Hilton Sacramento Arden West

The Hilton Sacramento Arden West is a classic business hotel with over 300 rooms and 18,000 square feet of event space, so it hums with activity when corporate groups are staying here. But with a free shuttle to the nearby Arden Fair Mall and substantially lower rates on weekends, many couples and families stay here as well. The two-story lobby is a modern and updated space, though its dark wood paneling and columns lend a touch of traditional style. Reddish orange is the featured accent color that offsets the light earth tones used for the floors and many walls, with bright chairs and a large rug that occupies the center of the space. The lobby's coffee bar stays busy serving Starbucks in the morning. A cozy, conservatory-like nook offers an inviting area to relax, with comfortable chairs and tropical plants under a glass ceiling and a bank of floor-to-ceiling windows. Overall, the spaces are clean and contemporary, though there's nothing that sets them apart from other Hilton properties -- the chain look is generic and lacks character, but that's to be expected. Nevertheless, interiors are pleasant and modern, and there are plenty of amenities offered that make for a comfortable stay.

This Hilton is located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, in a mostly commercial district adjacent to Interstate 80 (Capital City Freeway). The area is relatively quiet, especially in the evenings when surrounding offices conclude their daily activities. There's not much within walking distance, and the area lacks restaurants, shops, or attractions. The upscale Arden Fair Mall is just a three-minute drive away, however, and features several department stores, plenty of shopping, and some dining options as well. The hotel operates a free shuttle to the mall. Old Sacramento, the Sacramento Convention Center, Sutter's Fort, and Capitol Park can be reached in about 10 minutes by car, while McClellan Airfield and the McClellan Conference Center are a bit under a 15-minute drive. The Sacramento Zoo is about a 15-minute drive, as are the Arco Arena and California State University Sacramento. Sacramento International Airport is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Awash in shades of brown and beige, these modern rooms are tastefully (if a bit generically) decorated. Matching espresso-finish wood furniture includes desks and large headboards that complement the patterned carpet. The deep colors create somewhat dark spaces, though they're cheered up a bit by bright white duvets and handsome ceramic tops on the nightstands, dressers, and desks. Modern art on some walls adds splashes of color. The rooms are clean and average in size, but big enough for comfort. 

The Hilton Suite Dreams beds have earned high praise from past guests for being comfortable. Standard options include Double Queen and King, with a King option that offers sleeper sofas. Two-bedroom suites are also available, as are Executive Rooms. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, -fridges, coffeemakers, safes, free Wi-Fi, and iHome alarm clocks, plus some have microwaves. The bathrooms are a bit small, but nicely decorated with dark granite atop roomy wood vanities painted white. Beige tile covers the floors and frames the shower/tub combos. Peter Thomas Roth toiletries and magnifying mirrors are provided. The rooms are relatively quiet, and they offer mostly ho-hum views of the hotel grounds and surrounding buildings. Suites and Executive Rooms include access to the 12th-floor Concierge Lounge that offers a free continental breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, an honor bar, and evening treats. 

Catering mainly to business travelers, the hotel offers plenty of amenities aimed at their main clientele, with 18,000 square feet of meeting space, an outdoor events terrace, a business center that’s open 24/7, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. The fitness center is also open 24/7 and is well equipped with Precor cardio and weight-training machines as well as free weights. The outdoor pool is a bit small, but it’s in a nice setting with palm trees, loungers, and a hot tub. 

On-site dining options include the Harvard Street Grill, a full-service restaurant that serves steaks and comfort food for lunch and dinner, as well as offering a daily hot breakfast buffet (not included in room rates). The Cameo Lounge also provides a lunch and dinner menu, while the Cafe Expresso serves Starbucks coffee and to-go items during breakfast hours. Snacks can be purchased at the hotel gift shop, plus room service is available.

The hotel operates a free shuttle to the nearby Arden Fair Mall that’s home to restaurants and upscale shopping. The shuttle does not run to the airport or downtown, however. Parking is on-site, but it’s not free. Concierge services include valet laundry and dry cleaning, and guest laundry facilities are available. Pets are welcome with a surcharge, and free "USA Today" newspapers are available on weekdays.