Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa

Originally opened in 1947 as the Sunburst Calistoga Motel, this whimsical lodge still retains plenty of its retro '40s touches, starting with the lobby. Reception is inside a building set with glass-block windows letting in loads of California sunshine. Swooping pitched ceilings painted a creamy white add an airy feel. Decor is a trendy mix, centered around a huge farmhouse-style table. Emerald-green sofas hug the curving wall, paired with hairpin-leg coffee tables and burgundy ottomans. The white tile hearth in front of a wood-burning fireplace offers a cozy spot to relax on chilly mornings. From here, the property opens up to several single-story buildings holding guest rooms, each fronted by Adirondack chairs, encouraging guests to get outside and mingle with their fellow Wine Country travelers. The grounds, with various family-friendly games, a fire pit, and multiple pools, give more incentive and add to the overall relaxed and friendly vibe here.

The Lodge is located in a relatively quiet setting near the intersection of the Silverado Trail and Lincoln Avenue that runs south into downtown Calistoga—a two-minute drive or 10-minute walk. The von Strasser and Lava Vine Winery is six minutes away walking, and a pizzeria is only three minutes on foot. The trailhead for the Oat Hill Mine trail that offers sweeping views of the northern valley can also be reached in just a three-minute walk. Several wineries and tasting rooms are within a 10-minute drive, including Chateau Montelena Winery, winners of the historic "Judgment of Paris" blind wine tasting. Napa is approximately 40 minutes away driving, and Sacramento International Airport and San Francisco International Airport are a little less than two hours by car, depending on traffic. 

The hip, retro decor of the lobby continues into guest rooms with loads of mid-century embellishments. Platform beds are bracketed by tapered-leg nightstands, and Eames chairs sit in front of modular writing desks. Decor varies a bit from room to room, but all units share a soft neutral color palette of tan, navy, sky blue, and soft gray. Stripes and zigzag patterns are applies throughout, keeping the rooms lively and fresh. There's also a subtle homage to the great American road trip, as several rooms feature bench-style seating and tables commonly seen in campers and RVs. In suites, the camper benches convert into sleeper sofas; suites also have separate living and bedroom areas. Entry-level Camper Rooms, each outfitted with either a single king or a pair of queen beds, can feel a touch small at 250 square feet. Suites, at approximately 500 square feet, double that size. But all rooms are incredibly well equipped with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, robes, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and free snacks also keep guests fueled up.  But it's the corkboards and pegboards in rooms -- holding novelty items like jump ropes,  Mad Lib books, scout badges, and trail maps -- that really broadcast the hotel's personality.Bathrooms match the style and tone of the bedrooms, with white pedestal sinks and handsome black or white tiling. Large walk-in showers are topped off with rainfall showerheads, and pump toiletries are provided. It's worth noting that some ambient noise can be heard in rooms closest to the road, as well as from neighboring rooms. But on the whole, rooms are quiet. 

Features at this reimagined motor court place a priority on fun and relaxation. The property's highlight could be the full-service MoonAcre Spa and Baths. A rarity for a mid-range property, the spa features a diverse menu of body and beauty treatments, including massages and mud baths. It also has a steam room, plus shower and locker facilities. For those that prefer to relax poolside, the lodge offers three pools, all fed by geothermal mineral water. They include a spacious main pool, wading pool, and a covered whirlpool, and all are open year round. While there's no fitness room, the property does provide a fleet of bicycles available for rent. Outdoor games also are part of the fun, like a giant Jenga set and a bocce ball court, plus the lodge has a collection of vintage board games, like Scrabble, available to borrow. Free wine tastings are offered every Friday -- another way the property brings guests together -- and the lodge sells Jiffy Pops and s’mores kits for tasty treats around the fire pit. Various snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine are also for sale, but only guests booking directly through the hotel get vouchers for a free continental breakfast at a nearby coffee shop. Other features include concierge service (including valet dry cleaning and laundry), meeting rooms, and free Wi-Fi and parking. Pets are welcome for a surcharge, too. Do note that the property charges a daily resort fee.