From the stone-clad exterior of the hotel’s main building to the fountain-dotted grounds and cypress-lined pool, this property exudes a vintage Tuscan vibe. But while its exteriors are Old World elegant, interiors are more Wine Country-casual. Take the vaulted great room, which serves as the reception, bar and communal living area. Anchored by a massive fireplace, it features a neutral palette warmed by caramel and copper accents. Natural materials -- most notably distressed wood, leather and raw linen-like fabrics -- add texture, while floor-to-ceiling windows and chandeliers suspended from bleached beams ensure the atmosphere remains airy and intimate. That combination -- together with the location and level of service -- makes Hotel Yountville an appealing choice for romance-seeking couples and oenophiles alike.

Sitting at the southern end of town, Hotel Yountville enjoys a convenient main-street location and offers on-foot access to many acclaimed eateries, including Redd, Bottega, Bistro Jeanty, and a quartet of options helmed by Thomas Keller (Ad Hoc, Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, and The French Laundry). Domaine Chandon is also just a short stroll away, while other popular wineries lie within easy driving -- or biking -- distance. Guests wishing to explore farther can reach Napa or St. Helena by car in just 15 minutes. Getting to Calistoga takes half an hour, and, traffic permitting, you can make it to the nearest airport (Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County) in about twice that time. Note that both free parking and loaner bikes are available on-site.  

• Two- to 12-minute walk to top-notch dining
• Three-minute walk to Domaine Chandon
• Nine-minute walk to Napa Valley Performing Arts Center
• 10-minute walk to Napa Valley Museum
• Six-minute drive to Oakville
• Eight-minute drive to Rutherford
• 15-minute drive to Napa
• 16-minute drive to St. Helena
• 30-minute drive to Calistoga
• 62-minute drive to Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport 
• 74-minute drive to Oakland International Airport
• 83-minute drive to San Francisco International Airport

Like the common areas, the guest rooms -- ranging from 475-square foot Standard Rooms to the 1,100-square feet Yountville Suite -- are notable for their classy yet casual look. Dominated by a fieldstone fireplace, each has a calming neutral color scheme tastefully brightened by natural-tone accents (think olive, orange or aqua). Some boast vaulted ceilings; others have patios or balconies. But all include top-end amenities like Keurig coffeemakers, minibars with free water and munchies, laptop safes, air-conditioning, at least one 55-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Wrought-iron, four-poster King beds topped with down duvets and premium Bellora linens are also standard in all categories save one, which features two Queens with handsome wing-back headboard instead. The bathrooms, attractively tiled in a herringbone pattern, typically come with a soaker tub and rainfall shower (either separately or in combination) plus cozy robes, magnifying mirrors and Molton Brown bath products. Suites add extra square footage, with the largest of the lot having dedicated bedrooms; when choosing lodgings, however, location may trump size for some because second-floor options tend to be quieter and more private. 

Hotel Yountville has some truly incredible features for a boutique property, while others are notably absent. It boasts a 4,000-square foot spa containing six treatment rooms (two of them couples’ suites with Vichy showers and double hydrotherapy tubs). It also holds 4,400-square feet of indoor and outdoor space that can be used to host social or corporate events. A pretty heated pool edged with loungers gives a spot for a dip, and the adjacent bar and dining terrace doles out food and drink. Other features include a 24-hour front desk with comprehensive concierge capabilities; dry-cleaning/laundry, twice-daily housekeeping, and basic business services. Freebies are also extensive and include newspapers in the lobby, hotel-wide Wi-Fi, and tastings at partnered wineries throughout the valley. Despite all these appealing amenities, Hotel Yountville has some limitations. The fire-lit restaurant, for example, closes early (dinner is available via room service), and there is no on-site fitness center, which is a definite downside for guests who want to balance their indulgences with a workout or two.