Sacramento has gone from being a small and quaint city to being ‘destination-worthy in the last few years. When the Oscar-nominated movie Ladybird made waves in 2017, California’s capital became famous for its canopied boulevards and charming nooks and crannies. Sacramento has a ton to offer, whether you’re looking to check out its museums or delve into its Gold Rush history. What’s more, the city is also home to a gaggle of charming boutique hotels that are much suited to its character. The best boutique hotels in Sacramento CA, including Downtown ones, range from bed and breakfasts and motels to smaller luxury hotels. Moreover, they range from contemporary chains to revamped historical properties – thus catering to a diversity of travelers.
There’s a lot to see in this easy-on-eye city, which is less than two hours from San Francisco. It’s packed with heritage, history, lush spaces, and gorgeously scenic views of the Sacramento River. So, if you’re headed to this exciting Californian capital, make sure that your stay is amazing. Here are the 11 best boutique hotels in Sacramento, CA, including Downtown ones.
Table of contents
- Inn and Spa at Parkside
- The Citizen
- The Greens Hotel
- The Westin Sacramento
- The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
- The Exchange Sacramento
- Arden Acres
- Sterling Hotel
- Larkspur Landing
- Best Western Plus Sutter House Motel
- Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Sacramento
- Recommended Things To Do in Sacramento
- Where To Stay in Sacramento
Inn and Spa at Parkside
11
The Inn and Spa at Parkside is one of the chicest and sleekest boutique hotels in Downtown Sacramento. Everything from the entrance lobby to the rooms is cozy and ties into the soothing hotel’s overarching soothing theme. It’s famously known for its spa, the ultimate in luxury relaxation, and offers scores of rejuvenating treatments. Upon check-in, you’re given a free drink ticket which you can redeem for a mimosa at breakfast or the onsite bar until 6:30 in the evening.
What’s more, a two-course paid breakfast is served daily and comprises treats such as coffee, juice, chicken/bacon sausage, egg dishes, baked goodies, and fruits. They even serve breakfast in the rooms and even accommodate food restrictions for an additional charge. Finally, all rooms boast slippers, robes, ornate antique furnishings, with select ones even featuring balconies, fireplaces, couples jetted tubs.
The Citizen
10
The 196-room Citizen is one of the boutique hotels in Downtown Sacramento. This Autograph Collection Hotel wears its government-city badge with pride. Think pompous Voltaire quotes at the elevator and political wall cartoons from the Sacramento Bee archives! On the inside, everything is classic and stately, right down to the cozy rooms, which offer splendid views of Cesar Chavez Plaza. No two rooms are the same, but all have lavish bath products, Keurig coffeemakers, docking stations, and honor bars. Since it sits in a historic building from the 1900s, the vibe is historical, with the accouterments being utterly modern. Don’t miss dining at the Grange, which sits next to the lobby and is amongst Sacramento’s best fine-dining options. It even has several breakfast options.
The Greens Hotel
9
The Greens Hotel is one of the most unique boutique hotels in Sacramento CA. If brand names don’t appeal to you and you prefer something more intimate, then this is your place. Technically, it could even be called a motel since you can drive right up to your room! But, the amenities, digs, and decor are far from “motel,” with Keurig coffeemakers and LCD TVs in every room. The design details are kitschy and quirky; think chandelier-style lighting fixtures, enormous letters for room numbers, Edison bulbs, and chartreuse pillows. Even the surroundings are funky, with your neighbors being an art gallery, a delicious coffee-and-grilled cheese shop, and an old-school diner. Enjoy a dip in the outdoor pool or unwind with sandwiches and wine in the picnic area when you want to relax.
The Westin Sacramento
8
It’s hard to imagine a Westin hotel being boutique, but the Sacramento outpost of the Westin is one of the best boutique hotels in Sacramento CA. It’s quieter than the rest and is famous for hosting beautiful weddings in the park on the property, which sits pretty next to the Sacramento River. What’s more, the hotel lies just south of Downtown, offering peace and quiet to those who’re looking for it. Everything is “laidback California” here, whether it’s the earthier location or the patios overlooking the river. Rooms and suites are huge and swanky, with freestanding bathtubs in many of them, adding a layer of luxury. Furthermore, they all have vintage Italian furnishings, coffeemakers, and bathrobes. When the hunger pangs come calling, dig into seafood at Scott’s Seafood with lovely water views.
The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento
7
The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento is one of the best food-based boutique hotels in Sacramento CA. This midtown crashpad is the place to go to for soul-inspired global food. It’s one of the town’s newest hotels and is the brainchild of famed local restaurateur Randy Paragary. Choose from just 105 rooms and suites across 6 stories, each calibrated to the needs of on-the-go urban travelers. Think blackout curtains on huge windows, huge TVs, and ultra-comfy beds. Downstairs, the lounge bar is the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif or a nightcap. But, the crown jewel is the on-site Cafe Bernardo, which has been serving contemporary and classic riffs on global soul food for more than 25 years.
