The Vine Inn Davis tops the list with a 9.7 location score and 9.2 comfort rating. For downtown access with full dining, Best Western University Lodge matches a 9.5 location with a praised breakfast. Both put Davis’s core at your doorstep.
Downtown Davis’s grid of shops, cafes, and the UC Davis campus makes walkability king. This guide zeroes in on 11 properties where location scores hit 8.8 and higher.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 11 properties and 4200+ total verified guest reviews to compile this list, prioritizing properties with an average guest score of 8.3/10 and clean 8.4+ cleanliness ratings.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Top location downtown: #4 The Vine Inn Davis→ Rates
#10 Best Western Plus Palm Court→ Rates - Best for families: #8 Holiday Inn Express Davis→ Rates
- Pet-friendly stay: #1 La Quinta by Wyndham Davis→ Rates
- Highest overall rating: #8 Holiday Inn Express Davis→ Rates
- Budget-friendly downtown: #11 Aggie Inn Davis→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. La Quinta by Wyndham Davis | (900+ Reviews) |
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| 2. University Park Inn & Suites | (800+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Prodigy Hotel, a Days Inn by Wyndham | (600+ Reviews) |
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| 4. The Vine Inn Davis | (350+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Hyatt Place UC Davis | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Hyatt House Davis | (300+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Best Western University Lodge | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Hilton Garden Inn Davis Downtown | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Best Western Plus Palm Court Hotel | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Aggie Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel | (100+ Reviews) |
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Hotel Reviews: Highest-Rated Downtown Davis Stays
1. La Quinta by Wyndham Davis
The Vibe
This La Quinta sits on Research Park Drive, a mile from the UC Davis campus and the Davis Farmers Market. The 8.4 cleanliness and 8.8 location scores reflect a solid, reliable base. Guest reviews call out the “excellent location, staff, breakfast, and clean” rooms — it’s a fuss-free pick.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with air conditioning and city views. The outdoor swimming pool is open seasonally, and free private parking saves $17+ per day compared to some downtown competitors. Pets are allowed for a non-refundable $20 per night (max $40 per stay). The hotel’s restaurant reservation service adds convenience, though breakfast quality drew positive mentions. Check-in starts at 3 PM, no age restriction applies, and groups booking 10+ rooms face separate policies.
Choose this if: You’re traveling with a pet and want free parking steps from UC Davis.
2. University Park Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel
The Vibe
This 4-star property on Richards Boulevard leans into comfort — the 8.8 comfort score is its top mark. Guests describe “lovely property with nice rooms and shaded walking paths.” It’s a mile from campus, making it ideal for visitors wanting a quieter stay with pool access.
What You Actually Get
Every room features pillow-top mattresses and sofa-beds, paired with an 8.6 facilities score. The outdoor swimming pool is open in warmer months, and free parking is available on-site. Note: the hotel does not serve breakfast, despite its 4-star status. Wi-Fi scores 7.4 — decent but slower than properties closer to downtown. Check-in starts at 4 PM (later than most on this list). Pets are allowed for a $50 fee per pet per night. Children over 12 are welcome, with those 18+ charged as adults.
Choose this if: You value a cushy mattress and a shaded pool over a free breakfast.
Check Tonight’s Price for University Park Inn & Suites, an Ascend Collection Hotel →
3. Prodigy Hotel, a Days Inn by Wyndham
The Vibe
Situated 4 miles from UC Davis on Chilles Road, this Days Inn comes in as a budget-friendly option with a Wi-Fi score of 8.8 — the best connectivity in this list. Guests call it “a tucked away little place” with clean rooms and an 8.5 cleanliness rating.
What You Actually Get
All rooms have interior entrances — no exterior corridors. The fitness center and outdoor swimming pool are open to guests. A continental breakfast is included. Pet fees run $20-25 per night, and guests note a dip in the floor leading to the bathroom in some rooms (check reviews for the specific unit). Check-in closes at 11:30 PM, so late arrivals need to plan ahead. Credit cards must have an EMV chip for payment.
