Photo of St Helena

About St Helena

Set in the heart of world-famous Napa Valley, St Helena is a chic little city with beautiful resorts, trendy boutiques and excellent eateries galore. Seriously fashionable, this is a hugely popular spot for well-heeled Californians eager to escape the city for the weekend. Accommodation options range from intimate inns to expansive luxury resorts, fit for a whole array of tastes and budgets. St Helena may be busy, but it’s also terrifically charming. Book a room at one of the best places to stay in St Helena and see it for yourself!

Most travellers are drawn to St Helena by the community’s proximity to some of the region’s top wineries. Enjoy tours and tastings at gorgeous spots such as Charles Krug Winery, Ballentine Vineyards, V. Sattui Winery and others: there’s a plethora of fascinating wineries to discover, and many also boast excellent restaurants. Try cycling or horse riding amongst the rolling hills and fields of vines, or play golf and tennis at one of the area’s clubs. Eager adventurers can head to the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, Las Posadas State Forest and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. California's natural scenery is spectacular.

Art lovers will adore HALL St Helena and the Christopher Hill Gallery, whilst keen spa-goers can unwind with rejuvenating treatments at indulgent resorts or delightful day spas. There are also designer shops aplenty in the city centre, tucked between fabulous bars and eateries. Do book your table well in advance, as restaurants are likely to fill up fast.

Whether you’re in town for the food, the wine or the shopping, the best places to stay in St Helena promise a restorative retreat to remember.

The Best Places to Stay in St Helena

For an Intimate Bolthole

  • Wydown Hotel is made up of 12 chic rooms in the heart of St Helena. Meticulous attention to detail makes this property stand out, as does a strong design focus. For lovers of great interiors, who will appreciate the owner's style. The caring team's extensive local knowledge is brilliant for keen explorers.
  • Napa Farmhouse Inn has just four rooms, set in an 1860s farmhouse, with organic gardens and an idyllic porch. Expect a classic country feel, with all the modern comforts necessary for a relaxing stay. Adults only.
  • Inn St Helena offers a selection of eight rooms housed in a Cape Cod-style villa and classic cottage. Both have antique furnishings, appealing artwork, hardwood floors and cosy touches. Set amongst verdant gardens, this is a tranquil B&B choice for couples, friends or independent travellers.
  • Southbridge has a pretty ivy-covered façade and manicured gardens. 21 large rooms promise plush linens, fireplaces and private balconies. A boutique spot in downtown St Helena with a delectable Italian restaurant specialising in fresh pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Charming.

For a Luxury Resort

  • Meadowood has big, contemporary rooms with private balconies, a restaurant specialising in gourmet Californian cuisine, a spa and a golf course. Families will adore the swimming pool, tennis coaching, cycling, croquet and child-friendly feel. A beautiful Napa resort for the whole family.
  • Auberge du Soleil is a resplendent luxury hotel tucked amidst craggy olive groves. With a laid-back, French countryside feel, this is a wonderfully romantic choice for a resort escape. Unwind by the pool, play a game of tennis, enjoy yoga or rejuvenating treatments at the spa before tucking in to the real highlight: the marvellous restauraunt. With 15,000 bottles in the wine cellar, this is a top foodie spot.
  • Las Alcobas Napa Valley promises captivating vineyard views from its ultra-luxe rooms and suites. Pick this place for the superb spa, modern, minimalist suites, swish swimming pool and excellent restaurant. There's onsite yoga, bikes for hire and great walks, too. A fantastic base for well-heeled travellers looking to discover Napa Valley in style.

For a Napa Valley Winery

  • Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer is a working winery, where traditional guestrooms with open fireplaces face rows of vineyards and wooded hills. Enjoy the smart spa and the two swimming pools, discover the secrets of Napa Valley wine-making with a tour of the vineyard, take long walks and tuck into country-style cuisine at the restaurant. For guests of all ages — particularly those who are curious about wine.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Cottage

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport, less than an hour away, or to San Francisco International Airport, 1.5 hours from St Helena. Journey to St Helena by car or bus.
  • California is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between June and September for the warmest weather, with temperatures peaking at around 22°C. Harvest season is especially busy, so check your dates and book well in advance.

