For a stay of 5-6 days in CA's wine country is it advisable to rent a cottage or home from someone, or would I be better off looking for a hotel? There will be approx. 3-8 people with most of them only their on the weekend.

Any advise would be appreciated.

The answer depends on how much you want to spend per night.

I agree with Jones here. I've been at dives (which weren't exactly cheap) and also to some really nice places (which cost a fair amount of cash). I can say that The Vintage Inn is very very nice. The room we had was huge. Even with a California King there was several feet on three sides of the bed. Real fireplace and a fridge. Whirlpool tub too. I recommend this place if you want to stay at a real nice place. They have a spa next door (more bucks).

There are advantages to both. It depends on your preferences also. If you are looking for a place to stay & catch some mineral pools, then there are nice Hotels/Inns. If you are looking for a quieter setting & some home-cooking, then a B&B is nice.

I have done bith & enjoyed both. But, prefer the Hotel(s) since I also enjoy the mineral pools...

Here is a pretty good site to check for lodging:

Napa Lodging

warning - the good places fill up fast.

I am looking for something that is comfortable, not fancy. I would much rather spend the money on wine then where I will be sleeping. I am not looking for frills but was wondering if it would be more economic to rent a place for that amount of people than to have everyone have to find hotel accommodations.

Does anyone have names that they can reccommend for budget minded individuals?

The best advice that I can give you is the following. And, I did that when I was pressed for time (last September) looking for accommodations. They can give you advice, all the Hotel info, B&B info, & tell you what is available @ the current time. Or, they can point you in the correct direction.

Napa Valley Chamber Of Commerce: 1 707 226 7455.

They will answer all your questions. Tell them that you are looking for "budget"-type accommodations (tell them you per/night amount) & the # of people.

There are "budget"-type Hotels & B&Bs. Tough to point you in either 1 direction. You criteria fits both types of stays (Hotels & B&Bs).

Thanks LCC, I will give them a call and see what they can do,