by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: September 09, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

In 1982 Auberge du Soleil opened as the first of Napa Valley's fine dining restaurants. In 1985 it expanded to include an Inn which is everything you would expect to be associated with this superb restaurant. The Inn is the epitome of fine French hospitality combined with luxury, spectacular views, privacy and relaxation. The fifty rooms and suites are located in the main building and spread across hillside villas that offer private terraces and fireplaces. The rooms in the main Inn are small and offer views but not the terraces or fireplace.

The rates are beyond what the average person can afford to pay, the small rooms begin at around $500 but for those who demand the best, price is no object Guests can relax beside the outdoor pool, have an unbelievable treatment at the spa or enjoy all the outdoor activities that the California wine country has to offer.

Nothing has been left to change at the Inn of the Sun" all the rooms come equipped with a mini-bar filled with complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh fruit daily, an espresso machine and toaster, plasma TV, DVD player, luxury Italian bedding and deluxe bath amenities. While you are having your dinner request turn down service. Come back to enjoy the terrace or just lounging in the plush robe and slippers. If you can't leave your laptop behind the Inn is WIFI throughout.

For those who can afford the ultimate luxury, there are two private villas that offer more space and more privacy. At $3000 per night they aren't for everyone but those who can afford it will be treated like the royalty that they are.

If the idea of a private cottage is appealing but you don't have $3000 per night to spend, for less than ten percent of that price you can enjoy a similar level of privacy and luxury at the much awarded Cottage Grove Inn.

The Inn offers 16 designer cottages that offer a variety of themes from the classic French to the fly fishing enthusiast. The cottages offer a front porch with wicker rocking chairs, working fireplaces for chilly evenings. The bathrooms include two person Jacuzzi tubs and plush robes. Cottages come equipped with HD flat screen TV, DVD player, wet bar and fridge. Relax on your porch with a cup of coffee made from local fresh ground beans.

Enjoy the evening wine and cheese tasting and the complimentary breakfast. For dinner, the Innkeepers will be happy to help you arrange reservations and it is a short walk to downtown restaurants and shopping.

For the visitor who wants the best at an affordable price this is an excellent option.

California's wine country offers many places to stay from the cheapest motels to the highest luxury Inns. Whichever you choose the surrounding vineyards will offer many opportunities to sample the vines that have made this area so popular with tourist of every taste and budget.

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