We are attending a wedding in October at the Beaulieu Gardens and would like to stay nearby so we don't need to be driving around after the Saturday night party of the Sunday wedding. Any recommendations for someplace nice but not Napa Valley expensive or a good value? We would love to stay in the $150-200 range although it seems like everytime I look into places I am attracted to in that area they are $650/night! We often stay at more expensive places when we travel, but for this we will be changing our clothes and sleeping there mostly. It should be a pretty time of year in the vineyards so something not right in town would be nice.

Many thanks for any tips.

Look at Calistoga Inn and Spa. It is about a 15 minute drive from Rutherford but you can probably stay within your price range. You are coming at peak time especially if you will be there the first half of October during the crush. Book now.

Googling Calistoga Inn takes you to a nice place but with shared bath. I am assuming you do not want this. So check out Calistoga Spa Resort.

I like Calistoga but was hoping to avoid the drive. I know that will be a very busy time of year and Rt. 29 and the Silverado Trail tend to get very slow. If I can find someplace right in the area that would be ideal....

The trail is a far better route.

I love the valley and often don't care so much about being close by, but think a local place would be best. Even a B&B would be fine if anyone knows of one.

Your best bet would be Rancho Caymus Inn in Rutherford. It is right next door to BV, so you can walk back to your room. Otherwise, you might try Ink House Bed and Breakfast which is just up Hwy 29 before you get to St. Helena. Try www.napavalley.com for more info on B&Bs.

elnap29: but isn't Rancho Caymus WELL above their budget -- especially over an October weekend??

Rancho Caymus was expensive and the Ink House had only one very frilly room. In general a lot of places are already booked. Think I will just find a Best Western or some such chain hotel; there will not be much that is any more interesting for what I want to pay!

CHeck out El Bonita Motel on Rte 29. It will be closer to Rutherford than Calistoga and within your price range.

Thanks PamSF. I could not remember the name of that place. It too, is fairly pricey ($240 for all but the $189 rooms facing Hwy 29). I just made us a Best Western reservation for now (~$155/night) and if we decide to go more upscale there will be no dearth of places. That time period is HIGH season!

I was in Napa yesterday and passed the BW on Soscol just as ones heads to Napa. If that is the one you are staying at you will be at the "lower" end of Napa. It should be fine and a bit more of a schlep to Rutherford.

Hmmm...I think I would prefer Pam's idea of El Bonita -the $189 rooms over the Best Western if you're only sleeping and changing clothes. Hwy 29 won't be like sleeping next to
a major freeway.
You might also consider the Napa Valley Railway Inn in Yountville-
I find it a very good value in high season and you are but 10 mins. from Rutherford.
http://www.napavalleyrailwayinn.com/
Wandering over to Bouchon bakery for your AM coffee would be delightful !

R5

We've stayed at the Milot Winery that has accommodations right in the middle of their vineyard & is located just south of St. Helena. http://www.milat.com/home.php

Thanks JayZee and others. Milot Winery looks very interesting!

That's Milat.