Napa and Sonoma, California, are known around the world for being the heart of wine country in the United States. Less than two hours from San Francisco — and its large international airport — the area is easily accessible for those coming from across the country and further afield.
In addition to some of the biggest names in wine, the region offers visitors a whole host of attractions — from the arts to some of the finest culinary experiences the country has to offer.
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And, for those with hotel points to burn, it’s good news. The region is home to a number of points hotels, from family-friendly lodging in the center of downtown Napa to more sprawling resorts adjacent to vineyards.
Let’s have a look at where you should put your points to good use the next time you visit.
Top Marriott hotels in Napa and sonoma
The Westin Verasa Napa
Located between about 60 and 90 minutes from all three major San Francisco Bay area airports — San Francisco (SFO), San Jose (SJC) and Oakland (OAK) — and just over an hour from Sonoma County Airport (STS), The Westin Verasa Napa is an upscale resort in downtown Napa. Its location affords guests great access to the attractions the city of Napa has to offer, including the Oxbow Public Market and the Napa Valley Wine Train.
But, this property has the feel of a larger resort with amenities like an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and a French-Californian cuisine restaurant called La Toque.
The Westin Verasa is a Category 7 Marriott Bonvoy property, meaning free nights will cost you 50,000 on off-peak nights, 60,000 on standard nights and 70,000 on peak nights, and making it eligible (on off-peak nights) for the 50,000-point free-night certificates that come as a perk of certain Marriott cobranded credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection
This Autograph Collection property located near the best Sonoma has to offer features recently updated guest rooms, suites and cottages complete with separate sitting areas and private fireplaces. Relish your time away with a trip to the hotel’s full-service spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy a wine tasting on property — you are in wine country, after all.
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort is a Category 7 Marriott Bonvoy property, so free nights will cost you 50,000 on off-peak nights, 60,000 on standard nights and 70,000 on peak nights, and making it eligible (on off-peak nights) for the 50,000-point free-night certificates that come as a perk of certain Marriott cobranded credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card.
Top Hyatt hotels in Napa and Sonoma
Andaz Napa
The Andaz Napa has long been a favorite for those with points to spend in California’s wine country. Its central location in downtown Napa means you’ll have easy access to all there is to do in town including the Napa Valley Wine Train — as well as to the wineries in the surrounding areas. While this hotel doesn’t have some of the amenities you’d find at larger resorts, it’s a perfect base to explore Napa and features its own tasting room.
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This is a Category 6 World of Hyatt property, meaning each free night will cost you 25,000 points. And, since Hyatt is a 1:1 transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards, it’s easy to come up with the points you need to stay, especially since the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
Alila Napa Valley
Formerly a Marriott Bonvoy property, Alila Napa Valley is now a part of the World of Hyatt family, but the resort remains as special as it was when it was known as Las Alcobas. Right next door to the famous Beringer Estate Winery in St. Helena, Alila Napa Valley sports a gorgeous pool with views right into the vineyard and the hills behind. Guests can also visit Spa Alila for the ultimate in pampering, and enjoy a meal at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Acacia House.
Alila Napa Valley is a Category 7 World of Hyatt property, meaning each free night will cost you 30,000 points. If you don’t have enough points, transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards into your Hyatt account instantly at a 1:1 ratio.
Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
In Santa Rosa, the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country is ideally located to explore both downtown Santa Rosa and the nearby vineyards of Sonoma County. This pet-friendly resort boasts a pool, fitness center, spa and an on-site restaurant. Best of all, though, it’s a Category 4 World of Hyatt resort, meaning free nights will only cost you 15,000 points apiece and making it eligible for the Category 1–4 free-night certificate that comes with the World of Hyatt Credit Card.
The World of Hyatt card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of up to 60,000 points. First, you’ll get 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Then, you can earn up to 30,000 more points, but not in the traditional sense. Hyatt will award you 2 points per $1 on purchases that normally earn just 1 bonus point per $1, on up to $15,000 in purchases for a total of 30,000 additional points. And while that does indeed add up to 30,000 points, it’s really just 15,000 more points above and beyond the 15,000 you’d earn for those purchases at the usual 1x.
Top Hilton hotels in Napa and Sonoma
Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley
This Embassy Suites isn’t the most luxe option around, but this is a great option if you need a place with a little more room to spread out. And, you won’t miss out on any of the action, either, as the resort is located about five minutes outside of downtown Napa and within 10 minutes to major wineries in the area. Guests will appreciate the indoor and outdoor pools, bikes available to rent and the complimentary breakfast offered daily.
Rooms can be had from 58,000 Hilton Honors points per night, but Hilton doesn’t maintain an award chart so your rates will vary depending on which dates you’re traveling. If your Honors balance needs a boost, consider signing up for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, which is currently offering its highest-ever welcome bonus of 180,000 points. You’ll earn 130,000 points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 points after you spend a total of $10,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months.
Top IHG hotels in Napa and Sonoma
Hotel Indigo Napa Valley
Another downtown Napa property, the Hotel Indigo, is good for anyone looking to take advantage of the best the region has to offer but wants a little flair at their hotel, too. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool and hot tub, and a bar with a cozy see-through fireplace, perfect for winding down after a day at the vineyards with … another glass of wine.
You can find rooms from around 52,000 IHG rewards points, but rates vary based on when you travel. If you’re looking to add to your IHG Rewards balance, consider signing up for the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card, which is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 150,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus it’s waiving the $89 annual fee for the first year.
Mr and Mrs Smith Gaige House and Ryokan
In the Sonoma Valley, Mr and Mrs Smith Gaige House and Ryokan offers a truly unique escape in wine country. The hotel derives its inspiration from Japan with a blend of California and Japanese-inspired design elements throughout. The hotel’s Ryokan Suite features “cast-iron tea sets, granite soaking tubs with hinoki-wood ladles and yukata robes,” while elsewhere guests will find karesansui rock gardens, a tranquil swimming pool, a yoga and meditation room and a mix of bamboo, maple and oak trees all around.
Rooms at Gaige House don’t appear to be bookable yet with IHG points, but the company has a relatively new relationship with Mr and Mrs Smith hotels, so members are at least able to earn points and receive elite benefits on stays.
Featured photo of the Alila Napa Valley courtesy of Hyatt.
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And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free.
These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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