I've got 3x 50,000 Point certificates to burn with Marriott and am looking to take the GF on a trip in September to Napa/Sonoma over labor day weekend (Crazy, but chosen because the cost to fly there was actually cheapest over that weekend).

It seems like the options in Sonoma/Petaluma are a little cheaper (read: closer to 50k/night) than being in downtown Napa - does anyone have any experience with the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country or Lodge at Sonoma Resort? Are they worth choosing over the Westin Verasa Napa or Napa Marriott?

I'm okay staying outside of downtown Napa - I've been before and have no problem driving to the wineries we want to go to. I'm also looking at some of the Hyatts in the area - the Regency in Sonoma, Alila Napa, and Andaz Napa, as I have enough Hyatt points for a few nights at any of these.

The GF also has a decent stash of IHG points but I don't think there's anything in the area that seems decent? I don't want a generic holiday inn.

Alltogether, I'm looking to do 5 nights in the area from 8/31-9/5 and would love for anyone's input! So far the only thing I've seen that's good advice is that the Westin is right down the street from the Oxbow market, which is definitely on our list of stops.

Any advice or comments on any of these hotels is appreciated! I'd rather pick a nicer hotel and have to drive a little farther than be staying somewhere solely out of convenience and pay more.

I'd go with Alila Napa. However, you are going to have to book well in advance as award availability is sparse. It's located in St. Helena which has great restaurant options. My opinion might be skewed as a Hyatt Globalist though.

Love that area - enjoy.

I actually checked their rates after posting this and saw that they have an off peak rate for the last night of the trip. I went ahead and booked it, but don't know if I can justify more than one night there when I'd prefer to use my Marriott free nights. I'm excited to check it out though, thanks for the recommendation!

Lodge and Verasa are nice. Napa Marriott is good too; but below the first two IMO. I would say the choice between the first two is what wineries you want to visit - Napa or Sonoma.

I'm ambassador elite with Marriott but without question, the Alila Napa Valley is the by far the nicest property on your list. Redemption rooms go fast because it's such a great deal so I'm glad you were able to get one.

Fun fact, before it became a Hyatt, Alila Napa Valley was known as Las Alcobas which was one of the best hotels in Starwood's North America portfolio.

No experience at that Alila, but the others that I have stayed at have all been world class.

Now I'm wishing I would have gotten a second night at Alila....I guess I'll keep looking and hope that someone cancels their stay for Friday so I can snag it!