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HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
195 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574-2197
El Bonita Motel
376 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We were visiting to go wine tasting at several local wineries and decided to spend less on lodging and more on our wine and dining experiences. This place was perfect for that. Older 'motel-style' with the doors on the outside, but the room was spacious and clean with a balcony. Parking was right outside the doors. The lighting was a little dim in the room and the carpet could be replaced, but those are the only complaints. Bed was comfy. Free breakfast in the lobby each morning with standard hotel fare, and a cute little firepit to enjoy a glass of wine each evening. Wine glasses were available in the room, which was a nice touch. The pool was not open during our stay. Within walking distance to downtown St. Helena by sidewalk, and we enjoyed walking to dinner one of the nights we were there.
We did need to do laundry while there (midpoint of a two-week trip), and there was a coin laundry about 2 min down the street.
I would definitely stay here again if in the area.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am 88 and my wife is 76 with mobility issues, hence the need for accessibility. The range of accommodations was limited and for a weekend, $400 seemed like a bit high for a night, but it was one of the least expensive. Midweek, the price is ~ $160. Great accessible parking and restroom, for room #30. Adequate flat screen TV with most channels but no TCM. No sleeper control. Bed comfortable. Keurig coffeemaker, with absolutely horrible coffee and a powdered "creamer" that served to lighten the coffee, but tasted like chalk. No artificial sweetener. AM continental breakfast featured the same quality coffee and whitener. A scrumptious looking croissant with no butter or jam. Beautiful strawberries and bananas. Yogurt, but no sugar free (or less) light choice.
At $160-$180, this would have been an acceptable choice, 3.5 stars. As it is, it is memorable for being a good income producer for its owner. It was clean. The Valley Cafe provided us with great breakfasts, and the TV showed the UCLA Bruins winning their first Big10 game. The wedding we came for was very happy, and the town appeared to be worth exploring... just keep your motel/hotel expectations under control, or GO MIDWEEK.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Check in on a Monday or Tuesday.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After looking for economical lodgings we stayed at El Bonita for five nights in September and were happy with our choice. The location is excellent and easy. Our room, little patio, housekeeping, shower, were all good. The breakfast was fine, donuts were good too. The one downside was wi-fi was faulty, Front Desk was very nice. El Bonita is minutes from downtown St. Helena, and less than a half hour from Yountville or Napa, all easy on Highway 29.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Maggie Warren, Guest Services / Front Office at El Bonita Motel
Responded Dec 20, 2023
Thank you so much for staying at the El Bonita Motel! We are happy to hear you enjoyed the patio, room, staff, and more. We are sorry about the WiFi trouble, as we are looking to improve that. The El Bonita Motel hopes to welcome you back next time you're in the Napa area!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This well-maintained, mid-century motel is in the heart of Napa Valley and lovingly maintains the gardens, kidney-shaped pool and rooms. Staff is welcoming and there are many lovely outdoor places to relax. A great bargain in Napa Valley.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Services Manager, Marketing at El Bonita Motel
Responded Jun 30, 2021
Thank you so much for the great review!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lovely older motel that is well maintained. We stayed her one night with another couple. Rooms were immaculate. Nice towels. Bed was too soft. Very hot water so be careful in the shower. The queen rooms facing the pool were smaller than the king and the latter had a balcony/patio. Breakfast was minimal. Friendly staff. This is the third time my husband has stayed here. Good value for Napa Valley.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â Rooms in the back have a balcony or patio.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is an older motel, somewhat of a throwback in time. It is not elegant or glitzy. But, it is clean and comfy; the rooms are large and have a small "kitchen" (sink, fridge, microwave, coffeemaker). There are three (?) buildings. Ours was set back in the trees well away from the highway noise. Very quiet and cozy. Although the breakfast is continental, it was very good: freshly-based croissants, delicious scones, good coffee, fruit and yogurt. My on;y regret is that there was no butter or jam for the tummy scones.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Ask for one of the two buildings that are not on the highway
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a motel. 5 stars for location. 0 stars for non-existent wifi in our section of the motel. 0 stars for indifferent staff. 3 stars for room size. 1 stars for uncomfortable bed. 0 stars for bugs in bathroom. 0 stars for upkeep of the room. (Dirty carpet, doors in need of paint, walls trashed from stained chairs hitting them. 3 stars for grounds and pool area. 2 stars for uninspired jam, shmeer, butter-less continental breakfast. 4 stars for parking. 4 stars for fire pits. If you have pets, it might be a place you're stuck with. I, myself will never, ever stay there again.
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â It's an old Motel that has outpaced it's care takers.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have stayed at this hotel several times when visiting Napa Valley. It is one of the last remaining reasonably priced hotels and located perfectly for visiting all the wineries on the main highway. You can even walk to a couple nice restaurants from the hotel. Nice clean rooms, continental breakfast, swimming pool and a cool vintage vibe. Also pet friendly. I almost regret posting this because I don't want it to be more discovered than it already is!
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Services Manager, Marketing at El Bonita Motel
Responded Aug 9, 2021
Thank you! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
El Bonita is located on the main highway, less than a mile from the center of St. Helena. It's a 1950's era motel that has been modernized. The gardens and greenery are peaceful and charming. There is a swimming pool and a lovely expanse of lawn with tables, chairs, and a fire pit. Roadside noise can be a problem, presumably more so for the units nearest the road (we had one of those). Rooms are well equipped and appointed and clean. This is one of the most economical choices in the area but still is expensive. The breakfast is low quality but included in the room rate. Its possible to walk along the main highway to the center of town and there are peaceful walks through the neighborhood behind the hotel, in less than 10 minutes you can be admiring vineyards and the surrounding mountains.
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Date of stay: May 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Rooms in the newer wing are farther from the road and may be quieter.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Services Manager, Marketing at El Bonita Motel
Responded Jun 15, 2021
Thank you johnmodesto! We appreciate your review and we are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was grateful to find this motel while my husband was having surgery at St. Helena Hospital and not to have to pay $200 plus a night. It was clean, had everything I needed and for the most part quiet. I would highly recommend if you have family at the hospital. Simple breakfast in the a.m., but it was fine. Refrigerator, microwave and a Keurig coffeemaker in the room. Pets (dogs) are allowed for an extra fee $30 a night.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from OptiRev Development, Marketing at El Bonita Motel
Responded Feb 19, 2020
Hi Debbedoo, Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. We hope that your husband's surgery went well.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, I would fly into Charles M Shulz airport in Santa Rosa, its less then an hour from El Bonita Motel in St. Helena. After you leave the airport, take Highway 101 south less then 2 miles and take the River Road to Calistoga, CA. In Calistoga, take CA128 south about 30 minute drive to El Bonita motel on the right. They have a big brite sign that you cant miss.
There are 3 different buildings. The main building (northeast), the one story garden building (on the southwest side of the property) and the two-story Homestead building (northwest). Both the Garden and Homestead are about the same distance away from the main road. The Garden is the farthest away from any road (the Homestead are closer to El Bonita avenue, which doesn't get much traffic).
There are more places to choose from in the St. Helena area.
PRICE RANGE
$190 - $298 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
el bonita hotel st. helena, el bonita st helena
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaNapa ValleySt. Helena
NUMBER OF ROOMS
41
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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