So you are coming into Sacramento for a few days, and you have kids in tow. Where will you stay? Do you book accommodations downtown near Old Sacramento for it's fabulous location near the waterfront, museums, good eats and shopping? Or do you compromise location for something a little more out of the way, but less expensive and more accommodating to families?
Well, you'll be delighted to know that you don't have to compromise! Despite the influx of weekday convention attendees, state capitol workers and business travelers, Sacramento is also a very family-friendly city. There are plenty of accommodation options to fit everyone's needs, wants and budgets, especially on the weekends when all those business travelers clear out.
Take a look at our recently compiled list of downtown Sacramento's most family-friendly hotels and you just might be surprised at what made the list.
The Top Five:
1 - Embassy Suites Sacramento - Riverfront Promenade. The Embassy tops our list due to a combination of factors. Location, kid-friendly amenities and cost. First, location. Literally steps away from Old Sacramento and the Sacramento River, guests can enjoy a variety of restaurants, shops and museums within walking distance, including the popular California State Railroad Museum. Second, amenities. The obvious, is the signature room suites with 2 t.v.'s in each suite as well as refrigerators and microwaves. Guests also enjoy a cook-to-order breakfast, an indoor pool and spa and DIY laundry facilities. Third, cost. Although the Embassy is not generally known for fitting a tight budget, in Sacramento visitors can take advantage of lower weekend rates as well as some great family packages like the River Cats Grand Slam and the Pizza Family package. $$$
2 - Vagabond Executive Inn Old Town. Next on our list you'll find the Vagabond. A far cry from the Embassy...or is it? The Vagabond might be lacking the luxury and elegance you'll find at the Embassy (or Citizen which is mentioned later,) but not lacking in amenities or location. Located as close as one can get to Old Sacramento without being in Old Sacramento, the Vagabond is a great choice for families on a budget. Here you'll find modest, but clean rooms with microwaves and refrigerators, a complimentary hot breakfast, free parking and wifi, and a heated pool with patio area open year round. No frills here, just nice clean rooms and friendly and accommodating staff. $$
3 - Sacramento Hostel. What? An International hostel made the list? Yep, and here's why. What the hostel lacks in popular family amenities you'd find at other hotels, it makes up for in location, cost, and well..."coolness." The Sacramento Hostel is located just a few blocks from Old Sacramento, the Westfield Downtown Plaza and the California State Capitol. Housed in a unique Victorian property with a very rich history, guests enjoy free parking, a beautiful outdoor garden, patio and barbecue area as well as complimentary breakfast (unique to the International Hostel industry.) You won't find t.v.'s, wifi or a swimming pool, but you will find one guest room with a private bath, and plenty of other guest rooms of various sizes and sleeping accommodations to fit your needs. And, of course, you have access to a fully stocked kitchen for meal preparation. And, you'll meet lots of interesting people from around the world. And it's just really cool. Did I already mention that? $
4 - The Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza. The Holiday Inn sits in yet another great location. Across the street (through a tunnel under the freeway) from Old Sacramento, steps from the Downtown Plaza and just a few blocks from the capitol. Choose from single rooms with two beds or a bed and a sofa sleeper, and refrigerators upon request. Or upgrade to a suite with a kitchennette. No complimentary breakfast here, however, kids always eat free in the restaurant with a paying adult. Kids will love the rooftop (sort of) swimming pool and large patio area. As with the Embassy, the Holiday Inn offers some great family packages (which is what tipped the scales to put it on our list,) so be sure to check them out before you book. $$$$
5 - Holiday Inn Express Sacramento Convention Center. A bit further from old town, yet still within walking distance, you'll find the more secluded and quiet Holiday Inn Express Sacramento Convention Center located just on the cusp of Midtown. This Holiday Inn property is close to the Sacramento Convention Center, and steps away from the Governor's Mansion SHP, the Wells Fargo Pavilion, host to California Musical Theatre's Music Circus series and a variety of great restaurants. Here, you'll enjoy complimentary parking, complimentary hot buffet breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. The only thing missing is a swimming pool, however, if your family plans on checking out all that downtown has to offer, your probably won't even miss it! $$
Honorable Mention:
Delta King Hotel. If you are looking for a unique experience here in Sacramento, the Delta King is the place for you. While not your typical family destination due to smaller than usual guest rooms and lack of amenities such as swimming pool, spa, laundry facilities and gift shop, all those needs get pushed to the wayside when you realize that you are about to embark on a real, live New Orleans River Boat from the past. How cool is that? Guests also enjoy two restaurants, complimentary hot buffet breakfast, and free wifi.
While unfortunately lacking extra bed space, there is a Captain's Suite which can accommodate four, and a couple of additional rooms that can accommodate three guests. I even heard from a good Delta King source that families are welcome to bring a sleeping bag or two if their kids don't mind setting up camp on the floor... $$$
