Sacramento is the capital of the most famous state in the country. As the terminus for wagon train pioneers moving west on the California Trail, the gateway to the California Gold Rush in nearby foothills, the starting point for the Transcontinental Railroad, and the state’s political epicenter, Sacramento is an entrenched, enduring part of California’s political and historical fabric. Here is where to stay in and around Sacramento.
Feature Photo Courtesy of the Citizen Hotel
Sacramento
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Kimpton’s is a strong contender for Sacramento’s best new hotel, offering contemporary accommodations directly next door to the Golden 1 Center and a major part of the surrounding Downtown Commons social plaza. A sleek, high-ceilinged lobby leads to 250 stylish rooms spread across 11 floors. Choose from three solid meal and social venues attached to the Kimpton: Echo & Rig, an indulgent, modern steakhouse; fashionable Revival bar and lounge; and multistory Punch Bowl Social, with indoor arcades, a private seating lounge and a bowling alley. The hotel’s outdoor pool offers third-floor balcony views, private poolside cabanas for hotel guests and live music, all flanked by downtown’s shops and restaurants.
The Citizen Hotel
This 196-room Marriott Autograph Collection property oozes Old World opulence. Designed in the early 1900s by architect George Selland, the skyscraper’s construction continues to exude grandness with its mosaic tiled entryway ceiling and two-story darkly shaded reading lounge lined with historic legal records surrounding the lobby. Take note of the witty quotes from famous authors, philosophers and public leaders inside the elevators as you zip down for a bite at the Grange Restaurant and Bar at street level, one of Sacramento’s most acclaimed restaurants.
Fort Sutter Hotel
A successful local restaurant entrepreneur known for great customer experiences started the Fort Sutter in 2021 before it became part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The 105-room property features a cozy indoor and outdoor fire pit space, the Four Palms bar, and attached Cafe Bernardo for snacks and meals. Featuring an eco-friendly design, it also provides easy access to Midtown’s lively nightlife scene.
Delta King
Cross the gangway onto the Delta King boutique hotel, a floating 1920s paddlewheel river boat that used to ferry passengers between Sacramento and San Francisco. Now a stationary hotel with restored wood, brass, windows and exterior, this distinctly Sacramento hotel experience holds more than 40 hotel rooms, which are restored with modern fixtures on its five deck levels. Restored polished-wood dining rooms offer fine eats in both the Pilothouse Restaurant and the Delta Bar and Grill.
Sterling Hotel
The stately 1890s mansion that houses today’s privately owned Sterling Hotel will grab your attention with its maze of balconies and beautiful Victorian facade. The remodeled interior marries historic decor with modern amenities. All 16 rooms feature Jacuzzi tubs and a variety of king and queen suites, making for a cushy stay.
Inn at Parkside
This two-story, orange-hued mansion hides behind a serene front yard garden in the Southside Park neighborhood. Parkside maintains the charm from its heritage as a 1936 private mansion, including a shaded outdoor patio terrace, while boasting modern amenities including a spa replete with a sauna and a steam room.
Hyatt Regency
The white, green and glass Hyatt exterior rises 15 floors across from the State Capitol and Sacramento Convention Center, making this hotel one of the most convenient options in town. More than 500 rooms are available, many with some of the best views in downtown. Another bonus is the outdoor space with a heated pool, hot tub and fireplace, all surrounded by lush greenery.
The Exchange Curio Hotel by Curio
Built in 1914, the California Fruit Building, which houses The Exchange, was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The downtown hotel, a Hilton property, has 100 chic and stylish queen and king rooms on its 10 floors, and the on-site restaurant, Willow, serves dishes inspired by southern Italian and Mediterranean Sea regions.
Gold Country
Holbrooke Hotel, Grass Valley
A California State Landmark, the Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley, established in 1862, is a treasure to explore, with Wild West history emanating from its brick walls, hidden alcoves and individually decorated guest rooms. Renovated in recent years and freshened-up with modern, historically respectful amenities and décor, the 28-room boutique hotel sits within walking distance of downtown Grass Valley’s restaurants and shops.
The National Exchange Hotel, Nevada City
The National Exchange Hotel in downtown Nevada City (a sister property to Grass Valley’s Holbrooke Hotel) shines with opulent furnishings and rich colors in its common areas. (Case in point: the jewel-toned seating in Lola restaurant and the Grand Lounge.) The hotel opened in 1856 as a gathering spot and communication hub; in 1973, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places; in 2021 it reopened after a three-year closure for a massive facelift.
Volcano Union Pub + Inn, Volcano
It’s a teeny Amador County town, Volcano, and the Volcano Union Pub + Inn is a hub for locals and people passing through. It began as an 1880s saloon and boarding house and today is a four-room boutique inn with a lively pub that serves seasonal dishes with Wild West flair. Room rates include breakfast (a good one, with fresh baked scones and choices like loaded avocado toast or a vegetable frittata or French toast).
Rest, Plymouth
Longtime Amador County hospitality experts Mark and Tracey Berkner opened Rest in 2016, about 10 years after they opened Taste, now Zagat-rated as one of the Top Restaurants in America. The inn and restaurant are down the street from each other in Plymouth, the town sitting at the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley wine country. The 16-room inn, created from two dilapidated buildings restored into new life, is graciously sophisticated and simple, very comfortable with luxury linens, loads of amenities, impeccable service and pretty grounds.
Imperial Hotel, Amador City
A six-room hotel with three pet-friendly cottage suites nearby, Amador City’s historic Imperial Hotel reopened in spring 2023 after extensive renovations transformed it into a modern-yet-vintage space befitting a boutique property. Built in 1879, the inn still has exposed brick walls and original wood floors, but it’s all been spiffed up. Each of its guestrooms are individually decorated. They come with luxury linens, stacks of pillows, gooseneck electric kettles and vintage artwork.
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