Fairfield Inn & Suites Napa American Canyon

The Fairfield Inn is hardly high-style, but it represents a solid value in an area overpowered with pricy hotels. With a large, tree-lined parking lot and natural stone lining the entrance, the exterior isn't without its appeal. Inside, the functional lobby is pleasant enough, although it does feel a bit dated and somewhat dark thanks a general lack of windows. Orange armchairs in front of a gas fireplace give a spot for travelers to collect themselves pre-check-in. This space opens up into a breakfast room packed with tables and chairs. It gets fairly busy at peak times, when space can be at a premium. All in all, interiors could definitely use a refresh. But fortunately, a renovation has been planned for 2018. 

The Fairfield Inn sits on busy Highway 29 in American Canyon. This highway runs north to Napa and other notable towns and wineries. It’s not a good walking area, although a coffee shop is just one minute away on foot. There’s little of interest in the immediate area other than the Napa Valley Casino (a five-minute walk). Supplies are available at a Walmart Supercenter that’s five minutes away by car. Without traffic, it’s about a 15-minute drive to downtown Napa attractions such as the Napa Valley Wine Train and the famous Oxbow Market, where local foods and wines are sold. The Six Flags Discovery Kingdom amusement park and Napa County Airport are nine-minute drives. Approximate drive times to Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport are 50 minutes and one hour, respectively, depending on traffic. 

Comfortable, clean, and spacious, the studio-style suites at Fairfield Inn certainly have their advantages -- but looks isn't one of them. Decor overall feels dark and dated. Soft lighting does little to brighten the navy-and-lime-green carpeting, and amber-brown accent walls and wood furniture also dim any brightness. Work desks, bureaus, and nightstands finished in carved trim and brass handles feel old fashioned, and green upholstered sleeper sofas and drapes do little to punch up the spaces. Likewise, bathrooms have ample space, but feature generic acrylic vanities and beige walls framing the shower/tub combos. (The hotel is scheduled for a refresh in 2018, and hopefully rooms will get some cosmetic updates.) 

But looks aside, rooms are well equipped. The kitchenettes in these suites (Kings and Double Queens) are a welcome amenity and include wet bars, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Tech touches include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and CD players. Rooms facing the busy highway tend to get more ambient traffic noise, but all rooms receive some level of noise. Views are generally unremarkable, overlooking the hotel grounds and surrounding area.

For Wine Country tourists looking to get the most for their money, the Fairfield represents a great value, especially when it comes to its freebies. Like other Fairfields, this outpost features the chain’s signature free breakfast buffet that includes eggs and other hot and cold dishes. Coffee is free all day, and fresh-based cookies are available in the afternoon. Other welcome freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, and weekday newspapers. 

Another top feature is the hotel's heated outdoor pool. It has ample space for a dip, plus a handful of loungers and a whirlpool. The fitness center is in a modest space finished in an unappealing shade of green, but it includes a universal strength-training machines, two treadmills, an elliptical, and a stationary bicycle that can get the job done. For business travelers, hotel offers meeting space for up to 40 people, as well as a business center with a computer and printer. Other helpful extras include on-site guest laundry facilities, valet dry cleaning and laundry services, and a pantry that sells sundries, soft drinks, snacks, and frozen entrees.