Hyatt Place UC Davis: Your Perfect Davis, CA Getaway!
Hyatt Place UC Davis: More Than Just a Room, It's… Well, Complicated. (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, so I recently stayed at the Hyatt Place UC Davis, and I'm still sorting through my feelings. It's not a perfect hotel, let's just get that out in the open. But it's got charm, it's got…stuff. And honestly, for a getaway in Davis, especially when you're dealing with what feels like a never-ending cycle of Zoom meetings and the existential dread of late-stage capitalism, it's a perfectly decent place to crash.
Metadata/SEO Stuff (Don't worry, I'll try to make it interesting):
- Keywords: Hyatt Place UC Davis, Davis CA Hotels, Accessible Hotel, Free Wifi, Pool, Fitness Center, Breakfast, Family-Friendly, UC Davis, Pet-Friendly (sort of), Dining, Cleanliness, Safety, Travel Review, Hotel Review, California Getaway.
- Description: A warts-and-all review of Hyatt Place UC Davis! Discover what makes this hotel your perfect (or almost perfect) Davis escape. Accessibility, dining, amenities - the good, the bad, and the slightly weird!
Accessibility: The Good, the Questionable
Right off the bat, accessibility is a big deal to me. My grandma uses a walker, and finding a place that's genuinely accommodating is a win. The Hyatt Place gets a solid B+ here. Wheelchair accessible is a definite YES. I saw ramps, elevators, and doors that were wider than my ego. The bathrooms were also designed with accessibility in mind.
Now for the hiccup… I'm not entirely sure how the on-site facilities are accessed. I didn't dive deep into the availability of on-site accessible restaurants / lounges.
The Rooms: My Fortress of Solitude… Sort Of.
My room was… functional. Clean, yeah. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Praise the internet gods! I could stream my doom-scrolling sessions in peace. It wasn't exactly the lap of luxury, but it had everything I needed: a comfy bed (extra long, thank goodness), a decent desk for working (which, let's be honest, is the modern traveler's reality), and a nice big window that actually opens! (A huge plus for my claustrophobia.)
The Internet (and the Lack Thereof of LAN)
Okay, look. I'm old school, and I kinda like LAN cables. Gives me that Matrix vibe. But this place only offered Internet access – wireless. No LAN. The Wi-Fi worked fine, but I'm a paranoid cyber-security freak. I like the safety of a cable! Anyway…Moving on.
Cleanliness & Safety: Pandemic Mode Engaged
I’m a germaphobe. The hotel leaned into sanitization and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and even room sanitization opt-out. They seemed super serious about it. The staff was wearing masks, and I saw hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I appreciate the effort, it made these pandemic anxieties much less worse.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Soul (and the Bloat)
The breakfast buffet was… well, it was a buffet. I'm not sure if it's due to pandemic-related concerns, breakfast can be grabbed to go, which is extremely convinient.
They had a coffee shop (always a win), a bar (another win, especially after those Zoom meetings), and a small snack bar. The restaurants… well, they had a menu. Basic, but good. The poolside bar was a nice touch. The poolside bar was a nice touch, even though it was a bit too cold to actually use the pool when i arrived.
Things to Do (or, How to Avoid Feeling Like a Hermit)
Alright, I'm not gonna lie, this isn't exactly Vegas. But the hotel does offer a few options.
- Fitness Center: It existed! I didn’t use it. I was on vacation, dammit!
- Pool with a View: As mentioned, I didn't utilize it during my stay.
- Spa/Sauna: Don't know.
- Near the UC Davis: If you're into college, art and nature. The best thing to do is walk around.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Daily housekeeping: Love it!
- Concierge: Didn't need it. But nice to know it's there.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Handy if you're a chronic over-packer like me.
- Car park [free of charge]: Another win!
- Cash withdrawal and other services were available, but I didn't utilize these features.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
They advertised themselves as family/child friendly. They offered a babysitting service and even kids meals. Which is great if you have kids.
Getting Around: Navigating Davis
- Airport transfer: No.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes! Bless you.
- Taxi service: Yep.
- Bicycle parking: It was there, but I'm not sure how secure.
- Car power charging station: Also available.
The Quirks, the Flaws, the Stuff That Made Me Go, "Huh."
Okay, here's where it gets real.
- "Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed." What does that even mean?! Are pets allowed, or not? I'm still confused. Should I bring Fluffy or not?
