11 Best Hotels in East Sacramento CA

For us, East Sacramento is not just a neighborhood. This area is a charming blend of tree-lined streets, historic homes, and local gems that make you feel like a local even if you’re just passing through. Whether you’re in town for a wedding at McKinley Park, a visit to nearby UC Davis Medical Center, or simply craving that cozy, walkable vibe away from the downtown chaos, finding the right place to stay makes all the difference. Luckily for you, we’ve created a special list of the best hotels in East Sacramento CA (and around it)! Stylish boutiques? Check! Reliable yet budget-friendly hotels? Check! Keep reading and experience the best East Sac has to offer!

Motel 6 Sacramento, CA – Downtown

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Honestly, we didn’t expect much when we booked a room at Motel 6 Sacramento, CA – Downtown, but it surprised us. It’s tucked right off the Elvas Freeway and super close to spots like the Sacramento Convention Center. It’s also only a 5-minute drive away from East Sacramento. Check-in was quick, and the front desk team was and instantly made us feel like we picked the right place after a long drive.

Our room wasn’t fancy, but it was surprisingly modern and super clean. The wood floors and granite touches made it feel fresh, and the flat-screen TV was a nice bonus for winding down at night. It was just a solid, uncluttered space to crash. During our stay, we also spotted many families staying at this motel. It’s definitely good to know if you’re traveling with little ones.

As one of the best motels in Sacramento, California, this hotel has a lot to offer. The free coffee in the morning was great, and the free parking saved us a bit of money too. We ended up spending a lot of time at the outdoor pool, which was cleaner than we expected and perfect for a quick dip. There’s even a coin laundry setup if you’re sticking around for a few days. All in all, for a budget stay, this place holds it down.

Motel 6 Sacramento, CA – Central

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Best Budget. Another great addition to this list of the best hotels in East Sacramento CA is the Motel 6 Sacramento, CA – Central. If you need something simple and affordable, this is it. Tucked just off Lincoln Highway, it allowed us to be just a short walk away from California State University and only a quick drive away from spots like Sutter’s Landing Park and downtown Sacramento.

We appreciated the little things, too, like the free coffee in the morning and plenty of parking. There’s even a pool outside, which we loved. We’re sure you’ll like it too, especially if you’re visiting in warmer months.

Our room was surprisingly modern for a budget motel. The hardwood floors and granite countertops gave it a cleaner, updated feel, and the flat-screen TV with tons of cable channels came in handy when we just wanted to wind down. Aside from that, kids 17 and under can stay free with an adult.

The Midtowner Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western

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If you’re looking for budget East Sacramento hotels, you’ll love this one. Introducing you to The Midtowner Hotel, SureStay Collection by Best Western. It’s right off Interstate 80, which made getting around super easy, and we loved that it was only a short drive to Old Sacramento and East Sacramento.

The hotel itself had a laid-back, no-fuss vibe. We appreciated the free parking (a win in California), and the seasonal pool was perfect for cooling off, especially when the weather is hot. The staff at the front desk were welcoming and helpful, even when we checked in late. It’s not a luxury resort, but it definitely delivered on comfort and convenience.

Our room was bigger than expected and had everything we needed: a comfy bed, cold AC, a microwave and fridge for leftovers, and a flat-screen TV for winding down. On top of that, the bathroom was clean and came stocked with soft towels and free toiletries, which was always nice.

Hotel Med Park, Ascend Hotel Collection

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Hodel Med Park, Ascend Hotel Collection is only 6 minutes away from East Sacramento by car. Being just a short drive from downtown Sacramento was another bonus. But aside from its convenient location, we were also awed by how comfortable and low-key the hotel felt. It’s not flashy or overly fancy, but it’s clean and modern.

Breakfast in the morning was chill. It was nothing fancy, just pastries, fruit, and coffee, but it was delicious. The front desk staff were also super friendly (we chatted with someone in Spanish at check-in, which was amazing), and they were always around when we had random questions.

We stayed in the Mini Suite, and it worked out perfectly for us. It’s got a little semi-wall that separates the bed from the seating area, which made it feel way more spacious than a regular hotel room. My partner crashed on the sofa to scroll through TV shows while I caught up on emails from bed—both had their own screens, which was honestly kind of great. There were some thoughtful little touches too, like robes and slippers, and a compact fridge that came in handy for leftovers.

