I am thinking about staying in Yountville or close by for 2-3 nights in October. It looks like it is right in the middle of places I'd like to see (Napa, St Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma). Is this correct? Any recommendations on where to stay? Not too expensive, if possible.

We stayed in Yountville a couple of years ago at the Vintage Inn. It is not cheap, but not outrageous either. I think they have a website. Yountville was a good place to be based. Domaine Chandon is right nearby also. I thought St. Helena was very nice- Terra Restaurant was The BEST!

Have also stayed at the Vintage Inn which I thought was absolutely beautiful, the rooms are so neat, unique, and the landscaping is gorgeous. The rooms come with a complimentary bottle of wine and a full champagne breakfast which was very good. It is a little expensive, but so pretty. I remember there being a Best Western in if not right next to Yountville which looked nice, and perhaps costs a bit less.

I think that what used to be the Best Western in Yountville is now the Napa Valley Lodge.....and the improvements made to it are reflected in the price. It still basically looks like a BW, but the room we stayed in had a gas fireplace, decorative tiles in the bath, shelves with books and (real) plants, etc. The deck had a nice view to the north except that Hwy. 29 is close by (also a factor at the aforementioned inn depending on what room you have). A continental champagne breakfast was included in the rate which was about $200. Not too expensive and Yountville unfortunately don't go together very well! Rooms without fireplaces and downstairs are a bit less (this was last November).....The city of Napa is less expensive, but also not as charming!

Yountville is a great choice and you can't go wrong with either hotel recommended in the prior posts. Don't miss dinner at Mustard's Grill nearby. Yountville Diner is excellent also.

Napa Valley is fairly small, so you don't have to settle on Yountville just
to be in the center. We stayed in Calistoga a few weeks ago, found it very
convenient to Napa Valley and northern
Sonoma. October will be the busiest time in the vineyards so it will be interesting. Check napasonoma.com, napavalley.com, winetravel.com, sonoma.com. The Golden Haven Spa in
Calistoga is reasonably priced, and gives internet reservation discount. We
stayed there and it was very nice.