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
6
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Sacramento CA. This sleek Sacramento hotel has a lot going for it and is a breath of fresh air, sophistication, and sass in Sacramento Downtown. The vibe is evident at the rooftop deck, which is where to see and be seen in the city. A sparkling pool takes center stage, with a fabulous restaurant bar right beside. In fact, the pool makes it one of the best hotels with pools in Sacramento. It serves everything from meticulously mixed cocktails and local craft beers to farm-to-fork bites. The rooms and suites are no less impressive and are decked out in soothing grays and browns inspired by the Sierra Nevada landscape. While some rooms have seating areas, they boast flatscreen TVs, plush bathrooms with luxe bath products, and even Nespresso or Keurig coffee machines.
The Exchange Sacramento
5
The luxury boutique hotel Exchange Sacramento sits in the rejuvenated California fruit building. In fact, the 1914-built structure was originally the tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi River! Today, it’s one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown Sacramento. The hotel impresses you right off the bat from the interesting lobby, right down to the rooms and suites. Plush beds, chic white bathrooms with black fixtures, and huge floor-to-wiling windows make staying here a delightful experience. Begin your day with a delicious and full continental breakfast before heading out to explore the lovely Californian capital.
Arden Acres
4
Arden Acres is rightly called one of the most unique boutique hotels in Sacramento CA. Why? Because it offers an original and utterly creative living experience. The property features choices of freestanding and fully-furnished cottages set in a gated complex, complete with porches and tree-studded driveways! Even then, all cottages feature homely settings with hotel-like amenities, such as laundry services, Wi-Fi, and flatscreen TVs. What’s more, even housekeeping services offer a ‘hotel-like’ atmosphere. If that wasn’t enough, they all come with kitchens, which means that you don’t have to worry about meals either! Travelers looking for longer and cozy vacations will find these Northern Sacaremnti rental cottages perfectly suited to their tastes.
Sterling Hotel
3
Are you looking for excellent boutique hotels in Downtown Sacramento close to the sights? Look no further than the 16-room Sterling Hotel, which has uniquely styled digs, excellent amenities, and the loveliest front porch in the city. Since it lies so close to Downtown sights, the concierge is more than happy to assist you in finding out the best places to see and explore. The elegant hotel sits in a converted 1894-built Victorian mansion, which means no two rooms are the same. Even then, they’re spacious and decked out with mod-cons such as plush beds, ensuite bathrooms, seating areas, and TVs. The garden and the porch are hot favorites when it comes to communal amenities, but so is the hot tub!
Larkspur Landing
2
The Larkspur Landing Hotel is not just one of the best boutique hotels in Sacramento CA, but something of a Sacramento gem. Choose from 124 rooms at this all-suite hotel, which is perfect for families seeking more space and exclusive and outstanding service. There is a litany of amenities that families will love; think a library full of games, books, DVDs, freshly baked cookies in the lobby, and free breakfast. Moreover, there’s even a laundry room, a blessing for families with young children. If that wasn’t enough, the spacious suites even have free Wi-Fi, separate living areas, and full kitchens, aided by free grocery shopping services. Finally, there’s a fitness center on the property and a cozy fireplace in the lobby. What more could one want?
Best Western Plus Sutter House Motel
1
The Best Western Plus Sutter House Motel is one of the best budget boutique hotels in Downtown Sacramento. It’s a comfortable, convenient, and clean choice for budget travelers to the Californian capital. Choose from 94 eco-friendly and European-style rooms and suites, all of which feature king/queen beds, mini-fridges, TVs, coffeemakers, and ottomans. In fact, some of the best rooms have patios with doors that open directly onto the pool deck! Begin your day with a fabulous included breakfast buffet before jumping into the lovely pool. Later on, lounge on the daybeds by the pool or work out in the fitness center.
Recommended Restaurants/Bar in Sacramento
- Sam’s Hof Brau: This classic Sacramento carvery sees sandwiches piled high with deli meats such as pastrami, turkey, and roast beef. What’s more, every order comes with a hearty serving of their delicious homemade pickles, which are usually kept in a barrel when the dining room is open. . For chowhounds, we’d recommend the corned beef sandwich with a “heavy” extra helping of meat.
- Sunflower Drive-In: This fabulous Fair Oaks eatery has been offering scrumptious plant-based and vegetarian food since the late 1970s. Some of the must-eat dishes here include sandwiches, burritos, and burgers, all fresh and filling.
Recommended Things To Do in Sacramento
- Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour: Culture vultures will love this tour which explores the history and the very beginnings of the city. Dig into local food at hidden gems and explore Sutter’s colony Nueva Helvecia while learning about the city’s diverse immigrant groups.
Where To Stay in Sacramento
Sacramento’s neighborhoods are as diverse as the city’s character itself. We begin with Old Sacramento, which is the best neighborhood to stay in for a first-time visitor. This beautiful historic district, part of Downtown, has excellent attractions, a mesmerizing historical ambiance, and lots of restaurants and shops. Next, there’s Midtown, which lies east of Downtown and has a local vibe and more serene atmosphere. Another such neighborhood just like Midtown is East Sacramento, which is close to the city center but is less crowded and smaller. Finally, there’s the buzzing and bustling Downtown, which is one of the coolest places to stay in the town. It not only has attractions and some of the best nightlife and entertainment options but is also within walking distance of Old Sacramento.
