $50 per day fee applies, with up to two pets in a room.
I live in Northern California and have a long list of favorite wine country hotels, including Alila Napa Valley, Napa Valley Lodge, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, and Milliken Creek Inn.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by the Napa River Inn, but as always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
