Where to Stay in Sacramento
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Sacramento
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Regions of Sacramento
Each region has a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The heart of Sacramento's government and business district, featuring a mix of historic hotels, modern conference properties, and upscale boutiques within walking distance of the State Capitol, museums, and the Golden 1 Center arena. This is the most walkable and transit-connected area, buzzing with dining and nightlife.
A historic district with a Gold Rush-era theme, located along theSacramento River. Accommodations here blend modern amenities with historic charm, offering easy access to the waterfront, railroad museum, and tourist-oriented shops and restaurants.
A practical zone dominated by national hotel chains, extended-stay suites, and budget motels clustered near Interstate 5, the Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and large shopping centers. This area prioritizes convenience, free parking, and easy freeway access over walkability.
An affluent, residential area known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, historic mansions, and proximity toMcKinley Parkand the UC Davis Medical Center. Accommodation is more limited but has a quieter, neighborhood feel.
The rolling foothills east of Sacramento, leading into the Sierra Nevada, are dotted with historic Gold Rush towns that now serve as gateways to the Amador and El Dorado wine regions. Accommodations here are charming, rustic, and often set amongst vineyards or pine forests.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Sacramento
All major international and national chains are well-represented in Sacramento, including Marriott (Courtyard, Residence Inn, Fairfield), Hilton (Hampton, Hilton Garden Inn), IHG (Holiday Inn, Staybridge), Hyatt, and Wyndham properties, concentrated in the downtown, suburban, and airport corridors.
Sacramento has a growing number of independent boutique hotels, in the downtown and midtown areas, often housed in historic buildings. Bed and Breakfasts are more prevalent in the surrounding wine country and historic towns like Placerville and Sutter Creek, offering personalized, charming stays.
Sacramento offers unique historic accommodations like the Delta King, a permanently moored riverboat hotel in Old Sacramento. The surrounding Gold Country features numerous historic inns and B&Bs in 19th-century buildings, and some working vineyards offer guest cottages or farmstay experiences.
Booking Tips for Sacramento
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Sacramento is a major government and convention city. Always check the California State Legislature's calendar and the Convention Center's event schedule. Hotels, downtown, can sell out or triple in price during large conventions, legislative deadlines, or major events at the Golden 1 Center.
Parking is expensive and often limited at downtown hotels ($25-$40+ per night). If you're driving, staying in the suburban or airport corridor often includes free parking and easier freeway access, which can offset a slightly longer drive into the city center.
For stays in the nearby Amador or El Dorado wine regions, aim for the spring (April-May) or fall (October-November) shoulder seasons. You'll avoid the peak summer heat and crowds, find better rates at charming B&Bs, and still enjoy beautiful weather and harvest or budding vineyard scenery.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Sacramento
For summer (June-August) and major event dates, book at least 2-3 months in advance. Downtown hotels during peak convention periods require 3-6 months advance booking for the best selection and rates.
For spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), booking 1-2 months in advance is usually sufficient to secure good options and prices.
During the winter (November-February, excluding holidays), you can often find last-minute deals (1-4 weeks out), on weekends when business travel dips.
Aim to book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for a good balance of choice and price. Always check for refundable rates, as government and event schedules can change suddenly.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Sacramento
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stay in Old Sacramento Historic District?
The Old Sacramento Historic District itself has limited lodging options, with most accommodations being in Downtown Sacramento just a few blocks away. Staying downtown puts you within a 5-10 minute walk of the historic district's wooden sidewalks, museums, and riverfront. Hotels like the Citizen Hotel and Delta King riverboat are among the closest options to Old Sacramento.
Where should I look for Sacramento hotels?
Downtown Sacramento offers the most walkable experience with access to restaurants, the Capitol, and Old Sacramento. Midtown has boutique options near art galleries and dining, while the area near the airport in Natomas provides budget-friendly chains convenient for early flights. We recommend choosing based on whether you want a car-free stay (downtown) or plan to drive to attractions.
How reliable are TripAdvisor reviews for Sacramento hotels?
TripAdvisor reviews for Sacramento hotels are generally helpful for gauging service quality and cleanliness, though keep in mind some reviews may be from business travelers with different priorities than leisure visitors. We recommend cross-referencing with Google reviews and checking recent reviews specifically, as several downtown properties have changed management in the past few years.
Why are there so many hotels in Natomas?
Natomas, located between downtown Sacramento and the airport, developed as a hotel hub due to its proximity to Sacramento International Airport (about 10 minutes away) and lower land costs. You'll find mostly chain hotels like Hampton Inn, Courtyard, and Holiday Inn Express with rates typically $20-40 less per night than downtown, making it practical if you have a rental car or early flight.
What's special about the Citizen Hotel Sacramento?
The Citizen Hotel is a boutique property in a restored 1920s building in downtown Sacramento, known for its Art Deco-inspired design and location directly across from the California State Capitol. The hotel features the Grange Restaurant and Bar on-site and puts you within walking distance of Old Sacramento and the downtown dining scene. Rates typically range from $150-300 depending on season.