Wine Valley Lodge

This classic motor lodge has a colorful history that dates back to 1953, when it opened as Casa Lual -- and hosted celebrities filming movies in Napa, including Rock Hudson, Elvis Presley, and Marilyn Monroe (two suites are named after Marilyn and Elvis today). The one-story, brick and tile roof property has a shabby-chic charm, with chairs outside each room so guests can interact and enjoy the Napa sun. A small, landscaped courtyard with a table, chairs, and grill is in the middle of the parking lot, as is the heated pool. The small lobby has a bright and pleasant vibe, but it’s not a place where guests linger. Expect to see all types of budget-conscious travelers at this quiet hotel, including many international guests. 

The Wine Valley Lodge is located in a relatively quiet area just off Highway 121 near the Napa River, about one mile south of downtown Napa. The immediate area has a mix of residential and commercial buildings, including an apartment complex next door. It’s not an attractive area for walking, but there are several restaurants and two pharmacies less than five minutes away. Downtown Napa, including the famous Oxbow Market where local food and wine is sold, is about a six-minutes drive. Highway 29, which connects all the towns in the Valley, is just three minutes away by car. Some wineries can be reached in as little as a 10-minute drive, and notable vineyards along the Silverado Trail are about 15 minutes away by car. It’s approximately a two-hour drive to reach San Francisco International Airport, depending on traffic.

Guest rooms at Wine Valley Lodge have dated decor, with stuffy, old-fashioned bedspreads and nicked-up furniture that's well past its prime. Still, units offer ample space for comfort -- our Standard King had a desk and an upholstered armchair. Standard rooms come in King and Double-Queen options, and a couple of suites offer even more space. Other than the furniture, our room was in acceptable condition, although the bathroom could have used a more thorough scrubbing. Many past guests have praised their rooms for being tidy and having comfortable beds, but others have reported minor housekeeping issues, including stained lampshades, scraped walls, and loud air-conditioning units. Bathrooms are average in size and feature granite vanities, small windows, and shower inserts that are a step above the bland acrylic versions seen in many budget hotels. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Units are generally quiet, but some ambient noise from neighboring rooms can be heard at times.  

This is a no-frills property, but there's a free continental breakfast with a basic selection of items, including coffee, cereal, yogurt, fruit, pastries, juices, and bread. The breakfast room has plenty of seating, and there a few tables outside. The decent-size outdoor pool is heated, and it's located in the middle of the parking lot surrounded by loungers. The hotel also has a landscaped courtyard with a grill that guests are welcome to use. A computer with internet access is available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi throughout and parking in front of rooms is also free.