Located in the northernmost stretch of Napa Valley, Calistoga stands out in Northern California wine country for its relaxed, easy-going vibe. Oenophiles come to sip and swirl, while wellness warriors flock here to soak in its natural geothermal hot spring pools and slip into mud baths. Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand, puts a fun twist on a wine country getaway by making what’s old, new and cool again.
Built in the 1940s, the road side motel features 97 rooms and suites in two distinct categories: Camper Rooms and Suites, and Deluxe Rooms.
Retro-Inspired Camper Rooms & Suites
All 54 Camper Rooms and Suites are inspired by vintage camper vans and the idea of the quirky and colorful American road trip. Bright, retro-styled rooms (Camper Kings and Camper Double Queens) feature either a king or two queen beds. Blue vintage-esque fabrics used for pillows and throws pop against white linens. Artwork ranges from framed cross-stitch pieces, to props guests are encouraged to use, like hula hoops. Other fun touches include do not disturb signs inspired by those iconic tree automotive air fresheners.
Rooms include mini-refrigerators, a bag of snacks and pour-over coffee supplies. Camper King Suites offer a creative banquette style seating spot that turns into a double bed.
Modern Deluxe Rooms
Travelers interested in a more modern experience should look at the property’s Deluxe Rooms. Located on the second floor, travelers can choose from king and double queen accommodations. All 43 rooms boast balconies, some with mountain views.
During my most recent stay, I checked in to a Deluxe Room with two queen beds. Like Camper Rooms, there are mini-refrigerators, a snack, (in my case, a small bag of Cracker Jack) and pour-over coffee supplies. Tea drinkers should bring their own supplies; while there was an electric kettle in the room, tea bags were not provided.
Tiled bathrooms feature single vanities and showers. Toiletries supplied by onsite MoonAcre Spa come in refillable containers, eliminating all of those little plastic bottles typically quickly bound for the trash.
The outdoor pool area was seemingly always bustling during my stay, and there were quite a few traveling families taking advantage of the motor lodge’s multiple mineral pools. Fed by geothermal hot springs located below property grounds, water temperatures range from 82 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a Car Rental
Fleetwood Calistoga is the lodge’s onsite restaurant. Brunch is served Friday through Sunday, and includes a variety of entrée options including avocado toast, chilaquiles, and oatmeal topped with banana brulee. The dinner menu sports everything from burgers and cioppino, to squid ink pasta, and pesto pizza.
Located on the East end of Lincoln Avenue, the town’s main road, Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa is about a half-mile walk to downtown’s many restaurants and shops, but there is a stretch where there is no sidewalk, and you’ll need to walk alongside the road.
Camper King rooms start at $191; Deluxe Rooms from $479. But guests also have to factor in the daily $30 resort fee. The charge covers amenities including the mineral pools, bocce ball court, coffee, Wi-Fi, and parking. It’s also important for guests to realize they must opt-in if they want housekeeping services during their stay. You can also compare rates and make reservations at Booking.com.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
