First timer in Napa Valley
 

Our wedding is two months away, and we finally decided on a short honeymoon to Napa Valley on August 4-8. Neither one of us have been there, so we really need your help.

I have been trying to read up on the area, but still haven't been able to conclude on the best (~ easiest, cheapest) airport to fly into? We will be flying from Detroit and will have a car.

Which area would be the most convenient place as a base? We are not looking to spend more than $150/night on a room, we prefer a nice B&B with breakfast if possible. Max $200/night.

Any other tips you can share with us? Thank you in advance for your time...

Either Oakland or San Francisco are fine. There are tons of posts on here, just do a search. Also depends on what you are looking to do. Wine, the coast, or what ?

Go to tripadvisor.com and search under Napa Valley Hotels. My sister and her husband are going with my wife and I in October but we are staying at Meadowood which is much higher than your budget. I helped my sister find a nice place in St. Helena close to Meadowood using Trip Advisor. St. Helena is in the middle of the area. It would be a nice base to work out of.

Check this one out. It fits your budget and looks nice. They have a # 1 rating on Trip Advisor under B&B's...........

http://www.petitlogis.com/index.html

Sacramento is also a good airport to fly into - and its small and an easy drive to Napa

Sacramento has always been our choice. No traffic, small airport and easy drive.

SMF or Oak. Have a great time!

Sacramento airport our choice too. Last time it was by default, but it seemed to be the least hassle.

Our favorite place to stay is not in Napa Valley, but in Forestville, in the midst of the Russian River Valley. Amazing place. Read the Guestbook. Perfect for a honeymoon.

Okay, and that place is..

http://www.springhillcabin.com/


Duh. Blonde moment.

Thanks everyone for the posts - for the airport's preference, and Ike & Austin for sending me the links for that B&Bs. I haven't seen that one yet in my research... We're looking mostly for wine and spa relaxation.

After my research, I do realize that I may need to bump up our budget for lodging. We do have the advantage of only staying during the week, we need to fly back to Detroit on Friday. We will continue our research and come back with more q's... ;-)

We stayed at the Gaia Inn - it's on the southern end of Napa - and each room has a copy of "An Inconvenient Truth" - very clean and negotiable and reasonable rates.
We spent more time up in Mendocinno - stayed at the Joshua Inn - got a dinner and accommodations package - so wonderful They also gave us a complimentary private invitation to some of the wineries in Anderson Valley - Husch, Duckhorn - these stood out much more than any place in Napa. And Napa was lots of fun.

I had a really yummy mushroom-themed dinner (with wine tastes for each course) at a restaurant in St Helena (north of the city of Napa) last month. It's called The Martini House. I imagine it would be nice for lunch or just drinks, too. It is right near the small downtown.
www.martinihouse.com
You would probably need a reservation for dinner. Not sure for lunch.
For other hidden dining gems, check out chow.com
I don't hit the Napa Valley wineries often, but when I go I do like Heitz for their ports (can drop in) and Hendry (must call ahead for a tasting appointment).

Look into La Residence. It is a large inn/smaller hotel in Napa. It had a pool, hot tub, lovely rooms and it might fit your budget.

Hey! Took 8 posts before a different valley other than Napa was mentioned!
That has to be a record! :))

I normally don't find the average rates on TripAdvisor to be accurate. I have a room booked at the Petit Logis on July 24, and with taxes it will be about $240.

Thanks everyone ;-)

Some young friends of ours recently stayed at Wine Country Inn for their 1st Anniversary and loved it. It is near St. Helena and would fit the Honeymoon concept nicely. www.winecountryinn.com
Less expensive and more casual (but private) would be Washington Street Lodging in Calistoga. Cottages with a pleasant courtyard a very short walking distance from downtown. www.washingtonstreetlodging.com
El Bonita Motel in St. Helena is a very nice 50's style motel that people seem to love.
Petit Logis (Yountville)is nice and in a convenient location, although I wonder if you'd be bothered by late night noise and people walking past at all hours as it is wedged between two very busy restaurants.

There are some nice B&B's in the town of Napa (less expensive than UpValley) and Napa is a nice town - just not as small and touristy as the other towns. McClelland-Priest House and Beazley's are 2 pretty and comfortable B&B's that people see to like quite a bit.
www.beazleyhouse.com
www.mcclellandpriest.com

Bookmarking

While it's not really "honeymoonish" it is funky, Yountville's Railway Inn.

http://www.napavalleyrailwayinn.com/

Across the street from Hurley's, Bouchon's, Bistro Jeanty, Redd Ad Hoc, Fr. Laundry, Napa Valley Grille... all sorts of great honeymoon wining and dining.