Southbridge Napa Valley

Southbridge Napa Valley

Southbridge Napa Valley sits behind a courtyard fountain in downtown St. Helena, close enough to Merryvale Vineyards that guests can walk over for a tasting before dinner and be back before the fireplace in their room needs restoking. Built in 1995 and kept to 21 rooms across two floors, it carries the Small Luxury Hotels of the World name. Every guestroom has a fireplace, a down comforter and a Juliette balcony, and the King Preferred and Deluxe King rooms look straight onto the fountain courtyard of Merryvale Winery. What separates it from other St. Helena addresses sits next door: Health Spa Napa Valley, described by the hotel as the only full-service spa and fitness center in town, is complimentary to guests aged 16 and over, with a heated lap pool, eucalyptus steam rooms and fitness classes included rather than charged as an extra. Pizzeria Tra Vigne is reachable straight from the lobby, and The Charter Oak, run by Chef Christopher Kostow of the Michelin three-starred Restaurant at Meadowood, is a short walk away alongside a run of tasting rooms on Main Street. Mornings bring a continental breakfast of pastries and Napa-roasted coffee delivered to the room. This suits couples and solo travelers content to explore St. Helena on foot rather than from a resort shuttle; it will frustrate anyone hoping for a larger pool deck on-site or traveling with a dog, since pets aren't permitted. Parking and Wi-Fi cost nothing extra, staff answer in English and Spanish, and by nightfall the loudest sound most evenings is a cork coming free. A 21-room hotel in St. Helena with a fireplace in every room and free access to Health Spa Napa Valley next door, the town's only full-service spa and gym. Suits walkers chasing wineries and dinner nearby; not for dog owners or anyone wanting a big on-site pool.