I have stayed at this hotel numerous times, which is odd when you consider the fact that I am from Sacramento and still have family there. Regardless, sometimes you need to get away from the ’rents, have some privacy (particularly when long-distance boyfriends are in town), and get someone else to make your bed for a change. The Courtyard Marriott is one of the nicer hotels that I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying, especially because of its price. If you book a couple of weeks in advance and stay on a weekend, you can get a big room with a king-size bed—replete with a plush comforter and high-count sheets—, an office area, a loveseat, and a big ol’ television with cable. As someone who rarely watches TV and definitely does not shell out the extra cash for cable, I appreciate this characteristic immensely.

It’s located in a business park in Natomas, which is an area right outside of downtown Sacramento, in between the city proper and the Sacramento airport. Though there are many businesses nearby, the hotel occupies its own cul-de-sac in a secluded area of the park, which means that, though businesses and restaurants are close, there aren’t any street noises to keep you up at night. Just down the street are various strip malls (hey, this is Sacramento; what did you expect?) for all of your shopping and gastronomic needs. However, I recommend making the five-minute drive into downtown Sacramento for delicious food. There is not much around the hotel except chain restaurants and locally-owned spots not really worth mentioning (Steer clear of the Thai restaurant near the hotel!). Downtown offers an array of awesome eateries guaranteed to satisfy—and why visit a city if not to sample its local goodies? Plus, there’s just way more to do downtown than in Natomas, an area that seems to shut down after 9 p.m.

Speaking of eating, breakfast isn’t included in the cost of the room, but the hotel does serve breakfast in the mornings. They do have a free coffee/tea bar, however. And a free newspaper! What more could you want?