Best Western Sandman Motel Sacramento

The last time Mom was in town with her poochie, we stayed at the La Quinta Inn and this time we tried another one down the street as the rate was better and we needed a room with a fridge since she was in town for a week.

We booked online at the last minute and the AAA rate for two queen beds was about $15 more a night so we kept at the single King. When we arrived, they "upgraded" us and we got lucky with two queen beds, no extra charge.

It seems they put the pet owners in the rear which is nice as you feel like you are disturbing other people less. And the charge is super reasonable - $25 per pet per stay. (We had looked at an Extended Stay America and it was $25 a day, max $125 per visit - if you are there for a month that may be ok but 5 nights not so much).

For a motel, I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The grounds were nicely landscaped (these beautiful Redwood sculptures all over premises - the largest collection in the world I read). There is a pool an spa, guest laundry, our room was near the gym, and we had a nice breakfast room. Bagels, raisin bread, make your own waffles, hard boiled eggs, danishes, cereals and fresh fruit. The room got a little hot with the waffle maker going (it was a really hot week as well which didn't help) so we took trays in ate in the room every day which was better with the dog anyways.

They offer free wireless Internet but the only thing is you have to get a unique log on from the front desk. And you have to have a separate one for each computer. Just make sure you request one for the length of your stay otherwise you have to get a new one every 24 hours.

Lastly, guests have private gate access to the Sac/American River path and can access it with your room key, allowing you to walk or bike along the river path there. Of course, still cottonwood season so I was sneezing my head off when we walked up the one time!

There is a restaurant "on site" called Coyote Junction. I have never eaten there but heard very mixed reviews online. Being so close to the downtown area (one exit) I would suggest going into midtown for dinner.

Overall, I have to say I was rather impressed with the level of service here given our rate was about $60 a day. It was not a bad place to stay and having the microwave and fridge were certainly a bonus. We will probably stay here again if we end up back in Sac with the pooch.