Set along a wide, quiet bend in the Sacramento River, The Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel & Spa offers a surprisingly elegant escape just minutes from the heart of California’s capital. With views that stretch across the water, this riverside hotel makes a compelling case for a getaway that’s both close to nature and comfortably upscale.
Recently refreshed with a multimillion-dollar renovation, The Westin blends crisp, modern design with spacious interiors. Light and airy common areas invite instant relaxation, and spacious guest rooms are thoughtfully outfitted with Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds, large flat-screens, coffee service, and in some rooms, large, claw-footed soaking tubs. Many feature small private terraces—just enough space for a glass of wine at sunset or morning coffee with a view. Facing west, these balconies take in golden-hour light that reflects off the river and the occasional paddleboarder or passing boat.
One of the property’s standout features is its on-site restaurant, Scott’s Seafood on the River. Long a favorite among locals, the vibrant restaurant has prime placement: a large outdoor terrace overlooking the river, complete with fire pits and clusters of lounge seating. The menu leans toward fresh, sustainably sourced seafood—crab cakes, scallops, miso-glazed salmon—but the prime steaks and seasonal produce hold their own. It’s an ideal spot for a long, lazy brunch or a romantic dinner as the sun goes down and the water glows amber.
For those seeking a deeper level of relaxation, the hotel’s Spa La Lé delivers with a range of treatments designed to soothe and reset. Whether you opt for a full-body massage, a hydrating facial, or a calming scalp therapy, the setting is serene and unhurried. The spa also offers in-room treatments, and couples massages are a popular option for weekenders looking to unwind together.
The hotel’s outdoor pool and whirlpool area are compact but pleasant, and the river trail just beyond the property offers an easy option for a morning jog or bike ride. A private marina is expected to debut in 2025, with plans for dockside events and even open-air movie nights. In the meantime, the hotel’s peaceful setting—removed just enough from the urban buzz—encourages a slower pace.
If Sacramento isn’t already on your radar, the city might surprise you. Beyond its role as the state’s political hub, it has evolved into a culturally rich destination. The food scene continues to earn national attention, thanks to a mix of Michelin-rated restaurants, farmers’ market-driven menus, and a strong farm-to-fork ethos. And the wine scene is often referred to as “the Napa Valley of 30 years ago,” as it remains relatively undiscovered, and many wine tastings are complimentary. For visitors, access to the wine-making process and to the winemakers is a given, and many vintners and winemakers greet wine tasting guests personally.
The city is home to a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters, and festivals. The California State Railroad Museum in the historic district of Old Sacramento is a popular destination for all ages. The now empty and merely ceremonial Governor's Mansion and the Leland Stanford Mansion are both open for tours, as is the State Capitol. The Crocker Art Museum and the California State Library are treasure troves of art and state history. The largest mural ever painted by famed Maynard Dixon, known for his depictions of the American West, can be found in the library’s Gillis Hall. Sutter's Fort State Historic Park is a preserved historical site that provides insight into the early settlement of California and the Gold Rush era. For little ones, Fairytale Town is a charming, storybook-themed playground. For walking, hiking or biking buffs, the 32 mile long American River Parkway is a natural wonder, as are the city’s many parks. Simply walking its tree-lined downtown streets is a lovely adventure; Sacramento is known as the “City of Trees” for having the densest tree canopy of any major city in the world.
For travelers who seek a short and restorative trip—with plenty of room to breathe and just enough activity to fill a weekend—the Westin Sacramento delivers. Whether you're watching the river shift colors at dusk from your balcony, sipping wine by the fire on Scott’s terrace, or simply relaxing in your Heavenly Bed without any agenda at all, this riverfront hotel is worth a peek.
Photos courtesy of Westin Sacramento Riverfront Hotel & Spa
