The Meritage Resort and Spa

Though the entrance is in a somewhat unattractive business park, the resort improves upon closer appraisal: It is actually set amid nine acres of vineyards and offers
a Tuscan-inspired, wine-filled retreat in Napa Valley. The beautiful grounds
are dotted with lovely fountains and fire pits with lots of comfortable seating
areas throughout, while hiking trails weave through the surrounding vineyards,
ideal for active travelers and guests seeking to explore the grounds. (Though some parts of the grounds are visible from a busy road and this isn't the place for a true sense of seclusion.) Guests
are greeted in an atmospheric, marble-floored lobby where a pitched ceiling
features exposed wood beams and elegant armchairs and sofas are arranged in
inviting clusters on maroon area rugs. Marble fireplaces imbue a sense of
coziness into the warmly lit interiors. The on-site restaurant and bar also
have a cozy, yet elegant, vibe with wooden floors and exposed ceiling beams. The walls feature large paintings depicting the Palio di Siena, an annual horse race held
in the Tuscan town the restaurant is named after. The hotel even has a winecave, which features striking arched hallways dramatically lit by large
wrought-iron chandeliers and sconces, with rattan seating interspersed
throughout the impressive space. The resort draws couples as well as groups here for various functions like weddings, meetings, and other events, though the large scale of the place might not suit all tastes.

The Meritage is in a business park on
the southern edge of Napa Valley, less than a 15-minute drive from downtown
Napa and close to a couple of outstanding golf courses. There’s nothing within
walking distance, but there are several great wineries within a few minutes’
drive, and proximity to Highway 29 means access to the region’s quaint
towns, great shopping and golf, and acclaimed restaurants. The two-lane Highway 29 can get extremely congested, though, so reaching Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga and the many surrounding wineries to the north can take a half hour or longer. Napa is one of the world's
best wine-growing regions, with hundreds of wineries sprawling over rolling
hills. Napa Valley, unlike its neighbor Sonoma Valley, can occasionally feel a
little touristy (it's not uncommon to see a tour bus parked at a winery), and
it also feels geared toward visitors with cash to spend -- so those with
lighter wallets might feel a little out of place. The beauty of the valley is
striking at any time of the year, but especially during the harvest season
(September and October) and spring. It can get very busy during the summer
months, so expect crowds.

Rooms are tastefully appointed, with elegant contemporary
decor that includes dark wooden furniture, cream-colored walls, and neutral
brown and beige shades accented by jewel tones like purple bed runners and
pillows. Canopies framing headboards give beds a royal touch. Amenities
include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, large work desks, mini-fridges stocked with bottled water, coffee- and tea-making facilities, iPod docks, and safes; some of the Superior Rooms have sofa beds. Free bottles of wine are a nice
touch, and apt in this vineyard setting. Some rooms have private balconies or
patios with pool and vineyard views, while suites offer added extras like
fireplaces and marble and stone baths. Some also have full kitchens and dining
areas. Bathrooms are stylish and modern, with granite-topped vanities that
offer plenty of counter space as well as walk-in showers, a nice range of toiletries,
and plush bathrobes.

There’s a lovely adult-only outdoor pool and hot tub that
overlooks the vineyard and is surrounded by a large sundeck lined with padded
loungers and cabanas. There’s also a fire pit nearby surrounded by padded
rattan chairs. Guests also have access to a family-friendly pool at the
adjacent Vino Bello Resort. Guests wishing for a pamper can indulge in one at
the on-site spa, which has 12 treatment rooms and separate men’s and women’s
lounges with showers, whirlpools, and steam grottos. A wide variety of
treatments are offered, including facials, massages, and waxing. There’s also a
spacious fitness center equipped with a variety of modern machines.The hotel offers several dining options, the main one being SienaRestaurant, which serves Californian fare with a Tuscan flair for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch (though food and service get mixed
reviews). For a relaxed atmosphere and a dose of fun, Crush Ultra Lounge
features a bowling alley and serves drinks as well as lunch and dinner. There’s
also a small cafe with coffee, fresh pastries, breakfast, lunch, and other
snacks that is open in the morning and early afternoon. The hotel’s wine bar
offers an extensive wine list as well as small bites and shared plates, plus
there’s also an on-site wine tasting room. For alfresco drinks and dining, the
Terrace Bar is open seasonally. The hotel is well suited for hosting various
events with several spaces and meeting rooms, including large ballrooms,
boardrooms, a vineyard deck, and outdoor covered terraces. An obligatory resort
fee is included in the rates, which covers Wi-Fi and valet parking.