Where to Stay in
Sacramento
Downtown luxury, riverfront charm & neighborhood-aware picks — from the Capitol skyline and Golden 1 Center to the American River trails and Midtown's farm-to-fork scene.
Wondering where to stay in Sacramento? Whether you're here for a Kings game at Golden 1 Center, a Farm-to-Fork weekend in Midtown, a Capitol Hill visit, or scouting neighborhoods before a move — this is your neighborhood-aware guide to the best hotels across Sacramento City and County.
Sacramento isn't one-size-fits-all. Downtown is walkable, Capitol-adjacent, and arena-close. Midtown is the farm-to-fork and arts district heart. Old Sacramento puts you on the river with Gold Rush history. Natomas offers the best airport value. And Folsom and Elk Grove serve the suburban east and south for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Unlike generic booking sites, this guide is written with local neighborhood context. We help you pick the right area based on why you're visiting — whether that's a concert, a government trip, a food weekend, or relocating to the City of Trees.
Featured Hotels
6 properties
Stay by Area
Sacramento's neighborhoods each have their own character — here's where to base yourself.
Downtown Sacramento
Capitol skyline, arena, and urban energy
Downtown Sacramento is the city's commercial and political heart, anchored by the California State Capitol and Golden 1 Center. Hotels here put you steps from the arena, farm-to-fork restaurants, the Convention Center, and the Tower Bridge waterfront. It's the most walkable and central area for visitors.
Nearby
- • California State Capitol
- • Golden 1 Center / DOCO
- • Sacramento Convention Center
Dining
- • The Kitchen
- • Ella Dining Room
- • Mulvaney's B&L
Midtown Sacramento
Arts, dining & the city's creative core
Midtown is Sacramento's most vibrant neighborhood — a dense grid of tree-lined streets, art galleries, farm-to-fork restaurants, cocktail bars, and boutique shops. Staying here puts you in the heart of the city's creative energy, steps from the best dining in the region.
Nearby
- • Midtown Arts District
- • Lavender Heights
- • McKinley Park
Dining
- • Allora
- • Bottle & Barlow
- • Fixins Soul Kitchen
Old Sacramento & Riverfront
Gold Rush history on the Sacramento River
Old Sacramento preserves the wooden boardwalks and brick facades of the 1849 Gold Rush era, sitting directly on the Sacramento River. The Tower Bridge, California Railroad Museum, and riverfront promenade are right here. Hotels near Old Sac offer historic charm with easy access to downtown.
Nearby
- • California Railroad Museum
- • Old Sacramento Historic District
- • Tower Bridge
Dining
- • Joe's Crab Shack
- • Scott's Seafood on the River
- • Rio City Café
Natomas / Near Airport
Convenient, value-friendly, near SMF
Natomas offers excellent value hotel clusters close to Sacramento International Airport and just minutes from downtown by freeway. It's the go-to area for business travelers, early-flight stays, and families who want easy parking and lower nightly rates without sacrificing access.
Nearby
- • Sacramento International Airport
- • Sleep Train Arena
- • Natomas Community Parks
Dining
- • Lucille's BBQ
- • The Firehouse
- • Raley Field area dining
Folsom & East County
Suburban comfort near the lake and trails
Folsom sits east of Sacramento along the American River, known for Folsom Lake, premium trails, and a charming historic downtown. Hotels here are modern suburban properties with easy highway access — ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and visitors to the eastern suburbs.
Nearby
- • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- • Folsom Historic Downtown
- • American River Bike Trail
Dining
- • Sutter Street Steakhouse
- • BJ's Restaurant
- • Il Fornaio Folsom
Elk Grove / South County
South County suburban stays & easy access
Elk Grove is Sacramento County's second-largest city — a fast-growing suburb with modern hotels, major retail centers, and quick freeway access to downtown. It's an excellent value option for families visiting Sacramento who prefer newer properties and suburban amenities.
Nearby
- • Elk Grove Regional Park
- • Elk Grove Aquatics Center
- • Cosumnes River Preserve
Dining
- • Mikuni Elk Grove
- • Hook Fish & Chips
- • Osaka Japanese Restaurant
Stay Near Attractions
Choose your hotel based on what you're here to see and do in Sacramento.
Near the State Capitol & Downtown
The California State Capitol, Golden 1 Center arena, DOCO, and the Sacramento Convention Center are all in the downtown core. Hotels here are the most walkable — steps from the political heart of California and Sacramento's top restaurants.
Local Tips
- • Hyatt Regency and Kimpton Sawyer are the two flagship downtown hotels
- • Golden 1 Center is walking distance from all downtown hotels
- • The Convention Center connects to Hyatt Regency via skywalk
- • Capitol Park is a beautiful morning walk from any downtown hotel
Near Old Sacramento & the Riverfront
Old Sacramento's historic waterfront district sits right on the Sacramento River. The Tower Bridge, California Railroad Museum, and riverside promenade are all walkable from nearby hotels. Embassy Suites Riverfront is the premier choice for river views.
