Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa

Here’s an advertorial piece I recently wrote…

I’m shouting it from the rooftops, er, my computer keyboard – you really need to check this place out!
Located in the north end of the Napa Valley in the quirky, historic, wine-drenched town of Calistoga, this gem of a destination offers something for just about everyone – lodging, dining, amazing spa treatments (more on all that later) and it’s located just a short walk to an eclectic variety of tasting rooms, unique shops and restaurants.

My recent visit to the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa was absolutely magical. It was a much-needed tonic for having slogged through waaay too many months of COVID and fire-inspired stress. The weight of the world started to slide off of my shoulders shortly after I arrived and it just got better as my visit went on. This place feels good. And so will you when you visit.

Let’s start with the overall feel – think American Retro Motor Lodge Meets European Boutique Hotel and you pretty much have it. When you pull into the parking lot, the rustic, glass-fronted main building features front and center, flanked by several individual white cabins. It’s retro motor lodge-y looking in the front, surrounded by tasteful drought-tolerant landscaping, but then you enter the front lobby and the European vibe kicks in. It is clean, spacious and bright and man, does it smell good! Scents of lavender, mint, citrus and other good healing things pervade the air and harmonize with strains of soft music.

I was greeted in the lobby by a friendly and informative host and as she walked me to MoonAcre Spa, she explained the treatment that I was about to enjoy (I did the CBD Massage and I loved it!). I changed my clothes in the spotless locker room and was directed into a massage room, where my masseuse Kirsten worked her magic for an hour. She was professional, engaging and is really good at what she does. It was one of the best massages I’ve ever had! I will definitely go back for another massage!
Along with several massage options, MoonAcre Spa offers mud baths, long soaks in their healing mineral pools, old-timey bath soaks, body scrubs with grape seeds and more.

After I dressed and slithered my way back to the front desk, I was escorted to Fleetwood, the recently opened off-the-hook restaurant on the property. Before I say more, let me tell you I am planning to go there again next week for happy hour with a friend. That’s how much I loved it!

I met Restaurant Manager, Neil Robinson and caught his passion for Fleetwood as he walked me through the restaurant and explained the menu and overall philosophy of this special place. He and Chef Drew Glassell (they have happily worked together before) have created a delicious, comfortable community hub, where locals and visitors mingle and soak up the casual vibe, locally focused wine and cocktail list and savor delectable wood-fired, Mediterranean inspired menu items. You may dine inside the rustic dining room or take in the Napa Valley evening on the shaded patio.

The menu is a localvore’s dream, featuring the best local produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods and more. If the item isn’t locally sourced, you can bet that it’s the best out there, like artisan Italian pasta and truffle oil. They craft everything they can from scratch, like the house-made pickles, gorgeous creamy aoli, simple syrups for their signature cocktails and more.

I had the house made pickles, roasted red peppers and oak grilled heart of romaine, with the polenta cake for dessert. It was all absolutely amazing and they even sent me home with cannoli!

I had the pleasure of touring the property with General Manager, Jenny Toomer, and if I lived out of town, this would definitely be a place I would come stay for a day or five. The overall vibe is one of comfortable European resort meets American motor lodge, without a whiff of pretension. As we were walking around, robed guests were flip-flopping their way to and from the Spa and pools.

There are two private event spaces and plenty of room for large private parties. The rooms are comfortable and retro-cool – they even have “Camper Rooms,” outfitted with furniture from campers.

Plan a visit to Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa and indulge ALL of your senses. You deserve this!

Calistoga Inn and Spa is located at 1880 Lincoln Avenue in Calistoga, CA. For more information, check out their website at www.calistogamotorlodgeandspa.com.