Choose this if: You need fast Wi-Fi and don’t mind being a short drive from campus.
Check Tonight’s Price for Prodigy Hotel, a Days Inn by Wyndham →
4. The Vine Inn Davis
The Vibe
The Vine Inn is the downtown champ with a 9.7 location score — the joint highest on this list. On D Street, it’s an 18-minute walk from the Mondavi Center and sits right in Davis’s walkable core. The 9.1 cleanliness and 9.2 comfort scores tell a consistent story of well-maintained, thoughtful rooms.
What You Actually Get
This 2-star hotel punches well above its class. Rooms come appointed “with great thought for the traveler,” per guest quotes. Free parking is available on-site — a rare downtown perk. Wi-Fi clocks in at 7.5, adequate for browsing but not heavy streaming. Pets are not allowed. The property doesn’t list a pool or fitness center, but the location means you’re steps from Davis’s cafes and shops. Note: there’s no elevator, so request a street-level room if stairs are a concern.
Choose this if: You want to park once and walk everywhere in downtown Davis.
5. Hyatt Place UC Davis
The Vibe
Hyatt Place UC Davis sits on Old Davis Road Extension with a 9.1 location score — right next to campus. Guests here return repeatedly: “We have stayed at least 3 times,” one review notes. The property balances pet-friendliness with a year-round outdoor pool.
What You Actually Get
Rooms feature private bathrooms and air conditioning. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast (included in rate) and dinner. Parking costs $17 per day, private and on-site. The fitness center and outdoor swimming pool are operational year-round. Pets are allowed with charges. Wi-Fi scores a low 6.7 — expect sluggish speeds. Check-out is a generous 12 PM, later than most competitors. Staff scores 8.6, and cleanliness hits 8.6. The 7.9 value score suggests you’re paying a premium for the brand and location.
Choose this if: You want a known brand with a restaurant and pool steps from UC Davis.
6. Hyatt House Davis
The Vibe
Hyatt House Davis sits on Cowell Blvd, 6.3 miles from UC Davis, making it a better fit for visitors with a car or who want space. The 9.1 staff score is among the highest in this list, with guests praising “Leilani at the front desk” by name for exceptional service.
What You Actually Get
This 4-star property offers one-bedroom suites with queen beds plus studio kitchen suites with sofa beds — the only hotel on this list with full kitchen options. Free bikes let you explore Davis’s bike-friendly paths. An outdoor pool, fitness center, and American breakfast (included) round out the amenities. Private parking is available on-site. Wi-Fi scores 9.0 — excellent for streaming and work. Pets are allowed on request with applicable charges. Check-out is at 12 PM, and late check-outs are accommodated based on availability.
Choose this if: You need a kitchen suite or want free bikes to explore Davis.
7. Best Western University Lodge
The Vibe
On B Street, Best Western University Lodge sits 0.5 miles from UC Davis with a 9.5 location score. Guests consistently call breakfast “the best ever” — the very good breakfast included is a standout. The 9.3 staff score and 9.0 cleanliness reinforce its reputation as a well-run downtown pick.
What You Actually Get
This 3-star hotel delivers where it counts: staff, cleanliness, and location all score 9.0+. Free private parking is available on-site — rare for downtown Davis. The fitness center is open to guests. Wi-Fi scores 7.8, reliable for general use. Pets are allowed on request with charges. Note: only 4 rooms have couches in the sitting area, and they’re all on the second floor. Ground-floor rooms are standard-only. Children 13+ are charged as adults. Groups booking 10+ rooms face separate policies. An early check-in is possible, subject to availability.
Choose this if: You want a downtown location with free parking and a breakfast guests rave about.
8. Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area by IHG
The Vibe
Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area posts the highest overall rating in this guide: 9.0/10. The staff score of 9.6 is the single highest guest score across all 11 properties. Guest reviews call the front desk “amazing and accommodating” and highlight the “very nice swimming pool.”
