Napa Tourist Guide

1. RIVER TERRACE INN

Great location, terrific rates, very comfortable rooms, flat screen TVs, WALLY SAYS: "A big hotel that tries hard to feel personal, I LOVE this place - my Top Pick for Downtown"

Man, I hate this recession. It seems like everyone is cutting back these days. I knew I was in trouble when the big boss at work traded in his Mercedes for a Hyundai - you know, the car that you can return if you get laid off. Holy foreshadow, Batman! Saving money is "in", excessive indulgence is "out". Now I know it's no longer politically correct to say this, but I love 5 star resorts. I love the fancy linens, I love the trendy furnishings, and I love the great service. But if spending big bucks at a 5 star resort just doesn't seem prudent, then come with me and I'll show you the Ultimate Biggest Bang for the Buck Hotel in Napa - The River Terrace Inn.

Located in downtown Napa along the rivers edge, The River Terrace Inn is close to everything. Downtown Napa is teaming with great restaurants - The Bounty Hunter, Celedon, Zuzu's, Cole's Chop House - all just a couple of minutes away by car. The new Oxbow Public Market, a trendy sort of place with everthing from Hog Island Oysters to a Taylor's Refresher cheeseburger, is right around the corner. And yes, the infamous Wine Train station (Warning Will Robinson, Tourist Trap Ahead!) is walking distance. Heck, Cuvee restaurant, a local's favorite, is right across the parking lot. With $5 happy hour appetizers and $5 drinks, you'll quickly forget that your 401K is worth less than a 1995 Honda. Next door is the muy expensive Westin. Don't be jealous, those people are spending a small fortune for nearly the same experience you're having. You are so smart.

Step inside The River Terrace Inn and you'll swear you walked into a classy resort. The spacious lobby opens up into a lovely patio, a terrific spot in the morning to sit and plan your day while dining on the complimentary breakfast that includes eggs, sausage, and fresh fruits and cereal. Come in Fall and you'll fall in love with the comfy chairs by the lobby fireplace, a perfect setting to come back to after a long day of winetasting. Ahhh, the good life is back! I'm loving it so far, and this is just the lobby.

The guest rooms reflect the same sort of attention to detail as the lobby. Fancy linens? Check. Trendy furniture? Check. Flat screen TV? Check. Separate sitting area with work desk? Check. If large and spacious rooms decked out in contemporary decor is what you are looking for, this is the place. Large bathrooms with dual shower heads to start the day, a jacuzzi bathtub big enough for two to end it. Go ahead, open up that bottle of Schramsberg champagne that you left chilling in the room mini-fridge and have some bubbly with a bubble bath! Live it up, it's near-5 star luxury at a 3 star price!

So what don't you get? OK, so there's no fireplace in the room and you won't mistake the grounds for the Carneros Inn, a true 5 star, or even Villagio in Yountville, a solid 4 star. But for these tough times, The River Terrace Inn is like an oasis for those of us looking for the best hotel value. They try hard to give you the personal attention and the attention to detail that you normally only get at the top notch resorts, but at a price that's downright reasonable for Napa. Even those with money to blow might consider a stay here - take the cash you save and go have a great dinner or book an extravagant wine and food pairing tour, knowing you can afford it. No matter how you look at it, The River Terrace Inn is a top pick for any Napa vacation. Book it - you won't be sorry.

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2. EMBASSY SUITES

Probably the nicest Embassy Suites you'll ever stay at. WALLY SAYS: "Wow, a French Country Embassy Suites with free "made to order" breakfast? I'm impressed! "

I've stayed at plenty of Embassy Suites for my real job. I don't really mind them - I mean who can argue with cooked to order FREE breakfast with fresh omelettes and endless bacon and sausage? But I've always found Embassy Suites to be rather boring, middle of the road, with old school oak cabinets and old school TV's. But not this one. From the second I pulled up the grand entrance, I was, well, impressed! The hotel exterior reminded me of a great destination hotel with the tall palm trees and upscale touches. The lobby was first class, and the grounds with the large ponds filled with ducks and swans told me that this was no ordinary Embassy Suites. Most of the rooms have been refurbished with almost trendy furniture (and yes, flat screen TV's). Nice pool, too. Overall, an excellent pick if you want a suite style hotel. Of course, you also get a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee pot, just like a regular Embassy Suites, and yes, free cocktails in the afternoon (though I hope you're still out winetasting!)

Yeah, I know, you might think I'm crazy to give FOUR STARS to an Embassy Suites, but this one deserves it. One of the top picks for the downtown Napa area, and an overall good choice for those looking for a resort feel at a hotel price.

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3. BEST WESTERN ELM HOUSE INN

More like a real inn than a budget motel! WALLY SAYS "My top pick for financially challenged vacationers!"

