Accommodations |

So, if you’ve decided to join us at this year’s Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival, the next question on your mind is probably, where shall we stay? Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options here in the Napa Valley. But, keep in mind that autumn is the busiest time of the year here (and the most beautiful) and places (especialy the less expensve ones) fill up quickly. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment, make your reservations now.

For a real treat, you might want to check out the Westin Verasa Napa, just a stone’s throw away from the Napa Valley Opera House, in historic downtown Napa, with all of the luxurious appointments you might expect to find in the Wine Country and an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub with a view, bocce ball courts, a 24-hour gym. It is also home to “La Toque,” hailed by the Wine Spectator as “one of the finest reaturants in America.” The Westin Verasa Napa is also one of our very generous sponsors.

For the budget-minded there’s a very good option up at Pacific Union College (PUC), which is a 10 – 15 minute drive away, up in the eastern hills. The college rents rooms in its residence halls to “guests.” PUC is a Seventh Day Adventist college so it is important to note that smoking and alcohol are not allowed anywhere on the campus. But this is a great option if all you need is a place to rest your head at the end of a busy day. So, if you can live within the parameters and honor the traditions of the school there are some great deals to be had, starting at about $71/night for single occupancy. Click here for more information.

Another great option is any of the “spas” up in Calistoga, again, no more than a 15-minute drive away. . . . .and what a beautiful drive it is! The Calistoga Village Inn and Spa was a huge hit with festival goers last year, many of whom dangled their feet in the pool while jamming on their ukuleles late in to the night. Rates start at $100 for a double and go up to $135 for a room with a sitting room and jacuzzi or sunken Roman tub. The Calistoga Village Inn also has three naturally-heated mineral pools and you can even add a massage to your stay. If you’re interested, book now! When I last checked they had just 10 rooms left!

Here are a couple more choices in Calistoga that are under $200 a night:

Roman Hot Springs Resort, EuroSpa & Inn, Golden Haven Hot Springs , Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort, Mountain Home Ranch, and Calistoga Spa Hot Springs.

Calistoga also has a number of quaint B&B’s that fall in the under-$200-a-night category: Wine Way Inn, Brannan Cottage Inn, Washington Street Lodging, Hillcrest Bed & Breakfast, Scarlett’s Country Inn, Oakwood Bed & Breakfast, Calistoga Inn. There’s also one B&B in St. Helena with reasonable rates: Judy’s Bed and Breakfast. The number is 707-963-3081.

Here in St. Helena we have one relatively low-priced option, El Bonita Motel, it’s the wine country’s answer to the old-style motor lodge. It gets mixed reveiws depending on the guests’ expectations. Rooms start at $119, but it, too, fills up very quickly. You can call them at (707) 963-3216.

Napa is a little farther away from St. Helena–anywhere from 20 – 40 minutes, depending on where you stay. But this a great option if you plan on attending the Friday night concert at the Napa Valley Opera House and/or you’re on a budget. Check out The Chablis Inn, John Muir Inn, Wine Valley Lodge, Chardonnay Lodge, Best Western Inn at the Vines, Napa Discovery Inn, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Napa Valley, Travel Lodge Napa Valley, Napa Valley Redwood Inn, The Chateau Hotel & Conference Center. Remember, these are all in the under-$200 category. If you’re on a very tight budget and don’t mind driving a little further, you might want to look into American Canyon or Santa Rosa.