Fodor's Expert Review Hampton Inn and Suites Napa

The well-known chain went "rustic modern" for its Wine Country entrant, dolling it up with fieldstone exterior flourishes. The lobby continues the theme with a striking fieldstone gas fireplace flanked by tall stacks of logs cut for a wood-burning one. Incongruous, but pretty. Opened in 2016, the hotel looks fresh, has pleasant staffers, and is generally well maintained. Of course, there's a catch: the hotel sits along the Napa River, but it's 1½ miles south of downtown (i.e., away from the action) near an Anywhere, USA, grouping of brand-name stores, light-industrial structures, and a cineplex.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The Napa River views also include the freeway, though on the plus side you'll also see part of a local hiking-biking trail.

room

Accents of pastel and powder blue add a nip of style to rooms done in beige and shades of brown from pale to deep-forest. No points for decor, but then again the Hampton's draws are its reasonable rates, the chain's famously ample hot breakfast, comfortable beds so "clean and fresh" they've been trademark-registered as such. All rooms have microwaves and refrigerators, and the free Wi-Fi is spot on.

The suites are spacious, perfect if you're a group of more than two or in for a long stay; some suites and rooms have balconies and patios facing the river.

bathroom

The hotel stocks its strictly functional bathrooms with Neutrogena products. Even in the smallest rooms there's sufficient space to lay out your toiletries. Some bathrooms have showers but no tubs.

lobby

The fieldstone front-desk and reception area complements the aforementioned fireplace, and the entire lobby impresses, particularly the high ceilings and wood accents. The breakfast space off the lobby buzzes in the mornings. On weekdays the nearby business center also does.

pool

The nicely laid out area surrounding the heated outdoor pool has a large Jacuzzi and a patio with a fireplace and fire pits. One downside is that it faces the freeway, elevated at this point, and picks up some noise.

gym

The small fitness room, sensibly arranged, has Precor equipment.

dining

Except for breakfast, there's no dining here.

drinking

The Hampton has no bar.