Home to Napa Valley’s first planted grapevines, famed three-Michelin star restaurant The French Laundry, more than a dozen tasting rooms, and a plethora of luxury hotels, the picturesque Napa Valley town of Yountville has plenty to brag about. When it comes to choosing a hotel in this scenic stretch of Northern California, it’s hard to go wrong. But for a one-of-a-kind wine country stay experience consider checking in at Napa Valley Railway Inn.
Located on Washington Street, Yountville’s main drag, Napa Valley Railway Inn is comprised of railcars permanently parked on top of the original tracks of the Napa Valley Railroad Company. Instead of sleeping in traditional hotel rooms, guests here spend the night in converted 100-year-old train cars.
There’s no lobby or check-in area. In fact, during my stay I didn’t see a single hotel employee. When making a reservation, all guests are asked to provide a cell phone number. The morning of your arrival, you receive a text letting you know your train car room is ready, which one is yours, and the keypad code for the door. If you don’t have a cell phone, the information can be sent via email or a phone call can be arranged.
Railcars are parked in two rows with a covered walkway in between. There are eight rooms in total; one is a two-bedroom suite in the Station House. The entire property can accommodate a maximum of 18 people.
I stayed in car 5. The room’s rectangular shape hinted to its past, but from a lodging perspective it had everything I needed.
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At one end of the car there was a king bed, television, small refrigerator, and coffee maker. At the other end, there was a bathroom with a spacious vanity and walk-in shower; two cushy chairs filled the remaining space. Three operable windows and skylights provided welcome natural light.
If you are a light sleeper, you might want to have earplugs on hand, just in case. The railcars are heated and cooled by a noisy wall unit.
If you are not an early riser it’s also important to note the back row of railcars border a parking lot used for sunrise hot air balloon launches.
Powerful fans and blasts of hot air can disrupt a quiet dawn for those not expecting the colorful show, but it’s arguably another one-of-a-kind perk of a stay at Napa Valley Railway Inn, and worth getting out of bed for. The window of my railcar provided a primo view of all the action.
Breakfast is not included with a stay at Napa Valley Railway Inn, but a train caboose has found new life as an outpost for The Model Bakery. The English muffins made by the popular local bakery have been named to Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list numerous times. Along with a variety of coffee drinks and teas, the menu includes breakfast sandwiches and pastries; all guests receive a coupon for 10 percent off their purchase.
Napa Valley Railway Inn is just shy of 70 miles from San Francisco International Airport and just under 60 miles from Oakland International Airport. Private transportation services and ride share options are available, but many visitors opt for a rental car.
Rates start at $245. Wi-Fi and parking are complimentary. You can also check Expedia or another hotel booking site to try and get a better rate.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by the Yountville Chamber of Commerce, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
