California - Best Chain Hotel in Sonoma or Napa

Hey all,

We have never been to Napa or Sonoma before and headed out for the first time in mid September for the wife's birthday (2 nts in SF and 2 in wine territory). From what friends say, it sounds like Sonoma is more up our alley, but we are up for either. What we would love to do is use some of our hotel points for a stay. Has anyone had any great experiences at any of the chain hotels in either Napa or Sonoma? We are loaded on Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Starwood points. It would be great to hear your thoughts.

Thanks Much!

We are Marriott and Hilton people. And we like the Hilton Garden Inn better than the Napa Marriott. The Marriott is a two level old style hotel that's been redone. The HGI has a great breakfast and never seems to be crowded unlike the CL in the Marriott which is always overwhelmingly crowded. The two hotels are side by side. I like the whirlpool tubs the HGI offers.
For all the times we have been to Napa those are the only two hotels we have used. We need to branch out. Looking forward to the other responders.

If you consider Fairmont Hotels a chain, the Sonoma Mission Inn would seem to be the answer. Sticking hit your list of chains, I favor the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa, near Sonoma.

The Renaissance Sonoma is a good hotel. I like staying in the town of Sonoma very much. The hotel has an excellent restaurant associated with it.

My 2009 report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/344385-lodge-sonoma-renaissance-resort-spa.html#post12861906)

Embassy Suites is usually a good value although sometimes crowded with kids.

The Renaissance Sonoma is a good hotel. I like staying in the town of Sonoma very much. The hotel has an excellent restaurant associated with it.

My 2009 report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/marriott-rewards/344385-lodge-sonoma-renaissance-resort-spa.html#post12861906)

The Renaissance is in a much better location that the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, and it is within walking, albeit 15 minutes, distance to the Plaza.

Welcome to FlyerTalk, sonomawine.

We have stayed at the Westin in Napa and always had a good experience. Some people object to the resort fee and mandatory valet parking (except for nearby street parking), but we have always considered those as minor issues. Check the Starwood forum for detailed comments.

Westin. Great restaurant too!

I like the Hyatt in Santa Rosa and the Renaissance in Sonoma. If golf is also on the agenda, the Doubletree in Rohnert Park would also do, but otherwise, the Hyatt is better located.