North Block Hotel

North Block Hotel is a quaint, intimate boutique housed in several two-story Mediterranean-style buildings set around an inviting courtyard with gurgling fountains, fireplaces, and greenery. Despite its rather traditional feel from the outside, the property is thoroughly chic inside. Dark walls, painted wooden ceilings, and industrial details such as rope ad burlap touches and black metal finishes combine with soft leather seating, a large fireplace, and arched windows and doorways to create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere in the lobby. In a corner, a metal-and-wood trolley offers a first taste of Napa Valley, with a selection of wines that guests can sample on check-in. The vibe is quiet and relaxed here, and although the property is not officially adult-only, it does cater more to couples than to kids, with a spa, a fitness center, and plush rooms that don’t have sofa beds (though cots can be requested for an extra charge in some units).Rates are some of the highest in Yountville, and the daily resort fee can make some guests feel nickel-and-dimed (especially as some of the entry-level rooms are a tad tight) but there are few hotels in town that offer such a romantic, upscale experience. The more expensive Bardessono is another excellent luxury option, featuring a full-service spa, beautifully landscaped grounds, and upscale suites -- some with outdoor showers. Couples seeking something a tad cheaper may want to consider Hotel Yountville, a romantic boutique located in the heart of Yountville offering chic rooms with fireplaces, a great spa, and free tastings at partner wineries. The Napa Valley Railway Inn is a solid mid-range alternative, offering eight rooms housed in converted 19th-century train cars.  

North Block Hotel is conveniently located off Highway 29 in Yountville, on the same street as acclaimed restaurants such as The French Laundry and Bouchon. There are a couple of tiny art galleries within walking distance, as well as a number of tasting rooms within a couple of blocks. Napa Valley Museum is just a three-minute drive away, and a bunch of excellent wineries can be found within a short drive of the hotel, including those along the Silverado Trail. The hotel is less than 15 minutes by car from St. Helena and downtown Napa. Oakland Airport and San Francisco International Airport can each be reached in about an hour. 

The North Block Hotel has 20 rooms set around a quaint courtyard with fountains and lots of greenery. Country-chic decor meets a homey feel here, with carved wood headboards, cozy throws on beds, and leather seating in chocolate-brown hues. Brown carpets and smoky gray walls combine with big windows to create soothing spaces full of light, while dark wooden furniture -- some with travel trunk-like designs -- and plantation shutters (in some units only) add style. Top-notch beds are topped with fluffy duvets and several pillows, and all rooms are outfitted with a great array of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, sound systems, and mini-fridges stocked with filtered water. Some rooms have gas fireplaces, and all units feature either a small patio or a balcony. Bathrooms are a highlight here, with heated floors, double sinks set in marble counters over dark wooden vanities, and separate glass-enclosed rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs. Robes, hairdryers, and a selection of quality toiletries are also provided.  Light sleepers may want to know that rooms closest to the restaurant may get noise in the evening.  

Included in all room rates is a wonderful breakfast with pastries from Bouchon Bakery, fresh orange juice, Greek yogurt, house-made charcuteries and cheeses, seasonal fruit, quiche, and breakfast potatoes. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Richard Reddington, Redd Wood is a stylish yet casual Italian restaurant popular among locals. It serves delicious wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and cured meats and cheese boards, along with entrees such as pork chop Milanese and ribeye. The lovely outdoor pool is generally quiet, and the deck also houses a whirlpool and a handful of padded loungers. A shaded area offers lounge furniture. Those wanting to get pampered can book a massage at the hotel’s intimate spa, offering personalized Napa-inspired treatments, including some for couples. The tiny fitness center features four cardio machines, an exercise bench, and free weights, and guests can borrow electric bikes to tour the nearby wineries and tasting rooms. The hotel offers free on-site parking complete with electric vehicle charging stations. Dogs are welcome for a steep one-time fee.