When I think about Sacramento, I think about sunshine on tree-lined streets, the scent of fresh produce at weekend farmers’ markets, and the ease of exploring California’s capital without the overwhelming crowds of larger cities. What has surprised me most over the years, though, is how comfortable and welcoming Sacramento can be for families. Every time I’ve visited with kids, I’ve discovered more ways the city feels like it was designed to slow down, relax, and make family travel not just possible, but enjoyable.
The biggest piece of that puzzle for me has always been accommodation. A hotel can feel restrictive when traveling with children—especially when you want space for play, a kitchen to handle picky appetites, and the comfort of something that feels like a home base. That’s why I’ve leaned heavily toward family-friendly apartments when staying in Sacramento. They give flexibility, more privacy, and often a better price than traditional hotels.
In this article, I’ll take you through my personal experiences with some of Sacramento’s best kid-friendly apartments. Each one has its own character, from modern downtown units to suburban villas near parks. Along the way, I’ll share what made them memorable, what other travelers are saying, and the best ways to book them without overspending.
Why I Chose Apartments for Family Stays
The very first time I brought my family to Sacramento, I made the mistake of booking a small hotel room downtown. On paper, it looked fine—close to attractions, with basic amenities—but by the second night, we were all stepping over each other. The kids wanted space to spread out, my partner wanted a quiet corner to read, and I just wanted a kitchen so we didn’t have to eat out three meals a day.
That experience changed everything. Since then, apartments have been my go-to. They give families exactly what they need: bedrooms to spread out, living rooms for downtime, kitchens for quick meals, and sometimes even outdoor spaces. In Sacramento, I’ve found apartments that balance affordability with comfort, and each trip has felt smoother because of it.
Apartment 1: Staybridge Suites Sacramento Airport Natomas
Location: 140 Promenade Circle, Sacramento, CA 95834
When I first pulled into the Natomas area, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Just a few miles from downtown Sacramento and close to the airport, the location felt practical but not flashy. That changed the moment I walked into the Staybridge Suites. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with staff who seemed genuinely happy to help families.
The apartment-style suites here are designed with families in mind. I stayed in a two-bedroom suite, which gave us not only two private bedrooms but also a spacious living area and a full kitchen. The kids immediately claimed the living room sofa for movie nights, while I appreciated the full-size refrigerator for storing snacks and leftovers.
What stood out most was the communal feel. In the mornings, breakfast was included, which meant I didn’t have to scramble to feed everyone. At night, the kids loved splashing in the outdoor pool while I chatted with other parents sitting nearby. It felt more like a community than just a hotel.
Guest Impressions: Many families on review platforms rave about how practical the suites are for longer stays. Parents love the kitchens, and some even mentioned using the free laundry facilities as a lifesaver during road trips.
Booking Tips: I found the best rates on Booking.com after comparing with Expedia. A two-bedroom suite here usually runs between \$190–\$240 per night, depending on the season. My tip is to book early if you’re traveling during summer, as the pool makes this property especially popular with families.
Apartment 2: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Sacramento Cal Expo
Location: 1784 Tribute Road, Sacramento, CA 95815
This apartment-style hotel is tucked near Cal Expo, Sacramento’s fairgrounds and one of the city’s most family-friendly event spaces. On my last trip, I chose it because we were attending a festival nearby, but it turned out to be one of the most convenient stays I’ve ever had.
The apartment setup is simple but effective. I stayed in a one-bedroom suite with a full kitchen, a workspace, and a cozy living area. The kids loved having a pull-out sofa, which gave them their own little nest. The highlight for me was the kitchen—it was fully stocked with cookware, utensils, and even a dishwasher, which made cooking family meals so easy.
The location was another bonus. Within a short drive, we could reach the Sacramento Zoo, Fairytale Town, and downtown museums. Being in the middle of it all meant we could return to the apartment for naps or quick meals without feeling like we were wasting time.
Guest Impressions: Families often describe this property as “convenient” and “comfortable.” I noticed many reviews mentioning how friendly the staff were toward children and how the suites made longer stays stress-free.
Booking Tips: I booked through Marriott’s official site once, but later found slightly better deals on Hotels.com. Rates average around \$160–\$210 per night for a suite. I’ve learned to watch for promotions where kids stay free, which can make the price even better.
Apartment 3: Residence Inn by Marriott Sacramento Downtown at Capitol Park
Location: 1121 15th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
When I wanted to be right in the heart of Sacramento, close to Capitol Park and within walking distance of restaurants, the Residence Inn was my pick. This property feels modern and urban, but it doesn’t sacrifice family comfort.
The apartment-style suites are spacious, with full kitchens and open-plan layouts that make them feel like mini apartments. I stayed in a two-bedroom suite here once, and it felt luxurious—two bathrooms, a generous living room, and plenty of space for everyone to spread out.