I don't think I've ever used the word "charming" in the same sentence as "Best Western" before, but charming this place is. I'm talking freshly baked cookies with lemonade in the afternoon, fireplaces in some of the rooms, and fresh waffles, cold cereal, fresh fruit, coffee and juices in the morning. This is no "ho-tel", if you know what I mean. If you scraped the Best Western logo off the building you might even think it's a genuine boutique. Nice private patio and garden area in back, very safe area of town. Yes, this is perhaps the coolest Best Western I've ever seen.

But before you get too carried away, remember that even though this is my TOP PICK FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS, it's not going to compete with the 4 and 5 star resorts. If you're looking for that special place to celebrate your 25 year wedding anniversary, this is not the one. But if you're looking for a less expensive place to stay that has some unique Napa personality, you can't go wrong with the Elm House Inn. Free parking with no irritating valets trying to get that 5 spot out of your wallet. Some rooms with hot tubs. I like this place, and that's saying a lot. You're on a budget? Recession got you down and no tax break coming your way? You want a clean place that doesn't cause your spouse to whack you upside the head when you pull up? Then check out the Best Western Elm House Inn. (Warning: There are other Best Westerns in the area, but only the Best Western Elm House gets the Local Wally seal of approval).

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4. NAPA INN

This Bed and Breakfast Inn is a real Victorian house on a quiet residential street! WALLY SAYS "It's like staying in a dollhouse, only bigger!"

When I'm on vacation, the last thing I want is a big corporate hotel. I go to Napa to relax, not to deliver a Powerpoint presentation to my company's investors explaining the 79% drop in our stock value and the bonuses paid out to our executives. If you want the exact opposite of the bland hotel chain, perhaps a B&B experience is for you. And if you want a good B&B, The Napa Inn is it.

If you have never stayed in a Bed and Breakfast, the Napa Inn will exceed your expectations. Extremely well kept up on a quiet residential street, the Napa Inn is actually two buildings - the Victorian one, and a Colonial looking one (The Buford House) around the corner. Each room is different and was handpainted and decorated by the owner (so be nice). A big living room area is perfect for lounging in after a long day of winetasting, and the patio outside is just begging for you to come outside and relax. Great breakfast, all homemade, included. Bathrooms in every room, of course. The Napa Inn is the exact opposite of the dozen or so hotels you probably stayed at while on your business trips. It becomes more than a place to sleep and more of a part of your vacation experience. Super friendly staff and owner will cater to your every need. You'll find plenty of Bed and Breakfast inns in Napa, but the Napa Inn is my favorite.

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5. RIVERPOINTE NAPA VALLEY

Strangest "resort" I've ever seen with lush grounds and, gulp, "mo-bile" homes for the cottages. WALLY SAYS "It's better than it sounds, really!"

Depending on your perspective, the RiverPointe is either a charming village of cottages or a glorified trailer park. Say what? That's right, the RiverPointe is actually little streets of mobile homes set up to look like a little village amongst the lush grounds and mature trees. Now before you tune out and move on, let's talk about the good stuff. First, the setting is lush and green and the main building is well maintained. There's a clubhouse, swimming pool, pretty much everything you would think a quality hotel would have, and it's well done and well maintained. Location in Napa is key, and this one is located seconds away from the Silverado Trail so you can get to your winetasting in mere moments. There's a pool, great barbeques, washer and dryers nearby, basically your home away from home - literally!

Now the weird part. The actual rooms are really mobile homes with lattice on the bottoms to make you think they are actual, honest to God, glued to the ground buildings. Go inside and, yes, it's really still just a mobile home, albeit a nice one. You share a little patio with the trailer, I mean "cottage", next to you so you'd better hope your neighbor is more like Britney than Rosanne - wait, maybe Rosanne is better than Britney these days. Their website describes themselves as a 5 Star European Village. Wally says 3 stars and more like a really nice American mobile home park. OK, I can hear you snicker, but I spoke with a lot of people who were staying there on my recent visit and they all LOVED IT! I know, weird, but you might like it as well if you want something different from a mega-resort or cookie cutter hotel.

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6. MARRIOTT NAPA VALLEY RESORT AND SPA

There's something awfully familiar about this place. WALLY SAYS "If you don't like surprises, you might like the Marriott!"

Some hotels are like Ferrari's - sleek and sexy. Others are like a Mercedes - solid and luxurious. Well, a mid-level Marriott is like a Ford. Make that a Ford Taurus. In fact, make that a 2003 Ford Taurus. It's not flashy, it's definitely not sexy, but it gets the job done and does it, well, I guess it does it good enough. Staying at the Marriott while in Napa does get the job done, and it does it good enough as well.

