Where to Stay in Calistoga
Calistoga, located at the top of Napa Valley, is a charming small town and one of my favorite places to play and stay in the Valley. It’s known for its quaint, quiet, laid back vibes made famous by geysers, mud baths, hot springs, and the original sparkling water. While it looks like a further drive on your map coming from San Francisco, it’s a serene trip into a vineyard community built on farming and hospitality.
From beautiful hiking trails, relaxing mud baths, hot springs and mineral spas, to an endless number of wineries that make wines for any budget and palate, Calistoga is my home-away-from-home. I’ve stayed at each of the hotels I’ll talk about below – many times – and hope to entice you into doing the same (also – I’m not being compensated for any of these recommendations – they come straight from the heart).
This property will make you understand why I say that “Heaven is conveniently located 90 minutes north of San Francisco.” The uber luxurious Calistoga Ranch, one of three Auberge properties in the Napa Valley, sits at the base of a canyon carved into the Vaca Mountain range. Though it’s just a short drive off of Silverado Trail you’ll feel like you’re miles away from everything. Its location allows it to feature beautiful hiking trails, one of which drops you right into a neighboring winery, Davis Estates. Moreover, the views from the property, especially the pool (there is an adults only and a family pool, as well) set this gem apart from its Calistoga counterparts. I would spend my entire stay at the pool if I could, but the lodging is also a huge part of the allure of this resort.
The rooms – which are actually lodges that don’t share walls with neighboring rooms – are a treat unto themselves. They’re designed to embrace and blend in with the natural surroundings and mix the indoor and outdoor spaces which can include outdoor showers, hot tubs, kitchens, and relaxation spaces. You’ll likely have California Oaks and Manzanita trees creeping right into your deck helping add to natural privacy. These are perfect spaces for a private morning cup of coffee or a brunch sent from the guests only restaurant, the Lake House.
Among the other amenities that make this site special are its incredible Spa, complete with mineral baths, hot tubs, wet and dry saunas, and romantic, private massage rooms – and the Lake House, a private, guests only restaurant that features a gorgeous outdoor bar and patio and a menu that curates seasonal California farm-to-table cuisine (and you can get the full menu right in your room).
Pro tips: Davis Estates and Hourglass Winery are both nearby to Calistoga Ranch – and walking distance from the property (depending on your level of adventure). Forget wine tasting, sit by the immaculate adult pool and enjoy seasonal cocktails and a killer wine list.
Location: Tucked away in a secluded canyon, 580 Lommel Road, Calistoga.
Highlights: Everything. Private cottages, gorgeous property with restaurant, bar, and pool.
Visit: Check out their site Calistoga Ranch for more details and to book. Depending on the season, average rates start around $800/nt.
Just down the road from Calistoga Ranch, and at the Eastern entrance to the town of Calistoga, sits another Auberge property. Solage offers a very different vibe than Calistoga Ranch while maintaining the understated luxury of the Auberge collection. This beauty is most known for three things: the incredibly picturesque pool – one that’s reminiscent of old-school Calistoga, a Michelin starred restaurant – SolBar, and being the quintessential Wine Country wedding site.
Both the restaurant, SolBar, and the Spa, the Spa at Solage, are open to the public (with advance reservations, of course). Both of these amenities are what set this property apart from others in the area, and the rooms and cottages are just as luxurious. Plan to grab a beach cruiser and bike into town from this locale – it’s part of what gives Solage such a fun, easy-going vibe with an unpretentious atmosphere.
Location: Next door to the old Calistoga Water Company, 755 Silverado Trail North; just a short 1 mile bike ride into downtown Calistoga.
Highlights: SolBar, the Spa at Solage, and charming cozy cottages.
Visit: This is a year-round charmer and is worth the visit just for SolBar. Check out rates and accommodations on their website. Depending on season, rates start around $450/nt.
This property is a total step back in time to old Calistoga while bringing modern, updated, dare-I-say “Millennial” vibes to an expansive 17 acre space that features updated hotel rooms and a pool that will forever and always be the main attraction. You can choose to stay in a bungalow, cottage, the lodge, or even a house. The upgrades here almost make you think you’re in Palm Springs. Yet, no matter what lodging you pick you’re really booking Indian Springs for the pool.
