Napa Five Ways

If you stay at the W or the Standard, this new eco-chic hotel in Yountville is your spot. Centered around a rooftop pool with a DJ, chaise lounges and poolside oyster and champagne service, the grounds are clean, cubist and modern and include an impeccable restaurant (even by Yountville standards) and a small boutique. Young/hip guests fill the uber-stylish rooms, which look like they came right out of the pages of Dwell Magazine, and are equipped with slick green tech--in fact, Bardessono is the greenest hotel in America. And definitely the hippest in Napa Valley.

This St. Helena inn is homey, family-run and casual, but don't expect some battered old B&B. It sits on a little hill surrounded by stunning vineyards and mountains, has a sun-drenched pool and hot tub and beautiful landscaping--luscious flowers, shady willows and stone pathways. The rooms are quaintly luxurious, especially the cottages, which are as big as some homes and have huge patios that open onto the vineyards. There is a homespun feeling, but in a positive sense: Guests are free to come to the famous breakfast (included with the room, like the daily wine tastings and gourmet afternoon spread) in their pajamas.

This classic motel looks like movie set, with a '57 Chevy, American graffiti vibe. The rooms are low-end, but so are the prices, and it's right off the main road in St. Helena--perfect for anyone who wants a cool, convenient, cheap place to stay and isn't planning to spend much time in their rooms. Plus, there's a nice pool and hot tub, and most of the town's best restaurants are nearby, including the famous Taylor's Refresher, the 50's-style burger joint, which is within walking distance. Because it's such a stylish steal, this one's usually booked way in advance; call them now if you're planning a trip.

Though it's not technically in Napa Valley, Harbin is just a short drive into Lake County, and the 1600 acres of hot, warm and cold springs, clean air and accommodations, from luxurious cottages to creek-side camping, are totally worth it. The springs and pools are clothing optional, but this is no nudist colony--the focus here is on holistic healing, natural surroundings and a sense of community--and Harbin is maintained and run by residents and lifetime members.

Situated in a dense valley forest in the Mayacama Mountains, this country-club-style hotel combines spectacular natural beauty with four-star service. Miles and miles of hiking trails surround the property, but there's also a fleet of forest green Benzes to ferry guests from their hillside rooms to the croquet lawn (also, tennis, golf, spa, swimming). The Restaurant at Meadowood, which received two Michelin stars under Christopher Kostow and easily ranks among the top five in Napa Valley, means guests never have to--and often don't--leave the grounds at all.