Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Published: Nov 26, 2023

Downtown Napa hotels are immersed in the charm, cozy and quaint atmosphere of Napa, allowing guests to step out and explore the city either by bike or by foot. Napa Valley, renowned for its vineyards and culinary delights, is not only a haven for wine enthusiasts but also a destination that prides itself on embracing sustainable practices. As a conscious traveler seeking a blend of luxury and environmental responsibility, finding the right accommodation is key to ensuring a memorable and eco-friendly experience. In this guide, I want to share the beautiful hotel I stayed in during my stay in Napa, and also give you examples of other great hotel alternatives you can consider for your trip to Napa, especially if you look for sustainable and eco-friendly hotels. 

Downtown Napa Hotels: The River Terrace Inn, where Sustainability Meets Riverside Elegance

This is the hotel where I stayed during my trip to Napa. Nestled along the banks of the Napa River, the River Terrace Inn isn’t just a luxurious retreat but a shining example of sustainable hospitality. I loved my stay at this hotel for several reasons. First, they are part of the Napa Green Lodging pilot program, and seamlessly integrated green initiatives without compromising on comfort. From the use of energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures to a robust recycling program, the River Terrace Inn strives to minimize its environmental footprint.

Secondly, as a guest, I had one of the most stylish hotel rooms with an amazing view of the Oxbow reserve walking and biking trails, running along the Napa river. It naturally felt right to simply step outside of my room to the balcony to feel the morning river breeze, and in the evening, to catch up with the wind before heading to bed. Speaking of the room, I loved that it was adorned with eco-friendly amenities such as the wall art. The bathroom essentials (lotions, soaps and shampoos) came from brands that focus on sustainability. 

They also have EV charging stations and pet-friendly rooms.

At the River Terrace Inn, the onsite restaurant, Alba, has a farm-to-table approach, making it convenient for guests to eat fresh everyday. And for the guests, the hotel provides bikes that they can use to explore the city (complimentary for the first 20 mins). This encourages visitors to reduce their carbon footprint (by using bikes instead of cars). I truly appreciated their commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury.

Aside from the River Terrace Inn downtown Napa, here are additional recommendations of Downtown Napa hotels that you can look into for your stay in Napa Valley, wine country. 

Downtown Napa Hotels Recommendation: Archer Hotel Napa, a Blend of Modern Luxury and Green Initiatives

Situated in the heart of downtown Napa, Archer Hotel effortlessly combines modern luxury with a commitment to sustainability. Because it is in the heart of downtown, it is within a 3-5 minutes walk from Napa’s best restaurants and wineries. The 1870 Art Gallery (which I visited during my trip to Napa) is also pretty close to this hotel. From the design and building of the Archer Hotel (with energy efficient sustainable materials) to the use of sustainably made and sourced essentials (such as the in-room Fiji water and the Malin+Goez soap, shampoo and conditioner trio), this downtown Napa hotel is intentional about its eco-friendly practices. Archer Napa has also partnered with the organization One Tree Planted, which is a non-profit that focuses on global reforestation. 

At the Archer Hotel, guests can enjoy energy-efficient lighting, a comprehensive recycling program, and locally sourced, organic products in both the rooms and dining establishments. This is also a hotel that people tend to book because its rooftop bar has panoramic views of the city, better appreciated at sunset. 

Downtown Napa Hotels Recommendation: Napa River Inn, for Historic Charm with a Green Heart

If you appreciate the charm of historic architecture combined with sustainable practices, the Napa River Inn is a great choice. Located in the Historic Napa Mill downtown, this boutique hotel has seamlessly blended its classic ambiance with eco-friendly initiatives. Here are key elements that make this downtown Napa Hotel sustainable. First, it’s built on a historical site. The hotel site was a historical grain mill in 1884, and instead of destroying this site, they turned it into the classy and boutique Napa River Inn. The brick walls of the hotel are made from the clay of the Napa River. The ambiance there is very warm and cozy, with a historical feel. Secondly, the property is committed to reduce waste and energy consumption, and use solar panels. They also use battery-operated candles and the bathroom amenities are locally sourced, which means the money goes back to the hands of local artisans and the community. 