By the way, have you read our list of the best extended stay hotels in Sacramento, California?

Comfort Inn & Suites Sacramento – University Area

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We picked Comfort Inn & Suites Sacramento – University Area mainly because we needed something close to both the airport and downtown. This hotel is about a 15-minute drive from the airport, and getting to Midtown, downtown, and East Sacramento was a breeze. We arrived pretty late, so having free parking that was well-lit gave us instant peace of mind.

Mornings were better than expected here. The breakfast was more thoughtful than your typical “free hotel breakfast”. They had hot options like eggs and sausage, plus yogurt, fruit, cereal, and waffles. We grabbed coffee from the lobby more than once throughout the day, and when we weren’t out exploring, we squeezed in a workout and even relaxed in the hot tub.

Our suite actually gave us room to breathe. We had a little living area with a sofa bed and minibar, which made it easy to stretch out and snack. Everything was clean and functional. We even had a spa tub in our room, which we didn’t expect but loved.

Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento

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We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Sacramento during a quick work trip, and honestly, we extremely enjoyed it. The location worked well for us, as it was just a short drive to East and Central Sacramento and within walking distance of the historic Midtown District, which gave us easy access to some great local restaurants and low-key shops.

The hotel’s social areas also stood out. The lobby had a cozy, almost living-room feel, and the outdoor patio was perfect for a morning coffee. Want to stay active? Make full use of the hotel’s gym and swimming pool! Business travelers would especially love the workstations and spacious meeting areas, including a pretty grand ballroom.

Our King Room was modern and efficient, which we appreciated. It had everything we needed: a comfy bed, a microwave, and just enough space to feel relaxed but not overdone. One cool feature was being able to control the TV with our phone through a QR code. The self-catering also made it easy to reheat leftovers, and having the Bistro open all week gave us solid food options.

East Sac Getaway, Walking Distance to Hospitals

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Best Homestay. We really enjoyed our stay at the East Sac Getaway. It’s a peaceful, pet-friendly home tucked on a quiet, tree-lined street, yet close to everything. We walked to UC Davis and Shriners Hospital, and being just minutes from great restaurants, Old Sacramento, and the airport made getting around super easy. The house was clean, modern, and had all the comforts of home, plus convenient extras like a garage and guest parking.

The open kitchen was a highlight for sure. It was fully stocked with everything we needed to cook, plus a Keurig and a cozy dining area. We spent evenings around the backyard fire pit and relaxed in the bright living room with a smart TV and a comfy couch. It felt like the perfect mix of homey and stylish.

Furthermore, the bedrooms were spacious and super comfy, with plush Casper mattresses and smart TVs. We especially loved the master suite with private bath and backyard access. The fenced yard was great for our pup, and the neighborhood was perfect for morning walks. It was the kind of place that made us feel right at home the moment we walked in.

Hyatt House

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We stayed at Hyatt House, tucked inside the old Eastern Star Hall building, and the charm of the place got us right away. There’s something cool about staying somewhere with actual history. Being in the Sutter District was perfect for us, as it felt like everything we wanted to explore was just around the corner. We could walk to Sutter’s Fort, and spots like the Capitol Mall and Old Sacramento Waterfront were just a quick drive away.

One thing we didn’t expect was the little bonuses that made the stay feel extra thoughtful. The 24/7 fitness center was clutch, and we found ourselves hanging out in the quiet library lounge more than we thought we would. But our favorite? The Star Lounge! It didn’t feel like a typical hotel bar. It had this mellow, neighborhood vibe that made us want to linger a little longer.

We booked the Sutter’s Fort King Studio Suite, and it was the best choice for us. It had plenty of space to spread out, a solid kitchen for those nights we didn’t feel like eating out, and a layout that just made sense. After catching up on some work, we’d sprawl on the couch and throw on a show.

Read also: 11 Best Hotels with Jacuzzi in Room in Sacramento

Tapestry By Hilton The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento

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Best Room. Right beside East Sacramento is the Tapestry By Hilton The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento. The location couldn’t have been better. We were just a short walk from Sutter’s Fort, which meant no cars, no hassle. It was just us wandering the neighborhood and soaking in the local vibe.

