Sacramento travel guide

Best Hotels in Sacramento: Where to Stay by Neighbourhood

· 4 min read City Guide
California State Capitol dome at golden hour with Tower Bridge visible in the background, Sacramento

Affiliate link; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Sacramento’s hotel market is straightforward by California standards - reasonable prices by San Francisco or Napa Valley comparisons, with a strong concentration of quality options in the downtown core and a handful of genuinely distinctive properties. The city doesn’t have resort hotel infrastructure (it lacks the geographic drama of coastal California) but compensates with an interesting mix of historic renovations, a one-of-a-kind riverboat hotel, and the Kimpton Sawyer, which is among the best full-service hotels in Northern California outside San Francisco.

Peak demand coincides with the California State Fair (July–August), the Farm-to-Fork Festival (September), and major events at the Golden 1 Center arena (downtown). The March–April spring season brings pleasant weather and moderate prices. All prices below are approximate rates as of 2026.

Downtown Sacramento

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel - 500 J St, downtown Sacramento. The most accomplished full-service hotel in Sacramento, opened in 2017 as the centerpiece of the Downtown Commons (DOCO) development adjacent to the Golden 1 Center arena. The Pool Bar & Café on the sixth floor has an outdoor rooftop pool with views over the Capitol dome and the Sacramento skyline - genuinely impressive for a city rarely associated with dramatic views. 250 rooms; from approximately $200–$320 per night. The Revival by Place restaurant sources from within 150 miles of the city.

The Citizen Hotel - 926 J St, Autograph Collection by Marriott. A 1926 Beaux Arts building (originally the Hotel Soule, later the Sacramento Lawyers Building) converted into a 198-room boutique hotel with an elaborate political theme - campaign memorabilia, presidential portraits, and a décor that embraces Sacramento’s identity as a government city. Rooms are compact but well appointed; the Grange Restaurant & Bar on the ground floor is one of the stronger hotel restaurants in the city. From approximately $180–$260 per night.

Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel - 1230 J St, downtown. The largest hotel in Sacramento at 503 rooms, connected to the Sacramento Convention Center. Well-positioned for convention attendees; for independent travelers, the location is good for the Capitol, Old Sacramento, and the Midtown restaurants. The lobby bar has a decent wine and cocktail program. From approximately $160–$240 per night.

HI Sacramento Hostel - 925 H St, downtown. A Hostelling International property in a restored 1885 Victorian mansion - Queen Anne style, wrap-around porch, period interior details. Dorm beds from approximately $35; private rooms from approximately $80. Well-maintained and centrally located; kitchen facilities available. One of the better urban hostels in California for atmosphere.

Search all hotels in Sacramento on Booking.com

Old Sacramento

Delta King - 1000 Front St, Old Sacramento Historic District. A 1927 sternwheel riverboat moored permanently on the Sacramento River, converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant in 1989. The 44 staterooms have the original curved walls and brass portholes from the boat’s working years running between Sacramento and San Francisco; the hallways follow the riverboat’s keel, with a gentle slope from bow to stern that is slightly disorienting and entirely charming. The Pilothouse Restaurant aboard the boat is a Sacramento institution; the outdoor deck has river views in both directions. From approximately $150–$230 per night.

The Delta King’s location puts guests directly in Old Sacramento - the California State Railroad Museum and the Sacramento River boardwalk are steps away - but Old Sacramento has limited independent dining. For a restaurant-focused visit, the 10-minute rideshare into Midtown is straightforward.

Midtown Sacramento

Hyatt Centric Downtown Sacramento - 1924 Capitol Ave, Capitol district/Midtown border. A lifestyle-oriented Hyatt property positioned between the downtown core and the Midtown restaurant and bar scene. 196 rooms; rooftop pool; a lobby bar and café that functions as a neighborhood hangout. From approximately $160–$240 per night. The walkable positioning to both the Capitol area and the K Street restaurant corridor is the main advantage.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront - 100 Capitol Mall, downtown. All-suite format (two-room suites with separate living area) including complimentary breakfast and evening reception with drinks and snacks. Useful for families or for visits of several nights. Views toward the Sacramento River and Tower Bridge from upper floors. From approximately $180–$260 per night.

Near Sacramento Airport

Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento Airport - 2101 River Plaza Dr, 12 miles northwest of downtown. A practical early-flight option with a free airport shuttle. From approximately $110–$160 per night. There is no compelling reason to stay near Sacramento Airport unless you are transiting - downtown is a 20-minute drive and much more interesting.

Practical Notes

Getting around: The Sacramento light rail (Gold Line) connects the airport to the Old Sacramento/Downtown area in approximately 45 minutes (fare approximately $2.50). Within the city, the light rail covers the Capitol Mall and K Street Mall corridors. Midtown is walkable from downtown hotels; East Sacramento requires a rideshare or bicycle.

Event dates to watch: Golden 1 Center (basketball and concerts) is in the downtown core - Kings game nights and major concerts compress downtown hotel availability significantly. The Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Festival (September) draws culinary visitors citywide. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for these periods.

Book an experience

Things to do here

The top-rated tours and activities here: all with instant confirmation and free cancellation on most bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Sacramento?
Downtown Sacramento - between the Capitol and Old Sacramento - is the most convenient base for first-time visitors. The Kimpton Sawyer and Citizen Hotel are both here. Midtown (the lettered-street grid east of downtown) is the better choice for visitors focused on restaurants and the independent dining scene. Old Sacramento itself has limited accommodation; the Delta King riverboat hotel is the exception.
What is the most unique hotel in Sacramento?
The Delta King (1000 Front St, Old Sacramento) is a restored 1927 paddlewheel riverboat moored permanently on the Sacramento River. The 44 staterooms have the original curved walls and portholes from the boat's working years on the Sacramento River route. From approximately $150–$230 per night. The Pilothouse Restaurant aboard the boat is a Sacramento institution.
What is the best boutique hotel in Sacramento?
The Citizen Hotel (926 J St), part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott, occupies a 1926 Beaux Arts building in the Capitol district and is decorated with an elaborate political theme - campaign buttons, presidential portraits, vintage Sacramento political memorabilia. 198 rooms; from approximately $180–$260 per night. Grange Restaurant & Bar on the ground floor is one of Sacramento's better hotel restaurants.
Are there budget hotels in Sacramento?
The Graduate Sacramento (1900 Del Paso Blvd, near the airport) and several Hampton Inn properties on the north side and near Sacramento State University run approximately $100–$140 per night. The HI Sacramento Hostel (925 H St, downtown) is in a restored 1885 Victorian mansion with dorm beds from approximately $35 and private rooms from approximately $80 - one of the better-regarded hostels in California.
How do I get from Sacramento Airport to downtown hotels?
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown. The Sacramento Regional Transit Gold Line light rail connects the airport to downtown (approximately 45 minutes; fare approximately $2.50). A rideshare from the airport to downtown costs approximately $20–$30; a taxi approximately $35–$50 as of 2026.

Sorted your stay?

Here's how to get there, and get around once you arrive.

Airport Transfer

Fixed-price airport pickup to Sacramento: Gold Rush & Farm-to-Fork: driver meets you at arrivals, no haggling.

Book a Transfer →

Car Hire

Compare rates from local and international suppliers: 90-day price lock included.

Compare Cars →

Same price as booking direct: we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.