Calistoga is known for its thermal mineral waters and this totally revitalized Olympic pool – which is much bigger than an Olympic pool when it meets-the-eye is the absolute attraction. There is a smaller adult pool adjacent to these waters (which is key in Summer) as well a bar scene that helps cool off the 100+ degree Summer temperatures. For all intents and purposes, a stay at Indian Springs is definitely all about the pool scene. While it can get crowded this is a prime Instagramable destination.
Pro Tip: Sam’s Social Club, the restaurant on-site, is a bustling, vibrant food scene where cocktails and simple American faire make it easy to relax and further enjoy the resort feel of this beautiful property.
Location: 1712 Lincoln Avenue, just outside the heart of downtown Calistoga.
Highlights: The pool – you’ve got to see it to believe it. The Palm Springs meets Calistoga vibe.
Visit: A favorite of Bay Area locals, this spot can feature great deals. Check out their site for more information and for booking details.
I have always been a fan of the quaint B&B style hotels that make Calistoga famous. The Aurora Park Cottages are a mix of bed and breakfast and personal cottage. The draw of these dwellings is that they don’t share walls with your neighbors – while you know other people might be staying there, you feel like you have the whole place to yourself. From these little cottages you’re a short walk to downtown, but miles apart from ordinary. Simple, easy relaxation in well appointed cottages that come complete with breakfast in the morning make Aurora Park one of my favorite home bases for a weekend full of wine tasting. I’d be remiss to not tell you that the hospitality here is second-to-none for all of the places I’ve stayed in Calistoga – and that’s what will keep me coming back as often as is possible.
Location: 1807 Foothill Blvd, halfway between downtown and Tubbs Lane (home of Chateau Montelena, amongst others).
Highlights: Free standing cottages, breakfast delivered to your door, exceptional hospitality.
Visit: Easy to get to, budget friendly, easy to book, perfect for a romantic getaway – check out their site to book your stay. You won’t break the bank – so book a two night visit.
This property is all about location, location, location. Beyond that it’s such a great place to unwind after a long day of wine tasting. This hotel has 21 rooms that have been redone to reflect classic Calistoga charm, while also maintaining a sense of uniqueness in its personal charm. The hospitality is excellent, the rooms are well appointed, and you’re walking distance to all of the downtown action (and right in between two wineries Tank Garage and Lola). They serve a great breakfast every morning in the main lobby area which will have you refreshed for the first winery of the day or for the drive back to your Bay Area home.
Location: 1010 Foothill Blvd, right before Tank Garage winery and the right hand turn to downtown Calistoga.
Highlights: Remodeled Calistoga classic that caters relaxation and ease of access to all of Calistoga’s surrounding attractions.
Visit: Budget friendly, this spot is great for the travelers that want to be able to walk into town. Check out their site to learn more about this 21 room Wine Country gem.
This lovely little hotel was recently remodeled and they hit a home run. This Choice Hotels property is so cute and so well done. The trend, of course, in this area is to update properties to reflect the growing expectations of travelers who flock into the Valley and they’ve done everything to make a budget friendly hotel feel like you’re staying at a higher end property. I’ve stayed here as a home base for hikes up the Oat Hill Mine and Mount St. Helena and its pool and outdoor decks served me perfectly as a spot to relax my weary body. I can’t say enough good things – and to top it off the hospitality is fantastic – what feels like you’re in a family run location.
Location: 1865 Lincoln Avenue, a few short blocks from the heart of downtown.
Highlights: Lovely rooms, perfect little pool and hot tub, and excellent hospitality.
Visit: Easy to get to and your classic little Calistoga overnight. Check out their site for budget friendly rates all year long.
Newly redone, totally upgraded, and made to feel like a bohemian getaway – think Palm Springs motel meets Napa Valley boho chic. The Calistoga Motor Lodge is really a Northern California take on a Southern California classic. Staying here reminded me of a few Southern California properties that I’ve stayed at and I totally appreciate what’s going on at this site. The pool and hot tub have been redone and they’re the perfect spots to uncork some Sauvignon Blanc and snap the all important Instagram vacation-mode picture. Wind down with some lawn games before walking into downtown for dinner – this spot is your perfect little getaway that affords you the opportunity to connect with all of the things that make Calistoga one of my favorite places in the world.
Location: 1880 Lincoln Avenue, perfect for walking right into the heart of Calistoga.
Highlights: The pool scene and Southern California vibes, great updated rooms.
Visit: Any time of year is great to visit this spot, and it’s growing in popularity. Check out their site for rates and what the newly redone Spa has to offer.