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with a microwave, mini-fridge, and 48-inch TV as standard — plus air conditioning. The seasonal outdoor pool and fitness center are available. A very good breakfast is included. Free private parking is on-site. Wi-Fi scores 9.0, excellent for streaming. Pets are not allowed. Check-in is at 4 PM, later than most. All scores are 9.0 or above except value (9.0) — this is a consistent performer across the board. Groups booking 7+ rooms face separate policies. The property also offers bike availability per guest reviews.
Choose this if: You want the highest-rated property in Davis with staff that consistently wows guests.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area by IHG →
9. Hilton Garden Inn Davis Downtown
The Vibe
Hilton Garden Inn on F Street sits in downtown Davis with an 8.8 location score. It’s a boutique-style property offering bike hire — a nod to Davis’s bike culture. The 7.2 overall rating is the lowest on this list, but the 8.9 staff score suggests the service is solid.
What You Actually Get
Rooms feature French balcony sliding doors and full sit-out balconies — the only property on this list offering private outdoor space. This is a 100% non-smoking property. Wi-Fi scores 8.8, good for streaming. Pets are allowed on request with charges. A good breakfast is included. Private parking is available at the hotel for a fee. Check-in is at 3 PM, check-out at 11 AM. The 7.7 cleanliness and 7.9 comfort scores are okay but not standout. Guests note the staff handles requests well, though the property has limited reviews (100+) compared to competitors.
Choose this if: You want a downtown balcony and don’t need top-tier cleanliness scores.
Check Tonight’s Price for Hilton Garden Inn Davis Downtown →
10. Best Western Plus Palm Court Hotel
The Vibe
Best Western Plus Palm Court on D Street shares the 9.7 location score with The Vine Inn — tied for the best in this guide. This 4-star property offers spacious suites with balconies, an on-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and jacuzzi tubs in select suites. Guest reviews highlight rooms “beyond expectations” and “super comfortable” beds.
What You Actually Get
Suites feature balconies, mini-bars, and flat-screen TVs. Some suites include spa tubs and fireplaces — check availability when booking. Free private parking is available on-site. Wi-Fi scores 9.4 — excellent for streaming and remote work. The fitness center and restaurant (serving all three meals) add convenience. Pets are not allowed. Children 13+ are charged as adults. Walk-ins are accepted at any hour with 24/7 front desk service. The 9.1 comfort score and 8.7 cleanliness make this a reliable downtown pick.
Choose this if: You want a downtown suite with a jacuzzi, balcony, and restaurant downstairs.
Check Tonight’s Price for Best Western Plus Palm Court Hotel →
11. Aggie Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
The Vibe
Aggie Inn on First Street is a 4-star property with a 9.6 location score — a 12-minute walk from the Mondavi Center and 1 mile from UC Davis. Guests describe “great ambiance” and note it’s “very clean, easy to park and walk everywhere.” The 9.5 Wi-Fi score ties for the fastest connection in this guide.
What You Actually Get
Rooms feature private bathrooms, bathtubs, and air conditioning. Free parking is available on-site — a rare downtown perk combined with a 9.6 location score. Wi-Fi scores 9.5, making this a top pick for remote workers. One King Cottage Suite includes a full kitchen (the only kitchen option downtown). Pets are not allowed. The fitness center is available. Check-in is at 3 PM, check-out at 11 AM. The 9.1 staff and 9.1 cleanliness scores match the excellent overall rating. Note: the hotel has never been pet-friendly, despite some online confusion.
Choose this if: You need fast Wi-Fi, free parking, and want to walk everywhere in downtown Davis.
Check Tonight’s Price for Aggie Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#8 Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area
The only property with every guest score category at 9.0+, led by a 9.6 staff rating and a 9.0 overall — consistency you can trust.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area by IHG →
💰 Best Value
#4 The Vine Inn Davis
A 9.7 location score with 9.1 cleanliness and free downtown parking at a 2-star price point — unbeatable quality-to-cost ratio.