- The room decorations felt a bit…corporate. Like the art was selected to offend absolutely no one.
- The lighting in the bathroom… wasn't ideal for selfies. Priorites.
- I booked for a Couple's room, but I can't verify that.
My Emotional Verdict:
Look, the Hyatt Place UC Davis isn't the Four Seasons. But it's comfortable, clean, and genuinely tries to make your stay easy. It's a good base of operations for exploring Davis, a place to recharge after a day of meetings, or, let's be honest, binge-watching whatever is on Netflix. Would I stay there again? Probably. Would I describe it as a perfect getaway? Nope. But a solid, dependable, and reasonably enjoyable escape? Absolutely. It's a hotel that's… fine. And sometimes, fine is exactly what you need.
Escape to Paradise: Fairfield Inn & Suites Lake City Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my Hyatt Place UC Davis adventure, and trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. Buckle up.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Allure of Avocado Toast (Spoiler: It's California)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Okay, first off, why is it always SO hot when I land in California? Is there a sun conspiracy? Anyway, Uber booked, anxiety levels rising (airport traffic, are you kidding me?!), and mentally preparing for the California cool. I hope the driver doesn't start a conversation about crypto. I. Just. Can't.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at Hyatt Place UC Davis. Found it! Okay, this place seems… clean. That’s good. Lobby is…lobby-ish. Standard hotel things. I was hoping for a little more vibe, but maybe that's asking too much. The front desk person was super nice, though! That's a win. Room key acquired.
- 2:30 PM: Room Inspection. I hate room inspections. I’m convinced I’ll find something horrifying under the bed (like a rogue sock from a previous guest). Okay, clean bed. Good. Clean bathroom. Excellent. Mini-fridge (essential). Free Wi-Fi? Praise be! The view…is literally a parking lot. (Sigh). Okay, focus. I'm here to experience Davis, not gaze at picturesque scenery.
- 3:00 PM: Avocado Toast Quest. Okay, this is crucial. I have one goal: find legendary avocado toast. I've heard whispers of Davis's avocado-fueled paradise, so, Yelp I go. Found a little spot called "The Hot Italian." It seems promising. Walking there…it's hot okay? Maybe the sun conspiracy is something.
- 3:30 PM: Avocado Toast Nirvana (or Close to It). The Hot Italian? Absolutely worth it. Crispy bread, perfectly ripe avocado, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. I swear, I almost cried from the sheer pleasure. My first California moment. Pure bliss! This is why I love traveling. (And maybe it's worth ignoring the sunburn I'm already getting).
- 4:30 PM: Davis Exploration (Brief and Slightly Disorganized). Walked around the UC Davis campus. Beautiful, yes. Overwhelming, slightly. So many students! I felt like an alien. Found the Memorial Union. Very…union-y. Then I got distracted by a squirrel. This is probably going to be a theme, isn't it?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Disaster (and Recovery). Trying to eat like a local so I tried "Sophia's Thai Kitchen" which I'd read great reviews of. My order was a pad thai. The cook somehow managed to cook a truly awful pad thai. It tasted like burnt rubber and sadness. I had a mental breakdown, but then I remembered that the hotel had a microwave. I ate some microwave soup, and suddenly the world was good.
- 7:30 PM: Hotel Room and Bed. I was exhausted. Thank god. I spent some time watching tv and getting ready for bed, then passed out.
Day 2: Bike Bliss, Barnyard Blues, and the Battle for the Perfect Coffee
- 8:00 AM: Wake Up Call, aka the Morning Battle. Ugh. The sun! It's glaring at me through the blinds. Coffee. Coffee is essential. Headed to the free breakfast at the hotel. The options were…well, they were there. I went with the scrambled eggs (questionable at best), some slightly stale toast, and a desperate cup of coffee. It tasted like sadness. I will absolutely have to hunt for a better cup.
- 9:00 AM: Bike Rental and the Freedom of Two Wheels. Davis is a bike town. It’s a thing. Rented a bike from a place downtown and felt immediately like a kid again. Freedom! Wind in my hair (or what's left of it). Rode around campus. Glorious. I felt like a college student again, except I'm 40 something and probably more confused.
- 10:00 AM: The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. Oh my god, it was beautiful. This felt like a fairytale. The trees, the flowers, the little bridges… I'm usually not a "nature person" but this was gorgeous. I even saw a duck.
