Beazley House

The Beazley House opened in 1981 after owners Jim and Carol (Napa's first innkeepers) bought the 1902-built Edwardian mansion. A few years later, the Carriage House across the garden was built to mimic the main house's style, bringing the total rooms to 11. Decor throughout is old-fashioned and homey, filled with antiques and quaint knickknacks. A living room has wood floors topped by antique rugs, plush patterned seating, armoires, and a fireplace, plus Tiffany lamps, old photos, encyclopedias, and a chess board. Guests can be seen grabbing the free all-day tea or fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies here before sightseeing, or mingling during the nightly wine receptions. Communal dining tables in the breakfast room continue to foster group interaction, though visitors can also keep to themselves. A particularly lovely spot is the quiet garden, which has benches and tables, a swing, lemon trees, and an adorable bed-and-breakfast-shaped birdhouse. Multiple steps and no elevators mean this isn't the most mobility-friendly, though a couple of ground-floor units are available in the Carriage house. The inn is not recommended for kids under 12, and tends to attract couples of all ages, plus a few groups. Be aware that dogs are allowed, so you may see some pooches as well.

The Beazley House is situated on a corner in the historic Old Town neighborhood of Napa, surrounded by other quaint bed-and-breakfasts and homes. Although along a well-frequented road (which crosses the Napa River a 12-minute walk away), the area feel quiet. Travelers are within a 10-minute walk of numerous downtown restaurants, shops, and bars, about 15 to 20 minutes from popular Oxbow Public Market and Morimoto. Parking is available on-site, or several ride services can be arranged. The well-known Napa Valley Wine Train is a four-minute drive (20-minute walk) away, while scenic Silverado Trail and Napa Valley Country Club are both about a 15-minute drive. Sacramento International Airport is a 75-minute drive, and San Francisco International Airport is a 90-minute drive away.

Eleven individually decorated rooms are split between The Mansion and Carriage House, the latter of which has a couple of ground-floor units. All are outfitted in an old-fashioned style similar to those of common areas. Decor varies between units, but guests can generally expect patterned wallpaper, red or green carpet, antique wood furnishings, brass or wicker beds topped with sumptuous bedding, and framed artwork or stained glass. Rooms are mostly spacious, aside from the aptly named Snug Room, which has limited storage, the sink outside the tiny bathroom, and no coffeemaker. Those in the Carriage House have two-person jetted tubs, in addition to showers, while those in the Mansion have either showers or showers and separate tubs. The Garden Room is popular for its private, furnished garden. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, toiletries, flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, ironing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and alarm clocks. All rooms except for the Enchanted Rose lack mini-fridges.

Although the Beazley House lacks the amenities of a hotel, such as a full restaurant, pool, and gym, extensive freebies add value. A standout is the free daily breakfasts served in the dining room, which consist of a continental spread of homemade granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, pastries, coffee, orange juice, and tea, plus a rotating hot dish such as quiche or poached eggs over potatoes. Guests can arrange to have breakfast in the garden or their rooms. Free coffee is only available in the mornings, while the living room has all-day free tea, bottled water, sherry, and raved-about, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. Another highlight are the daily evening wine receptions, where wine and appetizers are provided for free. Wi-Fi and parking are both free. The innkeepers can help travelers book excursions and secure transportation, as well as provide coupons -- think two-for-one tastings or free appetizers -- for area wineries and restaurants. In-room massages can be arranged. Dogs are allowed for a daily fee, but they cannot be left alone in rooms. Linens, ceramic Beazley House mugs, and bathrobes are all for sale, and weddings can be held on-site.