🚶 Most Walkable
#11 Aggie Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel
9.6 location, 9.5 Wi-Fi, free parking, and a full kitchen suite option — the smartest downtown choice for remote workers.
Check Tonight’s Price for Aggie Inn, an Ascend Collection Hotel →
How We Ranked These Hotels in Downtown Davis
I evaluated 11 properties near downtown Davis using 4200+ guest reviews, filtering for those with 8.0+ overall scores and 100+ verified reviews. The ranking prioritizes consistency across staff, cleanliness, comfort, and especially location — the key metric for downtown walkability.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 100+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized location, cleanliness, and comfort — the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Distance to UC Davis campus and walkability to downtown Davis’s dining and shops
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these downtown Davis hotels?
Yes, several properties allow pets. La Quinta by Wyndham Davis charges $20/night (max $40 total) for pets. University Park Inn & Suites charges $50/pet/night. Prodigy Hotel (Days Inn) charges $20-25/night per pet — limit of 2 pets under 30 lbs each. Hyatt Place UC Davis and Hyatt House Davis allow pets on request with charges. Hilton Garden Inn Davis Downtown allows pets on request. Best Western University Lodge allows pets on request with charges. The Vine Inn Davis, Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area, Best Western Plus Palm Court Hotel, and Aggie Inn do not allow pets.
Which hotels offer free cancellation?
All 11 properties on this list have cancellation and prepayment policies that vary by room type and booking date. You’ll see the specific cancellation terms when you enter your stay dates and select a room. Generally, flexible-rate rooms offer free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before check-in, while non-refundable rates are cheaper but lock in your booking. Always check the cancellation policy before confirming — especially for peak UC Davis event weekends.
What’s the best time to visit Davis, California?
Davis has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (average highs 90°F in July-August) and cool, wet winters (40-55°F, rainy). The best times are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures range 60-80°F and the UC Davis campus is in full bloom or autumn color. Avoid July-August unless you’re fine with extreme heat — the outdoor pools at La Quinta, Hyatt Place, and Holiday Inn Express become essential. UC Davis graduation in June and home football games in fall drive hotel rates up, so book early.
How do I get from Sacramento Airport (SMF) to downtown Davis?
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is 13 miles from Davis — roughly a 20-25 minute drive without traffic. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) costs around $35-50. Yolobus Route 42B runs between SMF and the Davis Amtrak station for $4 per ride, though service is limited to weekdays. Rental cars are available at SMF from all major agencies. Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor also connects Sacramento’s downtown station to Davis for $12-18, but you’d need a connecting bus from SMF to Sacramento’s station first. If you’re staying at the Hyatt Place UC Davis or Holiday Inn Express on Research Park Drive, a rental car or rideshare is your most practical option.
Which downtown Davis hotels have the best breakfast?
Best Western University Lodge has the most praised breakfast — guests call it “the best breakfast ever.” Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area includes a very good breakfast with its 9.0 rating. Hyatt Place UC Davis includes breakfast, and Best Western Plus Palm Court Hotel has an on-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Note: University Park Inn & Suites does not serve breakfast despite its 4-star rating. The Vine Inn Davis and Aggie Inn don’t list breakfast as a facility — plan to eat at downtown cafes like Crepeville or the Davis Farmers Market (Saturdays year-round, Wednesdays in season).
Can I check in late at any of these Davis hotels?
Most properties have 24-hour front desk service or evening check-in options. Prodigy Hotel (Days Inn) has the strictest check-in window: 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM — late arrivals must call ahead. La Quinta, Hyatt Place UC Davis, Hyatt House Davis, Best Western University Lodge, Hilton Garden Inn, Best Western Plus Palm Court, and Aggie Inn all accept late check-ins with advance arrangement. Holiday Inn Express Davis-University Area has a 4:00 PM check-in start but accepts late arrivals. Best Western University Lodge allows early check-in subject to availability — just call the front desk when you arrive.