Harvest Inn St. Helena

Flanked by impressive wineries and vineyards, the eight-acre grounds of Harvest Inn are one of the property’s highlights, showcasing classic vegetable gardens, elegant redwoods, stone bridges, and bubbling fountains. The inn itself occupies more than a dozen independent buildings, split into “neighborhoods,” a homey designation reflecting the Inn’s cozy ambiance. Buildings display stucco facades, half-timber framing, high-pitched roofs, and/or beautiful brickwork, while interior decor is rustic-chic, with plentiful hardwood, stone or red-brick fireplaces, and an earthy palette of tans and browns. The romantic country vibe and nearby vineyards are an allure for couples, though the hotel also plays host to attendees of big on site events like weddings.

Situated on eight lush acres of land, Harvest Inn is a calm oasis just one mile outside St. Helena -- arguably one of Napa Valley’s finest gems. St. Helena is known for its beautiful 19th-century-style architecture, boutique shops, and A-plus dining. Home to the West Coast headquarters of the Culinary Institute of America, this quiet town has in fact become one of the most popular foodie destinations in California, and tony travelers pour into the pricey hotels and expensive boutiques. However, the town remains a quiet place surrounded by great hiking and bicycling trails, as well as Napa’s famed wineries. The property is about a 95-minute drive to San Francisco International Airport or Sacramento International Airport, depending on traffic. On-site parking is free, the hotel has electric car charging stations, car service can be arranged, and the hotel offers free shuttle service to area attractions most days of the week.

Guest rooms are divided between older Harvest Inn Rooms and updated, winery-view rooms in the Vineyard View Collection. While decor varies, rooms tend to be spacious with homey decor that features earthy tones of brown and cream, rustic hardwood furnishings, wood-beam accents, high-backed leather armchairs, and, often, brick fireplaces. Bathrooms are big with gray stone tiled floors, roomy walk-in showers, or separate showers and tubs. Guests in Harvest Inn Rooms sometimes note dated decor or tired details, like old carpets or upholstery.All rooms are well equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, Keurig coffeemakers, and minibars stocked with a few free non-alcoholic beverages (water and juice). Bathrooms also sport high-end embellishments such as magnifying mirrors, bathrobes, and C.O. Bigelow toiletries. Vineyard View rooms also feature king-sized feather beds and fireplaces. Many rooms, including those in the Vineyard View Collection, also add private patios or terraces, some with whirlpools. Views to the vineyards can be spectacular, though guests are occasionally disappointed when their rooms overlook a harvested field. Guests can choose from everything from two-person guest rooms to multi-level rooms with sleeper sofas. The smallest rooms start at 350 square feet, though some rooms in the entry-level category measure up to 500 square feet. The Vineyard View Collection Suite is double that at 1,000 square feet.

Inn amenities are geared toward maximum relaxation. In 2015, the property added a full-service restaurant, Harvest Table. The restaurant has a changing menu of fresh, seasonal dishes—so fresh, in fact, the restaurant uses some of its ingredients from the Inn’s five on-site gardens. Lunch is offered three days a week and dinner six. There is an extensive wine list, and guests can also order all manner of drinks from the hotel’s cozy and exceptionally well-stocked lobby bar. The restaurant also serves the hotel’s free breakfast buffet. It’s a decent spread of hot and cold standards (the bacon is excellent), but some guests are disappointed by the lack of made-to-order options, expecting something a little more from a celeb-chef-driven venue.Additional amenities include two heated outdoor pools and whirlpools -- they’re simple, but decently maintained, and one is adults-only. Guests sometimes complain about a lack of pool towels. The on-site spa is really just a few private treatment rooms—there’s no sauna, steam room, or relaxation areas -- though guests can arrange massages or beauty treatments by appointment. The onsite gym is a bit of an afterthought, with little in the way of ambiance, but it features a handful of modern cardio machines with individual screens as well as a bench, floor space, and some free weights. The property has extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, including lawns and terraces ideal for weddings. Other amenities include room service (limited hours), concierge service, electric car charging stations, local car service, and free parking. Wi-Fi is also free. Pets are allowed for an extra per-stay fee.