Local Tips
- • Embassy Suites Riverfront offers direct Sacramento River views
- • Old Sacramento is a 5-10 min walk from most downtown hotels
- • The Tower Bridge is lit beautifully at night — best from riverfront hotels
- • River cruises and Delta King docked riverboat are right here
Near Golden 1 Center (Kings, Concerts)
Golden 1 Center is one of the best arenas in the NBA — right in the heart of downtown Sacramento surrounded by the DOCO entertainment district. All downtown hotels are within easy walking distance. The Kimpton Sawyer is the closest luxury option.
Local Tips
- • Kimpton Sawyer Hotel is directly adjacent to Golden 1 Center
- • DOCO (Downtown Commons) surrounds the arena with dining and bars
- • Kings games, major concerts, and events are year-round
- • Book early — arena event nights sell out downtown hotels fast
Near American River Parkway & Trails
The American River Parkway runs 32 miles through Sacramento County — one of the premier urban bike and running trails in the US. Hotels in East Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, and Folsom offer the best access to the trail, with trailheads and river access nearby.
Local Tips
- • Folsom hotels are closest to the scenic upper river sections
- • Discovery Park at the trail's Sacramento end is near downtown
- • Rent bikes at multiple trailhead shops along the American River
- • Best trail conditions are spring and fall — summer can be hot
Near Farm-to-Fork Dining & Midtown
Sacramento is the Farm-to-Fork Capital of America — and Midtown is the epicenter. The densest collection of acclaimed restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and coffee shops in the region. Staying in or near Midtown puts you walking distance from the best dining in Northern California.
Local Tips
- • Midtown's grid (K Street to U Street) is the restaurant corridor
- • The Saturday Sacramento Certified Farmers Market is world-class
- • Farm-to-Fork Festival in September draws national attention
- • R Street Corridor and Grid district are emerging food hubs
Near Sacramento Airport (SMF)
Natomas has the highest concentration of airport-adjacent hotels in the Sacramento region. Properties here are 5-10 minutes from SMF, offer free parking, and provide shuttle service. Rates are typically 20-40% lower than downtown with easy freeway access.
Local Tips
- • Most Natomas hotels offer free airport shuttle service
- • Free parking is standard in Natomas — rare in downtown
- • Downtown Sacramento is 15-20 min by freeway from Natomas
- • Ideal for early-morning or late-night flights — less city noise
Types of Stays in Sacramento
From quick Capitol weekends to month-long relocation scouting — here's what's available across Sacramento City & County.
Luxury Hotels
Sacramento's premium hotel tier — rooftop pools, spa amenities, and walkable downtown locations. The Kimpton Sawyer and Hyatt Regency anchor the luxury market. Expect $250–$600+ per night.
Best for: Special occasions, business execs, Golden 1 Center events
Boutique Hotels
Design-forward, personality-driven properties in Midtown and downtown. Smaller footprint, curated aesthetic, and neighborhood character you won't find in chain hotels. $180–$350/night.
Best for: Couples, creatives, repeat Sacramento visitors
Upscale Hotels
Full-service hotels with solid amenities, well-located in downtown or near attractions. Hyatt Centric and Embassy Suites Riverfront lead this tier. $160–$300/night.
Best for: Business travelers, couples, first-time visitors
Mid-Range Hotels
Reliable, comfortable hotels with good locations across downtown, Natomas, and the suburbs. Best value proposition for most Sacramento visits. $110–$200/night.
Best for: Families, business travelers, value-focused visitors
Budget-Friendly Hotels
Clean, well-reviewed properties in Natomas, Rancho Cordova, and Elk Grove. Good freeway access and often free parking. $80–$140/night.
Best for: Budget travelers, extended stays, road trippers
Extended Stay Hotels
Apartment-style suites with kitchenettes and weekly rates — perfect for relocators scouting SAC neighborhoods, remote workers, or long government/business assignments near the Capitol.
Best for: Relocators, remote workers, state employees on assignment
Riverfront & View Properties
Hotels with Sacramento River views — the Tower Bridge and waterfront promenade at sunset are iconic. Embassy Suites Riverfront leads this category. Premium for the views.
Best for: Couples, special occasions, history and river enthusiasts
Suburban Comfort Stays
Full-service hotels in Folsom, Elk Grove, and Roseville — newer builds with modern amenities, large pools, and easy trail and recreation access. Great for families.
Best for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, suburban visitors
Browse All 12 Sacramento Hotels
Search, filter, and find the perfect Sacramento stay.
Tourism → Relocation
Moving to Sacramento? Stay Here First.
Thousands of people visit Sacramento — and decide to stay. If you're considering a move to the City of Trees, book a week in Midtown or downtown and spend the time walking neighborhoods, visiting schools, and experiencing the farm-to-fork scene before committing.
Plan Your Sacramento Stay
Make the most of your time in the City of Trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about staying in Sacramento.
Explore Everything SAC
Events & Culture
Restaurants & Food
Real Estate & Stays
Schools & Family
Everything SAC is your premium guide to Sacramento County — City of Trees, Gold Rush heritage, riverfront culture. Events, neighborhoods, restaurants, schools, and more — sourced from official city sources and curated for people who live here. Part of the Everything California network.
Explore More of California
The Everything Network — 16 California Regions