The whole experience felt super laid-back, which we appreciated. Instead of stressing about dinner plans, we just wandered down to Café Bernardo right inside the hotel. Their menu is all about that fresh, seasonal, farm-to-fork goodness, and it delivered big time. Later that evening, we found ourselves at Four Palms, the cozy bar near the lobby. It had that cool neighborhood feel.

If you’re planning to book, we’d recommend the Deluxe Queen Room with the city view. It gave our stay that little extra something. And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the bee’s knees cocktail! We ended the night with that in hand, feeling pretty glad we chose this place.

For the best Sacramento experience, take a look at these best luxury hotels in Sacramento, California!

Home2 Suites by Hilton Sacramento at CSUS

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We stayed at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Sacramento at CSUS during a quick city break, and it was a great decision. Tucked right off the US-50 at the 65th Street interchange, the location made it easy for us to get around, especially with the light rail station and Sacramento State just a short walk away.

One of the highlights for us was the year-round outdoor pool. It’s always a blast when we can sneak in a relaxing swim, no matter the season. There’s also a fitness room that we checked out one morning, and it had everything we needed for a quick workout. Plus, having a 24-hour front desk was reassuring, especially since we had a few questions during our late-night check-in.

Moreover, our room was a King Corner Studio Suite, and it was probably the best room on the property. We loved having a full kitchen setup with a fridge, microwave, and even a dishwasher. Every corner of the space was clean, well-lit, and had plenty of room to spread out, with a cozy seating area and a big flat-screen TV.

Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS

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Best Location. Sitting on the top of this list is the Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS. The location is right off US-50, next to Sacramento State, which meant we had quick access to public transport and could easily hop around the city. One of our favorite parts? The American River Parkway was just a short walk away. It’s perfect for morning strolls and sunset views. Even the airport wasn’t too far, as it only took us about 25 minutes to get there.

The hotel itself had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We appreciated the complimentary breakfast. It saved us time and money, and the options were solid, especially the waffles! After a day out, we unwound with a swim in the indoor pool, and the fitness room was the perfect spot for getting a quick workout in. Parking was smooth too, thanks to the valet service, which made things easier when we came back late at night.

If you’re looking to level up your stay, we totally recommend booking the King Studio Suite. That’s what we did, and it felt like a home away from home. There was a cozy seating area for hanging out, a flat-screen TV for late-night movies, and of course, a coffee and tea setup, which we took full advantage of every morning.

Our Verdict!

No hotels are built the same, and we know how hard it can be sometimes to make a decision for your trip. To help you out, we’ve categorized some of the hotels above based on:

• Best Location: Hampton Inn & Suites Sacramento at CSUS
• Best Room: Tapestry By Hilton The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento
• Best Homestay: East Sac Getaway, Walking Distance to Hospitals
• Best Budget: Motel 6 Sacramento, CA – Central

Where to Stay in East Sacramento, CA

There’s a pretty popular neighborhood in East Sacramento: Fabulous Forties. Known for its wide tree-lined streets and grand historic homes, this upscale neighborhood is quiet but beautiful. There aren’t hotels in the Fabulous Forties itself, but staying nearby gives you access to one of Sacramento’s most iconic residential areas. It’s great for morning walks and a more local, relaxed feel.

We also recommend the Sutter District. It’s actually located in Midtown Sacramento, just west of East Sac. That said, it’s very close, like walking-distance close, and many visitors often stay here to enjoy the lively dining and nightlife scene while still being near the more peaceful East Sacramento neighborhoods.

Technically, not all of Midtown is East Sac, but the eastern part of Midtown blends nicely into East Sacramento. It’s full of indie boutiques, trendy cafés, breweries, and galleries. You’ll get more hotel and Airbnb options here, plus easy access to both East Sac and Downtown.

What is East Sacramento known for?

East Sacramento is known for its leafy streets, historic charm, and beautiful homes, especially the upscale Fabulous Forties neighborhood. It’s also home to McKinley Park and a vibrant dining scene in the Sutter District.

Is Sacramento good for tourists?

Yes, Sacramento is a great spot for tourists, offering a mix of rich history, farm-to-fork dining, and vibrant art scenes. From Old Sacramento’s Gold Rush charm to riverside bike trails and museums, there’s plenty to explore.

What is the closest city to Sacramento?

The closest city to Sacramento is West Sacramento, located just across the Sacramento River. It’s only about a 5-minute drive from downtown Sacramento.