Where Visitors Can Stay in Ramona this Summer

Pat Miller, Inn Manager

By Jim Evans

Summer is just around the corner - June 21 officially - and the great American vacation season is already in full swing. San Diego has traditionally been one of the most popular vacation destinations for summer travelers, and Ramona, with its close proximity to just about every major tourist attraction in the county, offers a variety of quality lodging.

The number of local lodging facilities may be limited, but Ramona's small town hospitality has a reputation for making vacationers feel welcome and their visits memorable.A closer look at lodging in Ramona also reveals a diversity that is the envy of many larger communities.

Ramona Valley Inn Pat Miller, manager of Ramona Valley Inn, located at 416 Main Street, said she expects about the same number of visitors this summer - "a lot" - and "we are well positioned with our convenient location on Main Street close to some of Ramona's finest dining facilities. Our new fiberglass solar-heated pool and room upgrades are a plus, too."

David Cole, Property Manager

The Ramona Valley Inn is a AAA-recognized facility and offers visitors the choice of 39 rooms with 13 different styles, and "everything from the carpet to the countertops is undergoing significant upgrades and improvements." according to property manager David Cole. For further information call 1-800-648-4618 or refer to its Website at www.mtnlodging@sbcglobal.net. Ramona Valley Inn is a sponsor of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce mixer on June 15.

San Vicente Inn San Vicente Inn in San Diego Country Estates offers 28 well-appointed lodge rooms with luxurious amenities on the 10th tee of its championship golf course offering scenic views of the golf course and the mountains. Guests have access to an outdoor pool year-round, children's pool, spa tub and four lighted tennis courts with complimentary racquets. There are several on-site dining options, including a poolside snack bar, limited room service, and an extensive menu at the San Vicente Restaurant. Overnight boarding facilities for horses are available at two local equestrian centers. Dial-up Internet access also is available.

Ramona Valley Inn

"We host a lot of snowbirds during the winter months," said Sue Blakey, rooms division supervisor. "Things get pretty exciting around here at this time of year."

For further information call (760) 789-8290 Ext. 4000 or refer to its Website at www.sanvicenteresort.com.

Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club Deeper in the heart of the San Diego Country Estates is the Riviera Oaks Resort & Racquet Club, a timeshare resort managed by Pacific Monarch Resorts.

"We have villas available for non-owner rentals year round," said Kevin McMenamin, general manager. "During the summer we are usually booked on weekends, but during the week we often have eight to 12 spacious villas available. There may be times when we even have entire weeks available. Almost anything is possible if given enough time for planning, and all of our villas are complete with full kitchens, fireplace, linens and patio barbecues."

For further information call (760) 788-7711 or refer to its Website at www.monarchgrandvacations.com.

Riviera Oaks also offers a host of extra amenities to enhance its lodging accommodations, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, 16 lighted tennis courts, paddle tennis, basketball court, equestrian facilities and a day spa with a wide variety of treatments, including Swedish massage, body wraps and stone therapy massage. Riviera Oaks amenities and the clubhouse are shared jointly with Good Life Timeshares.

Photos by jennifer jenkin

Good Life Timeshares Good Life Timeshares is a Vacation Village Resort managed by Tricom Management.

"We can usually only offer 'per night' accommodations to tourists based on availability," said resort manager Therese Grybow, "But, of course, they are getting a fully furnished condo and all the comforts of home. Our 64 luxury suites come with full kitchen, washer and dryer, hairdryer, fireplace, patio or balcony, VCR or DVD and Internet access."

For further information call (760) 789-3826 or refer to its Website at www.sdthegoodlife.com.

Sue Blakey, Rooms Division Supervisor

Ramona Canyon RV Resort Visitors who prefer to "rough it" can find excellent facilities for recreational vehicles and camping in Ramona. Although the Ramona Canyon RV Resort on Highway 78 is a private membership camping system, it also provides camping for non-members, according to manager Bob Tessier. Non-members are subject to a tour of the campground and a presentation extolling the benefits of membership.The campground includes 115 full sites and six tent sites with water and electricity, swimming pool, fishing lake, playground and more.For further information, call (760) 788-3085 or refer to its Website at www.westernhorizonresorts.com.

Photos by Jennifer Jenkin

Dos Picos Park Dos Picos County Park on Dos Picos Park Road, off Mussey Grade Road, offers 78 acres with 11 tent sites, 63 recreational vehicle sites (two with full hookup and 61 with partial hookup) and a caravan area for overnight stays. A holding tank disposal station and hot showers also are available. Picnic areas, playgrounds, horseshoe pits and a soccer field provide outdoor recreation. For further information, call toll-free 1-877-565-3600 or refer to its Website at www.sdparks.org.

Tourists and other summer visitors will find Ramona's lodging facilities ready, willing and able to accommodate them with a friendly taste of Ramona to sweeten their stay.

Riviera Oaks Resort pool and spa. Therese Grybow, Resort Manager Good Life Timeshare Bob Tessier, RV Resort Manager Ramona Canyon RV Resort campgrounds. Olympic size pool at Ramona Canyon RV Resort.