Napa downtown has come a long way in the last few years with new hotels popping up as fast as grape vines. If you know anything about wine growing, you probably know that it takes about seven years for a vineyard to go from planting to wine production, and like their wines, downtown Napa requires thoughtful planning when hotels break ground in the Napa Valley. My hotel review of River Terrace Inn, located in downtown Napa, shows what this boutique hotel has to offer and why its location on the Napa River is a plus.
If you are a regular What a Trip reader, you know that I travel to Napa often. There are so many things to see and do in the Napa Valley and I like to keep up on what’s new in downtown Napa for when I have out-of-town visitors. River Terrace Inn, a Nobel House Hotel, offers 114 rooms, including 6 luxury king rooms and 2 new luxury junior suites in a romantic setting.
I stayed in a deluxe whirlpool king room, #209, with a Napa River view. Staying at a boutique hotel on the Napa River is a bonus for me because I take advantage of the river front walking paths. It’s super convenient to walk to downtown Napa and Oxbow Public Market from River Terrace Inn. Did you know that you can also kayak the Napa River or take a cooking class at CIA at Copia? Read how to do these fun activities in my what’s new in downtown Napa post.
What makes River Terrace Inn special? The luxury hotel offers complimentary cruiser bicycles to borrow, complimentary parking – self or valet, complimentary wifi throughout the property, a comp welcome “mocktail” upon arrival, happy hour daily at ALBA, wine pour Wednesdays – complimentary wine tastes & education with a local winery, as well as live music 2-3 nights a week on the weekend (seasonally.) There’s also a fitness center on property which I did not visit. There used to be a swimming pool at this hotel, but they filled it in to make way for additional outdoor seating. I will add that the patio, adjacent to the Napa River is lovely.
Dining at ALBA
I didn’t have a chance to dine at Alba for anything other than breakfast. You can enjoy cooked-to-order breakfast inside Alba or on the outside patio. I ordered the breakfast tray at Alba and opted to dine outside next to the fire pit. Greek yogurt with fresh, seasonal fruit and house made granola is always a winner in my book. Add on a plate of warm pastries and a glass of orange juice and I’m in foodie heaven.
Need to Know:
Rates range from $199 midweek to $399 weekend and in high season the rates range from $349 midweek – $699 weekend – but it’s all variable based on the date. Obviously, there are very big gaps in and out of season. As noted in my review of Wine Country Inn, located up-valley in St. Helena, Cabernet season, aka shoulder season, is one of the best times to visit Napa Valley wine country. The hotel is not pet friendly, with the exception of service animals.
The property offers AAA discounts. Become a River Terrace Inn-sider and get special discounts and deals emailed to you once a quarter or more if there are more promotions being offered. For more information on the City of Napa and downtown Napa visitors center click here.
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.
Insider Tip: Make sure you arrive for live music nights ~30 mins early to catch the end of happy hour specials AND to snag the coveted seats by the fire pits on the outdoor terrace of ALBA, directly on the Napa River. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and River Terrace Inn on Instagram and @riverterraceinn on Twitter.
If You Go:
River Terrace Inn (707) 320-9000
1600 Soscol Avenue
Napa, California 94559
Hotel Review of River Terrace Inn in downtown Napa and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As is typical in the industry, I received a complimentary media stay, however, all opinions are my own.