Fodor's Expert Review Westin Verasa Napa

Near the Napa Valley Wine Train depot and the Oxbow Public Market, this mostly suites resort is sophisticated and soothing. A good value given amenities that include a destination restaurant, a heated saline pool, and kitchenettes in most rooms, the hotel earns repeat business for its attentive service.

room

The guest rooms' pristine white bedding plays well off the warm earth tones of the other contemporary furnishings. Spacious one- and two-bedroom suites range from 657 to 1,212 square feet, with even the smallest accommodations coming in at a commodious 446 square feet. All the rooms and suites have safes and flat-screen TVs, and all the suites have balconies. One-bedroom suites have well-equipped kitchenettes; the two-bedroom suites have full kitchens.

East-facing upper-floor rooms have views of a scenic stretch of the Napa River and the Vaca Mountains beyond.

bathroom

Bathrooms, all with tile floors and slate and tile showers, have vanities with black granite counter tops. The smallest rooms have tub-shower combos, but all the suites have separate baths and showers, some of the latter with rain shower heads.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Although it's hardly a deal-breaker, only one of the bedrooms in the two-bedroom suites has a bathroom.

lobby

The Westin's broad two-story lobby bustles with arriving and departing guests, vacationers embarking on or returning from winery forays, and business folk going about their business, but the space never seems too frenetic. Fieldstone walls and pillars, a fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling tile hearth and chimney, and Wine Country grace notes like champagne riddling racks add rustic flair to the contemporary decor. Plush leather chairs and sofas provide ample seating, and well-crafted floral arrangements dazzle the eye. In good weather, plate-glass doors open up to the outdoor terrace.

pool

In the back of the property near the Napa River, the heated saline pool is good for swimming short laps or just cooling off. Cabanas with cushioned lounge chairs flank the pool, and the hot tub, just steps away, is large. Towels and fresh iced water are always available, and you can order cocktails from the Bank bar.

spa

There's no on-property spa, but many guests stroll five minutes to the GC Day Spa for a massage, facial, mani, or pedi. The spa's capable therapists specialize in Swedish and deep tissue, but to melt all tension away (and then some), book a Hot Stone Therapy massage. Many couples enjoy the Indulgence for Two side-by-side massage combo.

gym

Equipped with four treadmills, along with ellipticals, a recumbent bike, a multipurpose station, and free weights, the workout studio is on the ground floor near the lobby. Filtered water and towels are also supplied. In good weather, tall glass doors can be opened to let in fresh air from the back terrace.

dining

Chef Ken Frank's acclaimed La Toque, open for dinner only, ranks as one of Napa's best restaurants. Frank also leads the culinary team at the more casual Bank Café and Bar, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the last of which includes weekly changing prix-fixe menus based on regional French cuisine. Among the all-day menu's stars: the aptly named Hedonist Duck Burger (stuffed with foie gras), and highly addictive buttered lobster popcorn.

drinking

The Bank Café and Bar aims to be "not your average lobby bar" and succeeds with a smart wines-by-the-glass selection and artisanal cocktails that change with the seasons. Signature libations include the Negroni, made from locally made gin, Campari, and Boissiere sweet vermouth.