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Best Hotels in St Helena

  • Southbridge St Helena (California) 21 rooms from $230

    Local markets  -  Gourmet markets are regualr occurances in St Helena - be sure to ask when they are on.
    Full of character
    Opulent
    Spa
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    This downtown boutique has a picturesque creeper facade, manicured gardens and relaxing water fountain. Large rooms house plush linens, fireplaces and private balconies. Pizzeria Tra Vigne serves up fresh pasta dishes and wood-oven pizzas in a classically Italian setting. So much to explore on foot! See More

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  • Inn St Helena St Helena (California) 8 rooms from $232

    Wine tasting  -  Located in the world-famous wine region of Napa Valley, the area has 6,800 acres of planted vineyards and over 400 vineyards
    Local exploring  -  Use this as your base to explore the region's wineries and stunning scenery. Dine well, play golf, hike or shop in the area
    Sights nearby  -  Castello di Amorosa is a Medieval style Tuscan chateau and winery well-worth a visit
    Cooking classes  -  Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
    Air conditioningGardenParkingNo pets

    Centrally-located boutique inn. Unique rooms are split between the Cape Cod-style shuttered villa and Cottage House; think tasteful antiques, curated artwork, warm woods and soft, cosy touches. Set amongst pretty gardens with gabled porches for outdoor relaxation. Design-led couples will adore it. See More

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  • Wydown Hotel St Helena 12 rooms from $306

    Local exploring  -  A brilliant base for exploring both wine country and the fantastic restaurants, cafes and boutiques St Helena has to offer
    Wine tasting  -  The vineyards of Napa Valley surround you. Head out to Beringer Vineyards, Round Pond Winery and Schramsberg Vineyards
    Cooking classes  -  The Culinary Institute of America, with two on-site restaurants, is just around the corner
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Air conditioningDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Chic centrally-located boutique hotel in the heart of Napa Valley. Owner-run with meticulous attention to detail, thoughtfully curated rooms emphasize light, design and artisanal furniture. Expect modernist art work, artfully mismatched Mid-century furniture, quirky design touches and caring staff. See More

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  • Napa Farmhouse Inn St Helena 4 rooms from $317

    Local exploring  -  Explore Napa Valley's 400+ vineyards, hike in national parks, visit historical sites or take a scenic drive to San Fran
    Country Escape  -  Located amongst large gardens, farmland and vineyards, come back to the inn for relaxing country afternoons
    Wine tasting  -  You are surrounded by excellent vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms within the iconic Napa Valley
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Chateau Montelena or Castello di Amorosa, a winery built in the style of a 13th-century Tuscan Villa
    Air conditioningGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Contemporary countryside B&B. Situated in an 1860s farmhouse, unique rooms are decorated in a fun and curated luxury boutique hotel style; some have fireplaces & garden-facing balconies. There is an organic garden and picture-perfect porch. Channel country weekend vibes but with plenty comforts. See More

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  • Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer St Helena (California) 78 rooms from $459

    Country Escape  -  Experience the slow-paced life on a vineyard.
    Restaurant  -  Harvest Table offers wonderful food with much of the ingredients grown on site.
    Views  -  The property has fabulous views over the surrounding vineyards and wider area
    Swimming Pool  -  Two outdoor pools open year round - the more secluded one is for adults only
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Experience life on a winery at this charming inn. Soak in the views of the vineyards from the bedroom terraces. Well proportioned rooms are traditional in style with exposed stone, open fireplaces and the best feature polished parquet floors. Enjoy country style cooking in the restaurant . Fabulous. See More

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  • Meadowood St Helena (California) 85 rooms from $500

    Tennis  -  Seven immaculate courts to knock a ball around or take on a full match.
    Great walks  -  The Meadowood Loop is 4 miles of Napa Valley countrside.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    A warm welcome awaits, wine tasting and Napa Valley views. The large, contemporary rooms with modern bathrooms and private balconies. The restaurant offers gourmet Californian dishes accompanied by regional wine. Relax at the spa, read by the pool or explore the vineyards by foot, horse or bike. See More

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  • Alila Napa Valley St Helena (Napa County) 68 rooms from $650

    Romantic Break  -  Cosy, luxurious rooms, excellent wines, fine dining, luscious views and couples massage combine for memorable romantic getaways
    Country Escape  -  Escape to California's wine country and the beautiful Napa valleys at this resort flush with views and gardens
    Foodies  -  The on-site restaurant is helmed by head chef Chris Cosentino, pairing excellent local wines and dishes
    Restaurant  -  The on-site restaurant Acacia House is an attractive and high class dining experience
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParking

    With captivating views over Napa County's sprawling vineyards, Alila Napa Valley offers upmarket California style and ultra-modern rooms and suites in the country's wine touring hot-spot. The resort boasts an extremely well-equipped spa, with sauna, gym and a pool as well as an excellent restaurant. See More

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  • Auberge du Soleil St Helena (California) 50 rooms from $775

    Sights nearby  -  Napa Museum is small but worth a visit - exhibits local artists.
    Local markets  -  V Market has it all - food, wine, shops & entertainment.
    Tennis  -  Tennis court in the grounds.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    The breathtaking views, olive groves and outstanding restaurant are reason enough to stay but add a pool, spa and prime location and you have the perfect A luxury boutique hotel. Rooms are luxurious from the linens to the bath soaps. 15,000 strong wine cellar, a renowned restaurant across the valley See More

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