El Bonita Motel is a historic art deco motel in St. Helena, set within the Napa Valley. The property comprises three buildings offering accommodations with a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and sauna. It provides a central and affordable base for exploring the region. The motel dates back to the 1940s, originally a religious retreat before becoming a motel in the 1950s. Guests have access to a garden area and a business center.
Should you book El Bonita Motel?
An art deco motel experience in Napa Valley, with a pool and hot tub, suitable for budget-conscious travellers.
Best for
- Napa Valley visits
- Wine tours
- Pet owners
Maybe not ideal for
- Those seeking luxury amenities
- Stair access in some rooms
Napa Valley setting
Located in St. Helena, this motel is positioned within the heart of Napa Valley's wine region. St. Helena Wine Tours is a 6-minute walk away, placing you close to local vineyards and attractions.
Motel history
Originally a religious retreat from the 1940s, El Bonita Motel evolved into its current form in the 1950s. It retains its art deco charm across three accommodation buildings.
Pool and hot tub
Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub, available on-site. The pool area is accompanied by outdoor furniture and a garden space.
Room amenities
Each individually decorated room is air-conditioned and includes cable TV, a microwave, a fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities for guest convenience.
Rooms & rates
Queen Room
23.0 m² · 1 queen bed
Pool view · Private bathroom · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Shower · Towels
Garden King - Ground Floor
36.0 m² · 1 king bed
Private kitchenette · Private bathroom · Garden view · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Bath or shower
King - 2nd Floor Stair Access Only
19.0 m² · 1 king bed
Garden view · Private bathroom · Flat-screen TV · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Free toiletries
Deluxe King - Ground Floor
1 king bed
Garden view · Patio · Private bathroom · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Free toiletries
King Room with Roll-In Shower - Disability Access
1 king bed
Garden view · Patio · Private bathroom · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Free toiletries
King Suite w/ Kitchen - 3rd Floor Stair Access Only
Bedroom 1: 1 king bed Living room: 1 sofa bed
Private suite · Free Wifi
2 Queens - 2nd Floor Stair Access Only
19.0 m² · 2 queen beds
Balcony · Garden view · Private bathroom · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Free toiletries
Double Room with Pool View
23.0 m² · 2 full beds
Pool view · Private bathroom · Coffee machine · Free Wifi · Free toiletries · Shower
Family Suite - Ground Floor
Bedroom 1: 1 king bed Bedroom 2: 2 queen beds
Private suite · Free Wifi
Family Suite - 2nd Floor Stair Access Only
Bedroom 1: 1 king bed Bedroom 2: 2 queen beds
Private suite · Free Wifi
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Outdoor swimming pool
Outdoors
- Outdoor fireplace
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden
Activities
- Golf course (within 2 miles) Additional charge
Parking Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
- Accessible parking
Services
- Daily housekeeping
- Vending machine (drinks)
- Baggage storage
Location
195 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, United States, St. Helena, California
El Bonita Motel is located in St. Helena, California.
5 sights nearby, the closest being Crane Park at 0.4 mi; the nearest train station, thomann, is 0.3 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- Crane Parkpark0.4 mi
- V. Sattui Wineryattraction0.6 mi
- Jacob Meily Parkpark0.8 mi
- Saint Helena Catholic Churchplace of worship0.9 mi
- Caldwell Snyder Gallerygallery0.9 mi
Getting around
- thomanntrain station0.3 mi
- Saint Helenatrain station1.1 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
8.8 / 10 · Very good on Booking.com, from 563 guest reviews
El Bonita Motel earns consistently warm reviews for its prime Napa Valley location, spotless rooms, and appealing pool, hot tub, and sauna facilities — with its retro-meets-modern character adding genuine charm. However, the continental breakfast draws repeated criticism for being too limited, and a handful of guests encountered unhelpful or rude front-desk staff, which tempers an otherwise strongly positive picture. At peak pricing some guests question the value, but the overall sentiment is enthusiastically favourable.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 24 · average 9.6
They wrote about: room, breakfast, location
Reviews scoring 7–9: 6 · average 8
They wrote about: location, breakfast, facilities
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
From 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
- Pets
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
- Cards accepted at this property
Cash is not accepted
Frequently asked questions
Where is El Bonita Motel located?
El Bonita Motel is situated in St. Helena, California, within the Napa Valley wine region. St. Helena Wine Tours is a 6-minute walk away.
What types of rooms are available?
The motel offers various rooms including Queen Rooms, King Rooms, Deluxe King, Suites, and rooms with two queen beds, some with garden or pool views.
Does the motel offer breakfast?
Yes, a complimentary continental breakfast is served daily.
Is parking available?
Free public parking is available on site and reservations are not needed. Accessible parking is also provided.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, the motel is pet-friendly, though an additional charge may apply.
What amenities are in the rooms?
Rooms are individually decorated and include air conditioning, cable TV, a microwave, a fridge, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Are there facilities for guests with disabilities?
Yes, the motel provides facilities for disabled guests, including accessible parking, a roll-in shower in specific rooms, and lowered sinks.
Can I use Wi-Fi at the motel?
Free Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the property.
What activities are nearby?
Nearby activities include winery visits, golf courses within 2 miles, and attractions like Safari West wildlife preserve and the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Is there a swimming pool?
Yes, there is a heated outdoor swimming pool and a hot tub available for guests.