The Marriott looks just like every other mid-range Marriott you have ever seen or stayed at. As far as Marriott's go, this is not a fancy one with waterfalls and tropical swimming pools. The lobby is nice, there's a small library room to the side, a good size pool, and your typical Marriott room, meaning it's going to be nice - not blow away trendy cool, but nice. This is the exact same Marriott you probably stayed at on your last business trip to Kansas City. It's even got giant conference rooms with plenty of unhappy people in the hallways being forced to watch Powerpoints when they should be winetasting. Talk about a vacation buzz-killer! The location is close to Yountville and the wineries (though it is not in a picturesque area being right on Highway 29). A recent comment on the web commented that "Staying in Napa can be sketchy, expensive, and confusing". If this worries you, the Marriott is for you as it's non-sketchy, moderately priced, and utterly consistent with every other Marriott. That's good - really, that's a compliment!

So Wally, would you stay here? Well, it wouldn't be my first choice because I've stayed in too many Marriott's just like this one. But I would still recommend it if you are a non-risk taker type looking for a solid hotel close to the wineries. You won't get in trouble with your spouse for booking the Marriott (unless this is your honeymoon - then watch out cause you are in BIG TROUBLE!). The bottom line is if the rate is good and you just need a place to crash out that's clean and close, this Marriott performs.

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7. HILTON GARDEN INN NAPA

My Mom would love this place because it's newer, clean, and moderately priced! WALLY SAYS "Don't expect Paris to be hanging out in the bar, it's not that type of Hilton!"

Located right next to the Marriott, it shares some of the same pro's and con's. On the positive side, it's close to Yountville so it's not far to the wineries and the "good stuff". On the negative side, you're not going to be taking romantic walks along the highway late at night. This is a place you pick if you just want a nice, newer hotel with a comfy and clean bed. You won't be blown away, but you won't be disappointed, either.

The "Garden Inn" line of Hiltons try to bill themselves as having a "boutique" feel, which suggests an individual design, perhaps a bit quirky, and usually luxurious. In truth, they are basically just smaller hotels with a few nice touches, like a fireplace and sofa in the lobby area. To me they're still pretty corporate feeling - like if a tract home developer built it versus a local craftsman. But they did a good job in dressing this one up. The complementary fruit and cookies in the afternoon is a nice touch, though if I catch you in their bar on the weekend tasting their complimentary wine I might have to kick you out of there - come on, you didn't come all the way up to Napa to sip wines in a Hilton Garden Inn bar! The pool might crack you up - it's so teeny tiny that it's barely worth mentioning and the parking lot view is only good if you really like looking at bugs squished on the bumpers of cars.

When friends on a budget ask me where to stay, I don't have a problem suggesting the Hilton Garden Inn. It's not quaint like some of the more authentic inns in Napa, but it's not nearly as expensive, either. The location is a good for those who want to explore both Downtown Napa as well as the wineries. I don't pick it for the romantic getaway, but it is a solid pick if you want a good value in Napa.

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8. MERITAGE RESORT AND SPA

A Tuscan-like setting in Napa? Sounds great, right? WALLY SAYS "Better listen to me before booking!"

The Meritage Resort and Spa has possibly one of the best pool settings in a moderately priced Napa resort. Surrounded by vineyards and a door that leads into what looks like a wine cave, you will really believe you have arrived when you lounge around this upscale setting. But guess what? You haven't arrived as The Meritage is easily the furthest away from the wineries of any hotel on my guide. This doesn't make it bad - remember, I am only listing places I would stay at in this guide. But you better be ready for this before you book and have a darn good excuse when your spouse asks you if you couldn't have gotten something a bit closer to the restaurants and sights.

The hotel itself is new and nice. It tries to be upscale, and it partially succeeds. You won't mistake it for a Four Seasons, but you might find it nicer than a typical Marriott or Hilton. From a class perspective, think of something close to a Hyatt, maybe a notch lower. The lobby exudes quality, there are lots of conference and ballrooms (planning a business meeting?), and the outdoor patio and pool area are really first class. Very nice. As for the idea that this is a Tuscan-inspired resort, well, maybe if you squint (or after a long day of winetasting). It's nice, but it's about as Italian as The Olive Garden - and maybe that's a good comparison. It's good, really good, but it's not authentic "Napa".

Its location is next to what appears to be a nice business park. Located at the southern tip of Napa, it's 14 miles to Yountville, which I consider to be the starting point to Wine Country, and 5 miles to downtown Napa, the closest place for good restaurants. It might not sound like a big deal to drive 10 to 20 minutes for dinner, but after a long day of winery touring getting back in your car is perhaps the last thing you want to do. But I urge you to not slug out and dine in the hotel restaurant, not when you are so close to fine dining in Downtown or Yountville. Yeah, you have to drive, but it's worth it.