So when you walk through the Napa Mill area, you feel a certain type of vintage, historical energy. I got the opportunity to walk around there when I went for dinner Chez Angele, a French restaurant downtown Napa where I got to dine during my stay in Napa. 

Downtown Napa Hotels Recommendation: Andaz Napa, for Contemporary Elegance and Environmental Responsibility

Andaz Napa is another downtown Napa Hotel that has an emphasis on sustainability. Andaz is a hotel brand, and with properties around the world, they usually customize the appeal of each property based on the city where it is located. At Andaz Napa, you can appreciate a sleek and contemporary design (typical of Andaz properties), but with a wine country aesthetic. 

Here are some elements that make this hotel sustainable. First, they focus on energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction in their operations, sourcing and manufacturing. These are elements that contributed to them obtaining a LEED Gold certification. Secondly, for their restaurant, they use locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing on the farm-to-table approach. Thirdly, they provide reusable, BPA-free aluminum water bottles to guests that they can refill at the filtered water stations throughout the hotel. This means, they don’t use plastic bottles and encourage guests to also think more sustainably. I stayed at the Andaz Byward Market in Ottawa on previous trips, and can definitely attest to the quality of service at Andaz properties. 

Downtown Napa Hotels Recommendation: The Westin Verasa Napa, for Wellness and Sustainability in Harmony

The Westin Verasa Napa seamlessly combines wellness and sustainability, offering guests a rejuvenating stay with a focus on eco-friendly practices. With a commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction, The Westin Verasa Napa is a haven for travelers seeking a healthy and sustainable escape. The hotel’s eco-friendly initiatives extend to its on-site restaurant, BANK Cafe and Bar, where locally sourced and organic ingredients take center stage, contributing to a dining experience that aligns with the principles of sustainable travel.

Here are some elements that make this Downtown Napa hotel a sustainable option:

First, they have a Gem Link system installed in each guest room to reduce energy consumption. The system uses radio frequency sensors to recognize when a guest is in the room and adjusts the temperature to a preselected energy saving level. Secondly, they have limited linen changes by housekeeping to a maximum of 3 times per day, unless requested otherwise. I personally usually just go with the once a day linen change, so I would not require housekeeping three times a day. But for those who do, this might encourage guests to also think more eco-consciously. They also use fluorescent LED bulbs and light sensors for energy efficiency. They encourage guests to ride their bikes or use other energy efficient modes of transportation (such as walking or ride-sharing), and their restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients. 

Why Choose Sustainable Hotels in Downtown Napa?

Beyond the allure of luxurious accommodations, opting for a sustainable hotel in downtown Napa aligns with the values of conscientious travel. The Napa Valley’s delicate ecosystem and the region’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking environmentally responsible options. Sustainable hotels not only contribute to local conservation efforts but also offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the rich tapestry of Napa Valley with a clear conscience.

Downtown Napa hotels embody the spirit and heart of Napa. In the heart of Napa Valley, where vineyards stretch to meet the horizon, sustainable hotels are paving the way for a new era of conscientious travel. From the riverside elegance of the River Terrace Inn to the contemporary luxury of Andaz Napa, each accommodation on this list offers a unique blend of opulence and environmental responsibility. As a conscious traveler, choosing to stay in these eco-friendly havens not only enhances your Napa experience but also contributes to the preservation of the region’s natural beauty for generations to come. So, whether you’re sipping on a glass of locally crafted wine or unwinding in a spa that prioritizes green initiatives, your stay in downtown Napa becomes not just a journey of indulgence but a commitment to a more sustainable and responsible way of exploring the world.

So, to make your stay downtown Napa even more special, here is a list of things you can do when visiting downtown Napa!