RiverPointe Napa Valley: Enchantment along the Napa River
San Francisco has been a very special destination for us for over 45 years. San Francisco is often a city for a holiday or for several national conferences. We first visited San Francisco in our early 20's as we engaged in a six-week national tour with a recreational vehicle as home base (more on that later.) On one occasion, we hiked from Fisherman's Wharf across the Golden Gate Bridge and into Sausalito. Following lunch, we took a ferry back to San Francisco. We are fans of Muir Woods, Berkeley, the Presidio, Mendocino, Monterey, Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and several other destinations. A car is not necessary in San Francisco, but a car is necessary for numerous trips, and we seem happier with "do-it-yourself" traveling rather than guided tours.
Not all tourists are fans of Napa and Sonoma, but these two destinations offer much more than wine tasting. We discovered RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort (500 Lincoln Avenue Napa, CA 94558 707-252-4200) as an exchange through Interval International. Both Napa and Sonoma are a short drive north of San Francisco. And while Napa and Sonoma are about 30 minutes apart, we find that one valley or the other valley offers more than enough for a day's activities. RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort is somewhat "unique!" As long-time members of Interval International, we really preferred the older five-star and four-star rating systems. RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort qualifies as a four-star resort or as an Interval International Select Resort. RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort is not a Hyatt, Westin, or Marriott resort by any stretch. In our view, RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort provides a series of "Park Models" mobile homes or modular units. These manufactured units (usually 35 to 45 feet long) are not self-contained. Park Models (modular units) are designed for park living only; and while Park Models are easily moved from site to site as a normal trailer is, Park Models are not capable of "dry camping" as Park Models do not have any water storage tanks and must be used with hookups. Though designed to remain stationary for extended periods of time, park models differ from mobile homes in that they are usually still sporadically moved. A visit to RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort and the proximity to the Napa River will clearly indicate that high water may necessitate temporary movement to higher ground. We previously noted holidays in our 20's in recreational vehicles; so, we have had some experience with this lifestyle. And we certainly appreciate that couples and families who enjoy recreational vehicles holidays. We appreciate that "snowbirds," and others enjoy Park Models and that both mobile homes and Park Models offer an acceptable habitat to many.
RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort offers fine accommodations for a couple or a young family near Napa. We strongly encourage our readers to view the excellent Interval International website and review the accurate photos of RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort. Perhaps, two adult couples or even families may be challenged by the very limited interior and deck space of these Park Models. Perhaps, a couple may find the perfect accommodations for a week in the Napa Valley. RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort is less a resort than a Park Model "trailer park" (perhaps, an "upscale" trailer park.) RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort becomes more attractive when one factors in the other hotel and lodging prices. Given a community of families and couples the RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort seems to work. However, given one Park Model with teens or youth partying without supervision, there will be some unpleasantness. Let's hope this last scenario does not manifest itself. RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort provides a setting for a very dense population. The population density may not present a problem as long as all visitors are aware of basic civilized norms. RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort has the potential for a very nice Napa and or Sonoma holiday. There are the usual timeshare amenities. We strongly suggest a two-bedroom exchange for one couple. Very often the exterior patio deck is shared with other couples. Spartan, but clean best describes the units. My Marriott SurfWatch in Hilton Head foyer has greater space than does the living room of RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort. The kitchen and bathroom are small, but functional. The "dining room" space is limited to a small two-person table. One bedroom is fine for sleeping, and the second bedroom is necessary for luggage and other travel gear. We believe in caveat emptor (Latin, Let the buyer beware.) A warning that notifies a buyer that the goods he or she is buying are "as is," or subject to all defects. Armed with the photos from Interval International, and other sources, the Napa visitor may have a wonderful week at the RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort. Nearly all guests will have fine food and fine wine as their agenda. read more