Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa: A Hip & Affordable Hotel In Napa You’ll Love

Years ago on my first visit to Calistoga, I swung by the Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa for one of their special mud bath treatments at MoonAcre Spa. I immediately fell in love with the colorful, slightly retro style of the hotel but it wasn’t just the decor that made me keep recommending this hotel again and again on this blog.

The staff are just so dang nice. I love wine tasting in Napa Valley but the world-class nature of this area means sometimes folks can be a little stuffy. Not here at the Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa. I felt like I was with my kind of people.

Robin and I just got back from a little romantic weekend in Calistoga and we finally got to actually stay overnight at the hotel. We lucked on sprig feeling weather even though it was February, so promptly upon checking into our room, I beelined to the pool area.

They have not one, not two, but three geothermal pools! They’re all at different temperatures, ranging from a heated pool vibe to a hot hot hot tub, the latter which was extra fun to soak in after dinner. The motor lodge hotel also has about 6 cabanas which are totally free for guests to use (no advance reservation or extra fees! Score!!)

We stayed in one of their classic Camper Rooms, which looked small online but was actually really roomy. It featured a king bed, sitting chair, closet, bathroom and more space to spread out. It even had patio chairs out front of the door! I loved all the quirky little details, like an armadillo knit head, to make the decor special. 

If you’re traveling with friends, I recommend one of their New Vista Rooms since some of them have two queen beds. These rooms are extra airy and are on the second floor for tons of natural light and views.

The rooms do come with a tea kettle to boil water for instant coffee. That’s not my favorite type of coffee, so I ran out that morning to the Calistoga Roastery for breakfast sandwiches and coffee instead. If I could change anything about the hotel, I would want a morning cafe option onsite. 

MoonArce Spa

This Calistoga spa is so refreshing. Ever since my first visit years ago, I’ve been thinking back to this spa every time I get a massage, strictly because MoonArce is so different than other spas out there. The spa is an indoor-outdoor seating situation with teal and coral color schemes and a quirky bathtub room in the center. 

It’s the opposite of a bougie spa environment, and don’t get me wrong, I do love a fancy AF spa day as much as the next gal, but sometimes it’s nice to get a massage in a laid-back vibe and attentive service.

I recommend you get a massage but show up a little before your appointment so you can take advantage of the steam room first to really loosen up the muscles. I had a 9:30am appointment, but if you could grab a 10:30 and soak in the hot tub in the pool area first, and then do the steam room, that’s even better. 

Fleetwood Restaurant

Fleetwood is the Calistoga Motor Lodge restaurant that just opened up in 2021! We were thrilled to not have to leave the hotel property to have a tasty dinner. Fleetwood serves up all wood-fired dishes, specializing in Italian. Their pizzas are especially tasty after a day of wine tasting, but I recommend you also get the Brussel sprouts and polenta cake desert (something I’ve never seen on a menu!)

Best part is their happy hour! From 4-6pm Thursday-Monday, come for happy hour which includes discounted wine, beer and cocktails along with a bar bites menu. We sat at the bar and clocked quite a few locals who clearly have made this spot their regular happy hour of choice (always a good sign!)

Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa Amenities

• Wifi
• Tv in room
• Robes
• Fleetwood Restaurant
• Geothermal Pool (3 temperatures!)
• MoonAcre Spa
• Free parking for guests
• Bocce court
• Rooms with outdoor seating
• Noon Check-out time
• A/C and heat

Our room was $179 per night, which is such a steal for Napa Valley especially considering all the amenities, location and cool vibe of this hotel. I did notice that on weekend dates (Friday and Saturday nights) the price was much higher so travel on a weekday if you can.

I also use booking tools like Hotels.com to earn free hotel nights and they always have flash sales on hotels, too. Sometimes booking last minute is also how I snag cheaper rates on Calistoga hotels.

Regardless, this is always the affordable option I recommend people who are visiting Napa Valley or are planning a Napa Valley honeymoon. I love the Solage, also in Calistoga, but it can be over $1000 for a room so the motor lodge is much for attainable and doesn’t sacrifice vibe or amenities. You’ll love it here.  

Have our own Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa reviews to add? Drop a comment below so everyone can see!