What made it special was the location. I could step outside and be in Capitol Park within minutes, where the kids loved running around the gardens. Restaurants and cafés were just down the street, which gave me flexibility when I didn’t feel like cooking.
Guest Impressions: Other families often highlight the location as a major draw. Parents say it’s easy to explore the city on foot, and many mention the complimentary breakfast as a big perk.
Booking Tips: I recommend checking Expedia or Priceline, as they often run discounts for extended stays here. Prices for a two-bedroom suite typically range from \$230–\$280 per night. For budget-conscious families, I suggest looking into Sunday-to-Thursday stays, which are often cheaper than weekends.
Apartment 4: Homewood Suites by Hilton Sacramento Airport-Natomas
Location: 3001 Advantage Way, Sacramento, CA 95834
One of my favorite stays with kids was at the Homewood Suites. Located near the airport but still within a short drive of downtown, this property combines convenience with comfort.
The apartment-style suites feature one or two bedrooms, full kitchens, and large living spaces. What I loved most was how homey it felt—plenty of room for the kids to play without bumping into furniture, and a kitchen that let me whip up quick pasta dinners when we didn’t feel like going out.
The outdoor pool and basketball court were huge hits with the kids. I also appreciated the complimentary evening socials, where snacks and light meals were provided. It meant I didn’t always have to think about dinner.
Guest Impressions: Reviews consistently praise the property for being family-friendly. Parents highlight the free breakfast and evening socials as money-savers, and many mention the quiet, suburban setting as a plus.
Booking Tips: I usually compare rates on Hilton.com and Booking.com. Prices range from \$170–\$220 per night. For the best deals, I recommend signing up for Hilton Honors, as members often get discounts and perks like free Wi-Fi upgrades.
Apartment 5: Extended Stay America – Sacramento – Arden Way
Location: 2100 Harvard Street, Sacramento, CA 95815
Not every trip needs luxury. Sometimes, what families need most is practicality. That’s exactly what Extended Stay America offers. Located near Arden Fair Mall, this apartment-style option is affordable and straightforward, but still provides the essentials that families rely on.
Each suite includes a kitchenette, with a stove, microwave, and refrigerator. While it’s not as fancy as some of the other properties I’ve stayed at, it gives you control over meals, which can save a lot of money on family trips.
I stayed here during a longer visit when I wanted to keep costs down. The location near the mall was convenient for groceries and quick meals, and the staff were helpful when I needed extra kitchen supplies.
Guest Impressions: Reviews are mixed—some guests love the affordability and practicality, while others note that the property feels a bit dated. Still, most families agree that the space and kitchen make it worth the price.
Booking Tips: The lowest rates I found were on Hotels.com and Priceline, sometimes as low as \$110–\$140 per night. My advice is to book refundable rates, as Extended Stay properties often run last-minute discounts.
Platforms I Trust for Booking Family-Friendly Apartments
Over the years, I’ve tried multiple platforms to book apartments in Sacramento, and each one has strengths:
- Booking.com: Great for flexibility with free cancellation options.
- Expedia: Ideal when bundling flights and stays for a better deal.
- Hotels.com: Their rewards program gives you one free night after ten stays, which adds up quickly on family trips.
- Priceline: Helpful for last-minute discounts if you’re flexible.
- Airbnb: Good for unique apartments, though I usually compare carefully with hotel-apartment hybrids for price and amenities.
My biggest piece of advice is to compare across two or three platforms before booking. Prices can vary, and sometimes the official hotel site will offer perks like free breakfast or parking that third-party platforms don’t include.
Tricks I’ve Learned for Saving Money
- Book Early for Summer: Sacramento fills up quickly in June and July. Booking 2–3 months in advance almost always gets better rates.
- Stay Longer for Discounts: Many apartment-style hotels offer reduced nightly rates for stays over a week.
- Use Reward Programs: Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hotels.com Rewards have saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.
- Travel Midweek: Prices are noticeably cheaper from Sunday to Thursday compared to weekends.
- Look for Free Parking: Downtown properties sometimes charge \$25–\$30 per night for parking, which adds up. Staying slightly outside downtown can save that expense.
Every time I’ve stayed in Sacramento with family, the choice of accommodation has shaped the trip. Apartments gave us space to breathe, flexibility with meals, and the comfort of a home away from home. From the community feel of Staybridge Suites to the practical value of Extended Stay America, each option brought its own personality to the trip.
Sacramento is a city that rewards slowing down, exploring parks, wandering museums, and eating together at farmers’ markets. Choosing a family-friendly apartment makes it easier to embrace that rhythm. And with the right booking strategies, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
