Napa Valley · Downtown Napa
Downtown Napa
The valley's largest town and its most urban base — riverfront hotels, tasting rooms and restaurants within a few blocks.
At a glance
- Type
- town
- Where it is
- Southern Napa Valley, closest to the Bay Area and both airports.
About
The city of Napa anchors the southern end of the valley. Its downtown, along the Napa River, holds the widest range of hotels, bars, tasting rooms and restaurants in the county, at a broader spread of price points than upvalley.
Why go
Stay downtown when you want evening options, easier arrivals from the airports and a base that suits mixed groups and budgets.
What makes it different
Downtown Napa is the only part of the valley that functions as a small city. That makes it the most flexible base — and usually the most practical for larger groups.
How it fits a trip
Works well for first nights, group trips and shorter stays; upvalley appointments are a 20 to 40 minute drive.
Best for
- Group travel
- First-time Napa
- Shorter stays
- Evening options
Hotels
Andaz Napa
A design-forward boutique hotel in downtown Napa with loft-style rooms and a lively restaurant and bar scene on First Street.
Archer Hotel Napa
A modern boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Napa, crowned by a rooftop pool and bar above First Street's restaurants and tasting rooms.
Best Western Plus Elm House Inn
A European-style inn with a quiet courtyard and hot tub, a short walk from downtown Napa's tasting rooms and shops.
Cambria Hotel Napa Valley
A contemporary hotel on Soscol Avenue with an on-site bistro and bar, plus a patio with fire pits and a hot tub.
Candlelight Inn
A 1929 English Tudor estate in Napa with manicured gardens, a seasonal pool and a three-course breakfast each morning.
Chablis Inn
A practical Solano Avenue inn with a seasonal pool and kitchenette rooms, well placed for exploring upvalley wineries.
Let us design your Napa.
Plan Your TripReviewed 2026-09-06