On the edge of Napa Valley’s most northern town, Calistoga, the Calistoga Motor Lodge hotel is fun and colorful renovated motel that caters to the whole family.
The building, admittedly, does not look like much at first glance. Two lines of long, low buildings reach out from the central lobby. Painted a brilliant white with bright green doors spaced uniformly along their lengths, they almost resemble army barracks (but the most cheerfully-painted barracks in the world.) The layout of the motel-style building and parking lot give the hotel a communal feel, but once you step inside the bright green door to your room, the comparison to impersonal military lodging couldn’t be farther from the reality.
The rooms themselves are very private and well soundproofed and the hotel’s signature color scheme – bright white and cheerful green and orange – inside the rooms lends a retro-modern feel with metal and black accents.
Bed at the Sunburst Calistoga
There are three available rooms types: King Suites, King Guest Rooms or Queen Guest Rooms. My King Suite had a laminate-floored front sitting room with an orange graphic-print sofa bed (great for traveling families), coffee table, a small dining table, three chairs, a flat screen tv, and a small fridge. It was relatively spartan but provided enough space for lounging, watching tv, and even eating carry-out for dinner in our room.
Sitting area at the Sunburst Calistoga
In the carpeted bedroom, the King bed was soft yet supportive, with luxe linens and down pillows and comforter. There was a second flat screen TV in this room, and plenty of space for storage, with two bedside tables and a large dresser, and a hall closet with hanging storage.
Additional amenities included a Keurig coffee maker, two bathrobes and an iron, ihome alarm clock, and an honor bar stocked with plenty of treats at reasonable prices (most items were $3-$5).
The bathroom was small and basic, with a tile shower and limited vanity space, but the Gilchrist & Soames toiletries were a nice touch.
There’s no restaurant or spa onsite but the mineral pool and jacuzzi area is spacious and sunny well into the afternoon and the pool is heated. Thankfully, the hotel is within walking distance (about 15 minutes) to downtown Calistoga, or you can opt to take the free on-demand shuttle from door-to-door.
Pool at the Sunburst Calistoga
My cheerful room offered everything I needed for a quick getaway though lacked the romantic atmosphere many people associate with Napa. If you’re looking for a quiet, refuge or a honeymoon-worthy stay, the Sunburst isn’t the right choice. However, for a family-trip, girlfriend getaway, or budget trip to Napa, it’s an excellent option in Calistoga.
The layout would also be very conducive to a group trip, easily allowing multiple families or couples to engage each other when they want – relaxing by the pool or watching their kids plan on the lawn – while still having their own private space in each of the colorful and comfortable rooms.
Exterior of the Sunburst Calistoga
If you go: Check-in is at 3pm; check-out is at noon. The hotel is not pet-friendly.
Room rates start at $169-$200 per night (a relative deal for Napa Valley) and there is a two-night minimum on weekends in high-season. You can also compare rates on Booking.com.
