Forgive me if you've seen this post elsewhere...trying for the broadest coverage!

My wife and I are a planning a 4-5 day trip to Napa/Sonoma area in late September/early October. Never have been there. We have traveled extensively in Tuscany and other Italian locales and have decided to give our own wine treasure a visit.

Thinking of a budget of about $500 per night for lodging. No B & B's, but small to mid-sized inns or lodges would be great. We plan on just doing a lot of day-tripping to wineries and otherwise enjoying the sights. Any suggestions for especially great restaurants(don't have to be fancy...the food and atmosphere are most important),or activities would be most welcome in addition to lodging suggestions.

Thanks so much in advance!

This hotel is highly recommended with a great restaurant.
http://www.hotelhealdsburg.com/

I would go with Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford. Rooms in the main house have prices in your range. This is the best in the area.
http://www.aubergedusoleil.com/

Another choice is the Carneros Inn in Carneros which is a hot spot right now. The location isn't as good as Auberge.
http://www.thecarnerosinn.com/thecarnerosinn/

I am not going to suggest the Calistoga Ranch as the rooms are close to $1,000 a night for September. The reason this would be my top choice is because I have always loved Calistoga and near by St. Helena.
http://www.calistogaranch.com/home.htm

I'm not sure what rooms at Meadowood go for these days, but it is lovely! Often travel agents can find the best deal for you. Auberge is fantastic also. Both places are supreme Napa Valley.

Otherwise, friends have enjoyed Wine Country Inn in St. Helena. Overlooks the vineyards.

Many outstanding restaurants are in the area. More on another post.

I am glad I remembered Solage Calistoga as its a very popular hotel these days.
http://www.solagecalistoga.com/

You can't go wrong in Yountville (Napa Valley).
Well...I did once but I'm sure the statute has tolled by know.

A lot of very good restaurants within stumbling distance to some good places to stay and short drives to other NV locations and about 30 mins away from some Sonoma Valley hot spots.

Your correct about Yountville with restaurants like Redd, Ad Hoc and French Laundry.

Why thank you a8.
Do I win somethin'?

We're still big Hurley's fans but also like, Napa Valley Grille, Bouchon's (esp the oyster platters, right r5?) and breakfasts at Pacific Blues Cafe.....or getting up early and sleep walking over to Bouchon's Bakery for some excellent pasteries and fine coffee.

You win Kal!
I forgot to mention the pastries at Bouchon. They have one here in New York City in the Time Warner Building.

LOL, Kal, let's hear more about those statutes running out

My dear andrew8-I didn't see any rooms at Auberge that time of year for less then the mid 600's, yet it would be a great choice

Do you know that you don't have to keep re-posting this query, droots. All you have to do is "top" this one and pull it up-then all the many ideas you have previously
gotten will stay together. Just type a reply that says something like "Any other ideas ?" and hit post.

Oysters may be our dinner, my dear Kal-est-it's about 101 degrees here right now !

Pssst, Scarlett, wanna hear about those statutes? He-he he...

R5

Your correct about the price of Auberge Razzle but Droots stated her range was around $500 so I thought I would throw it in the mix.

'tis fine, andrew - if it weren't so darn hot, I consider a drive over to perch on their terrace this evening to take in the view while sipping something very cold !

R5

Your in a great spot Razzle...lucky you

Yes....close to ME
><

***yummy*** warm oysters!
amp;

Aw, Kal

Oh.... you've inspired a dinner flash-a raw platter at Bouchon-grab the misuss, kal honey!


R5