1801 First Luxury Inn

From its pillared front porch to its finial-topped gables, the Queen Anne Revival house that dominates this property manages to exude turn-of-the-last-century charm without crossing the line into frills and froufrou. Built as a residence in 1903, the two-story shingled structure maintains the welcoming feel of a private home (even the discreet reception desk seems to dispel any impersonal hotel vibe). After a careful restoration, the inn retains its heritage character, too, as evident in the front parlor with its fluted columns, decorative moldings and working fireplace. The dining room is bathed in natural light thanks to a gracious (and curvaceous) turret window. Well-heeled, well-behaved guests congregate in both spaces whether to enjoy the free gourmet breakfast or the free drinks and hors d’oeuvres served during the afternoon “wine hour.” In warm weather, the latter moves out to the sheltered patio where vines, flowers, and comfy rattan couches create a lush retreat.  

1801 First occupies a handsome corner lot in a historic, mostly residential part of town; and the fact that it is named for its street address underscores the importance of its location. Being a mere seven-minute walk from downtown Napa makes this heritage option a convenient base for wine lovers who wish to forgo driving and concentrate on imbibing. When not fulfilling their grape expectations, guests can easily take advantage of outdoorsy pursuits (like golfing at the Napa Valley Country Club or hiking in Westwood Hills Park); cultural attractions, including the Uptown Theatre and Di Rosa Preserve galleries are also close at hand. For those interested in exploring farther, the inn's concierge can recommend tour operators, help hire a private driver or offer DIY directions and touring tips. - Seven-minute walk to downtown Napa

• Eight-minute walk to the Uptown Theatre 
• Four-minute drive to Westwood Hills Park
• Six-minute drive to Oxbow Public Market 
• Six-minute drive to Napa Valley Wine Train
• 10-minute drive to the Di Rosa Preserve
• 13-minute drive to the scenic Silverado Trail
• 15-minute drive to the Napa Valley Country Club
• 65-minute drive to Sacramento International Airport
• 70-minute drive to Oakland International Airport
• 83-minute drive to San Francisco International Airport

Guests can choose between an assortment of air-conditioned suites in the main building as well as the original 1903 carriage house and a pair of adjoining cottages. In the first of these especially, heritage details set the tone. Take Suite #1, where crown moldings grace a high coffered ceiling and rattan armchairs are backed by a gorgeous bay window, or Suite #4, where a deep-set gable creates an inviting nook just right for curling up in. Pieces of period-style furniture further help to evoke a bygone era, but these are balanced by the modern amenities found in every room -- like lightly stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks and free Wi-Fi. All accommodations are individually decorated. The mahogany-toned Suite #5 aims for a handsome, safari-style look with animal-print pillows plus a collection of vintage books; while the sage-green #2, with its scalloped pillowcases and photos of flowers, is less manly and more romantic. That said, all do share key features, including fireplaces, comfy seating, and king or queen beds layered with high-quality white linens. The oversized bathrooms share common elements as well: most notably big tubs meant for soaking (in the carriage house, a two-person whirlpool tub faces a double-sided fireplace). Save for the cottages, all also have separate shower stalls. Plush robes and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are lovely extras. Note that the Superior Suites upstairs in the main house are quietest. In street-level choices, there’s a potential for noise from the traffic-lighted intersection outside. Since the cottages and carriage house open onto the shared patio via French doors, noise from other guests might also be heard in those.

Proving that the best things in life sometimes are free, this inn’s two top features -- the chef’s breakfast and convivial afternoon “wine hour” -- both come at no cost. The former, served at individual tables in the sunny dining room, might include an oven-baked strata with savory eggs, chorizo and artisan bread, eggs Benedict with smoked salmon and asparagus, or local yogurt with homemade granola and fresh seasonal fruit. The sociable afternoon event, hosted indoors or out, pairs Napa Valley wines with local charcuterie and other tasty nibbles. Cookies, tea and custom-blended coffee are offered throughout the day; lunch and dinner aren’t options, however, as there is no full restaurant here. There’s no fitness center or pool either, nor is there a spa, although in-room massages are offered -- such as the “Grape Escape,” which uses finely milled grape seeds as an exfoliant, and a therapeutic couples massage. Other in-room add-ons (like floral bouquets or decadent goody baskets) may appeal to guest on romantic getaways, while budget-conscious travelers can take advantage of the cost-cutting packages for mid-week or last-minute getaways. Concierge service, dry cleaning/laundry service, free Wi-Fi and free off-street parking are all features as well.