Hotel Indigo Napa Valley

Along with getting a new name in 2017, Hotel Indigo Napa Valley (formerly a Best Western) got a revamp. The lobby, breakfast room, and the guest rooms were all renovated with decor that’s tasteful and contemporary -- if somewhat cookie-cutter -- with elements that speak to the region. The lobby features wood details, a brick accent wall with an electric fireplace, a modern sitting area, and a huge photo-mural of wine barrels. Behind the reception desk, the hotel's brand name is re-created in corks. Despite the fresh facade, the property still maintains much of its mid-range bones, with few extra property features, a dated pool area, and thin walls. The location is its true selling point, making it a popular stopover for couples and families exploring the wine region.

Hotel Indigo Napa Valley is situated right off Highway 29, a main artery running through the Napa region. Other than a couple of restaurants, there’s little in walking distance, though the area is incredibly central for those who want access to wineries and vineyards via a short drive. Silverado Trail is just a seven-minute drive, and Yountville can be reached in a 10-minute drive north. Downtown Napa, with it’s dining and shopping venues, is also about a 10-minute drive. It's within a five-minute drive of the Trefethen Family Vineyard, Alston Park, and Andretti Winery, too. The Darioush Winery and Black Stallion Winery are each a nine-minute drive. Reaching Napa County Airport takes 20 minutes by car. Parking at the hotel is free.

Guest rooms were included in the 2017 refurbishment, and the resulting look is tasteful and contemporary. Cream-colored walls, wood-laminate floors, and plantation shutters set the scene. Accent walls with photo murals of wine- or rustic-themed items gives the rooms a bit of visual pizzazz. Comfortable furnishings include chaise lounges; platform beds with pillow-top mattresses; and big, executive desks with wall outlets and leathery chairs on casters. Countertops next to the bathrooms are advertised as a bar or beverage center, but it doesn’t quite live up to this description, especially without any seating. Amenities are solid and include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, electronic safes, individual AC units, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms also offer hairdryers and individual toiletries. The rectangular bathroom sinks offer plenty of bathroom space, and  gray- and beige-tiled walk-in rainfall showers are parked next to toilets.

Rooms are available with two queen beds or one king. There are also connecting rooms and six suites with separate sitting areas and wet bars. The most frequent complaint from guests is of thin walls, which can mean noise between rooms and from the corridors. Light sleepers may want earplugs.

Extra property features here are a bit of a mixed bag. The lobby and breakfast area were freshly renovated in 2017, but the lobby's space is relatively small, and the hotel's standard hotel breakfast costs an extra fee. A small gym is also on the premises offering a limited lineup of two treadmills, an elliptical, a stationary bike, and free weights. Outside, there’s a kidney-shaped heated pool and a whirlpool. While these weren’t included in the 2017 renovations, both the pool and whirlpool are decent, with a terra-cotta pool deck furnished with lounge chairs and tables set under umbrellas. Pets are allowed for a pricy per-stay fee; parking and Wi-Fi are free; and the front desk is open 24 hours. There was also a meeting room under construction during our 2017 visit.