Where to stay in Sacramento, California's food-loving state capital
Restaurant-led hotels champion the farm-to-fork ethos of California's state capital.
Sacramento hovers under the radar thanks to its proximity to San Francisco, but the city is worthy of a stay, not least for the food. Its culinary prowess shines brightest at restaurant-led boutique hotels.
Leading the pack is Kimpton Sawyer. With its mid-century furnishings and alt-pop lobby playlist, guests might feel like they’re checking into the latest vintage-themed Arctic Monkeys music video. It’s effortlessly cool, with velvet seating and scattered plants reflecting downtown Sacramento’s thriving arts and agricultural influences.
The 250 rooms and suites impress with soft curves and rich woods. Request the top floor for skyline views, and a king suite with a balcony for a real treat. You’ll overlook Tower Bridge and the Wild West-themed Old Sacramento district, less than a 10-minute walk away.
The two dining destinations — Revival and Echo & Rig — are among the city’s best. The former is a rooftop cocktail bar and poolside oasis that celebrates the best of California: zingy chicken tacos, freshly shucked oysters and crunchy greens all appear on its relaxed, rotating menu. Head to the poolside lounge from 4pm on weekdays for $2 (£1.60) oysters and drinks promotions.
At ground level, neighbourhood steakhouse Echo & Rig champions Sacramento’s farm-to-fork ethos with a menu featuring small plates, salads and grills. Led by critically acclaimed chef Sam Marvin, the kitchen complements prime cuts of beef with veggies thriving in the region’s fertile ground: colourful tomatoes, fingerling potatoes and crisp salad leaves all grow nearby. From $278 (£221).
This authentic paddlewheel riverboat dates to 1927 and its original staterooms have been refurbished to reflect its Californian boating heritage. Its two restaurants serve locally inspired dishes such as Dungeness crab and it’s moored at the waterfront of the old town. From $109 (£87) B&B.
From the vintage vinyl and guitar-themed lobby decor to the rooftop cocktail bar once frequented by Billie Holiday, this Hyatt screams fun. Rooms are playful yet luxurious, and from 3pm midweek the buzzy bar turns into the city’s best happy hour, with excellent small plates. From $189 (£150).
This downtown hotel has been standing proud since 1925. It’s an opulent residence, with a Michelin-recommended restaurant, Grange, led by Dane Blom, one of Sacramento’s original farm-to-fork champions. From $199 (£158).
All rates quoted are for standard doubles, room only, unless otherwise stated.
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