At the intersection of Business Interstate 80 and Harbor Boulevard, Ramada Inn is just a three-minute drive from the state Capitol in downtown Sacramento. Your stay includes complimentary continental breakfast, free high-speed internet, and mini-fridge and microwave in each room. The property features a spa, pool, laundry facility, 24-hour front desk service, and on site restaurant and bar. Discounts are available for club members and seniors.

An eclectic mansion standing out from the anonymous facades of modern government buildings in downtown Sacramento, the Sacramento Youth Hostel is a prime example of the whimsical Italianate-Stick architectural style echoed in the designs of the Governor's Mansion and Crocker Museum nearby. Today, travelers enjoy the wonderfully crafted interior details. Modern comforts include an extensive travel library, fully equipped kitchen, game room, laundry, bicycle storage and wheelchair accessibility. The wraparound veranda naturally lends itself to socializing. Room rates include tax. Groups are welcome.

The interior of the Best Western Palm Court Hotel has a soaring atrium and tasteful lobby with overstuffed furniture and a massive wooden reception desk decked out in earth tones. Each suite comes equipped with a refrigerator, cable TV, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Flanking the stylish entryway is Cafe Bernardo, which offers eclectic Italian-Thai cuisine. In addition, the hotel has a spa, exercise facility and underground parking.

The Aggie Inn is quietly luxurious and cozy. Thirty-four rooms extend in wings half a block back from the lobby. Several pastoral cottages are also available. One cottage sports a Jacuzzi and its own fireplace. At only two blocks away on the edge of downtown, this is a top choice with visiting parents and friends of students. Early in the morning muffins, bagels and coffee are served in the breakfast room, and afterwards you can relax in the sauna and spa which are on the premises. Small cats and dogs are allowed with a deposit.

Best Western Shadow Inn has 120 rooms on two levels surrounding an inner palm-fringed courtyard. The rooms look in on a 30 feet pool and an outdoor spa. Continental breakfasts are served daily. This inn is conveniently located within short driving distances of Old Sacramento, historic Auburn, UC Davis and the wine country. Dozens of restaurants offering a variety of ethnic cuisine as well as movie theaters, coffeehouses and more are about one mile away in downtown Woodland.

The rooms at Hallmark Inn are typical hotel rooms, but the out-of-the-ordinary perks are what makes this lodging appealing. One suite features a Jacuzzi in the bathroom. All guests are invited to enjoy complimentary cocktails served beside the swimming pool. The gift shop is open 24 hours a day and features all sorts of emergency gear from antacid tablets to batteries, as well as snacks, drinks and California newspapers. Dozens of restaurants and boutiques are within walking distance.

The University Park Inn offers standard rooms to fully equipped, two-room suites for those wishing to travel while enjoying all the amenities. The suites include essentials like coffee makers, refrigerators, microwaves, irons, ironing boards and wet bars. Though located close to the freeway and the major entrance to downtown Davis, the grounds are surprisingly quiet. The lush landscaping includes a secluded swimming pool. Pets are welcome but require a deposit.

This AAA-approved motel is only 50 yards from the East Street Interstate 5 exit for north Woodland. Each room at Valley Oaks Inn is moderately priced and is equipped with a refrigerator. Other perks include laundry service, a heated pool and spa, and cable TV. The reception desk is manned, and coffee is available 24 hours a day. Continental breakfast (sweet rolls and fresh fruit) is served in the lobby. Although close to the freeway, the neighborhood is very quiet.

At Howard Johnson Hotel there is a guest laundry, and once that chore is finished, there is complimentary popcorn in the lobby to go with the free HBO movies. A good-sized pool and spa are found in the central courtyard, where you can swim as much as you want or get yourself pampered. The facility accepts AAA, AARP, armed forces, government and UC Davis discounts.

Completely remodeled inside and out, this AAA-approved hotel is conveniently located in downtown Davis. The rooms at the Best Western University Lodge are furnished with traditional motel furniture. Each room (single or double) comes equipped with a kitchenette (microwave, coffeemaker and mini refrigerator), cable TV and free local telephone service. The hotel is situated in the middle of good restaurants and shops, where you can go on a spending spree.