So Wally, why is this on your list of good choices? Because unless you are made of money, as the song says, you can't always get what you want (no you can't always get what you want). So you make a few compromises and if you need a decent rate but still want something better (and bigger) than a standard hotel, then The Meritage might fit the bill. Once you step inside the hotel you will be very pleased - just make sure you plan your days so that you are not hopping back and forth to the room, and be prepared to drive for dinner. And here's a tip - to keep the wife happy, set up a massage in their spa as a reward for letting you cheap out. It will still be less expensive than staying in one of the top dollar resorts and might even earn you a few extra points later that night, if you get what I mean :-)

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9. THE CARNEROS INN (between Napa and Sonoma)

With views of the rolling hills and separate cottages, one of most luxurious and different hotels you will ever stay at! WALLY SAYS "Perfect honeymoon or anniversary setting!"

On top of a rolling hillside set amongst the vineyards and an orchard of apple trees is the wonderfully unusual Carneros Inn. Simple cottages reminiscent of an old rancher's living quarters, barns and silos, you might think this is going to be rustic or Grandma country, but it's anything but. The Carneros Inn is upscale, trendy, hip and luxurious. It's totally unlike anything you have most likely stayed at, and it's one of the top pics for romantic getaways.

Located on a road heading towards Sonoma, it's not exactly near the action. But in this case, the resort is the main attraction so that's fine with me. There's 86 cottages and 10 suites, all featuring contemporary design, the finest Italian bedding, huge romantic baths, fireplaces, and yes, even an outdoor private shower attached to your room. Come on, what other resort gives you an outdoor shower? Is this place crazy or what? Surrounded by rolling hills with actual cows, the setting is pastoral and serene. Is this Napa, or heaven?

The disappearing edge pool overlooking the hills, the fantastic restaurants, the spa.... ahhh, this is Napa relaxation at its best, a true destination resort. If you want a place to unwind, to savor the beautiful views of the vineyards, to recharge your life's batteries, this is it. It's not the closest hotel to the wineries, but you might never leave once you arrive at Carneros Inn.

Now some of you out there might not "get it" - I mean, to be honest, the cottages do look a little like tiny habitat houses and you almost expect Jimmy Carter to come out with a bag of peanuts to greet you. But trust me, you will not find beer guzzling Billy Carter in the cottage next to you. Everything is brilliantly upscale and trendy contemporary. This might look like a farm on the outside but everything on the inside is top notch and luxurious. You want something different, you want something romantic, you want the best? Then you have to check out The Carneros Inn.

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10. SILVERADO RESORT (Silverado Trail area)

Looks like an old Southern Plantation House surrounded by a golf course! WALLY SAYS "Wildly inconsistent rooms with some things really nice, other things oddly disappointing, but great for GOLF! "

The Silverado Resort is not located in Downtown Napa but rather off to itself off the Silverado Trail. At first glance, Silverado looks like a solid 5 star resort. The mansion is beautiful, the grounds lovely, and the golf course is green and lush. You have visions of winning the lotto and becoming one of the rich elite from the east coast ("You there, could you bring me my clubs - carefully young man!") And the rates! Oh my, unless you are in high season the rates are downright reasonable. So what's the story here?

Leave it to Wally to burst your bubble. The Silverado Resort is sort of like a Hollywood set - a 5 star on the outside, it's as good as the photos on their website. But check into your room and you'll find it wildly inconsistent, ranging from 2 star motel room to 4 star updated. The mansion is cool, but you don't actually stay in the main building. Rooms are in separate buildings and can be far, far, far away from the main building (drop bread crumbs along the way so you can find your way back). I've stayed here a handful of times and sometimes the rooms are fabulous, other times it was like I walked into a time warp with rooms that haven't been updated in decades.

Here's why The Silverado Resort is so inconsistent. Each room is individually owned, so if you get a cool owner you might get that hip contemporary room you see on their website. But if you're unlucky, like I was the last time I stayed, you might end up in Southwestern motif HELL with faded mauve carpeting and Indian paintings on the wall. It's like the timewarp problem in LOST - one moment you're here, the next moment you're in the '80's! So it's a risky proposition. Or is it?

Would Wally send you to a dump? No way! So here's the trick to getting a good room at Silverado. When you check in, make sure you tell them you want an updated room and ask to see a few of them. They know which rooms are good, trust me. Follow my advice and you just might get a great deal in Napa - a 4 star resort at a 3 star price. Of course, if your hair is cut in a mullet a la "Wing's" era Linda McCartney and you still have a Culture Club cassette in your car, then by all means take your chances and maybe you'll get that same Southwestern room I got. Heck, you might even like it!

As for golf, oh yeah, this is the place. If you're a golfer, you might not even care that what your room looks like since the course is so nice. Planning a corporate event? The fair prices combined with the golf course makes this a good choice.

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