- 11:00 AM: The Ag History Museum. Okay, a little off-topic, but I'm trying to lean into the Davis experience. The museum was good, but not great. I felt like I was stuck in a time warp.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! I was not going to repeat yesterday's meal mistake. I did some research this time. Went to a taqueria. Absolutely amazing. Perfect tacos.
- 2:00 PM: The Espresso Hunt. I. NEED. COFFEE. I've spent half a day trying to find proper coffee, and I'd heard this place was good. I went to a place called " Temple Coffee Roasters." The menu was intimidating. The barista seemed to know everyone. I ordered a latte, and it was amazing. Worth the search!
- 3:00 PM: Book Browsing Bliss. I wandered into a bookstore. Books smell so good. I bought a book. It was delightful.
- 4:00 PM: Downtime. I went back to my hotel and passed out for a few hours. It's necessary for relaxation.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I'm ready to repeat yesterday's success. And I did. Tonight I ate at " Burgers & Brews." It was perfect.
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime.
Day 3: Farewell, California (and Maybe a Slight Existential Crisis)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast…and Regret. More hotel breakfast. Managed to choke down some cereal. I'm pretty sure I need a detox cleanse when I get home.
- 9:00 AM: Last Minute Wanderings. I hit up the campus again. So much green, so many bikes.
- 10:00 AM: Last Coffee. One last coffee. One last taste of this paradise, before the madness of the airport. I went to a place called " Mishka's Cafe" and got a latte that was good enough to make me sad.
- 11:00 AM: Pack and Check out of the hotel. I was sad to be leaving. I guess I'll go home and think about booking another trip for next year.
- 12:00 PM: Drive to Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Traffic wasn't too bad.
- 1:00 PM: Goodbye! Goodbye, California, maybe the sun conspiracy is real. Goodbye, Davis. Until next time, Avocado Toast.
- 2:00 PM: Flight.
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and slightly caffeinated adventure in Davis. Did I see everything? Definitely not. Did I eat some questionable food? Absolutely. Did I have a great time? Mostly. Would I go back? You bet your avocado toast I would. This kind of trip is what it's all about!
Keystone's BEST Condos? Unbelievable Evergreen Views!
Hyatt Place UC Davis: Seriously, What's the Deal? (My Thoughts & Yours!)
Is Hyatt Place UC Davis actually *good*? Like, is it worth the money?
Okay, let's be real. "Good" is subjective, right? But yes, generally, I'd say it *is* pretty good! If you're visiting Davis, especially for UC Davis stuff, its location is a major win. You can practically roll out of bed and be on campus. The price? Well, it fluctuates like crazy. During graduation week? Forget about it, you'll be paying a king's ransom. Off-season? Might snag a decent deal. Check prices, compare, and honestly, read recent reviews—they change all the time. I remember one trip, it was a total steal; the next, I felt like I paid for the privilege of existing in air conditioning. Welcome to travel, I guess.
What are the room sizes and amenities like? Is the free breakfast actually edible?
Rooms are…Hyatt Place rooms. Which is to say, they’re consistently reliable. Not palatial, but spacious enough, with a decent-sized work area. Microwaves and mini-fridges are your best friends. The bathroom? Functional, but not exactly Pinterest-worthy. Now, the breakfast... Ah, the breakfast. Let's just say it varies. Sometimes it's a glorious oasis of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon (well, okay, *sometimes* crispy), and fresh fruit. Other times? Let's just say I’ve developed a deep affection for the instant oatmeal (you know, the kind you doctor up yourself with bananas). I was there during a conference once, and I swear, they were *out* of everything by 8:00 AM. Just sad, sad coffee and a few sad, lone bagels. I’m still traumatized. So, manage your expectations, folks. It's free, and sometimes, that's all that matters.
What about the parking? Is it a nightmare?
Okay, this is a crucial question, because parking in Davis in general can be a soul-crushing experience. The Hyatt Place has its own parking, and *thank goodness*. It's not always perfect. Sometimes it's tight, especially if there's a big event at the university. But, overall, it's convenient and you’re not wandering the streets at 1 AM looking for a spot. Just be prepared to circle a bit during peak times. I once saw a guy trying to parallel park a monster truck into a regular-sized space. I have no idea why, but it was the most Davis thing I've ever witnessed. Thankfully, most parking experiences there are less epic.
Is there a pool? Because, sometimes, you just need a pool.
Yes, there *is* a pool! And it's actually pretty nice. It's not Olympic-sized or anything, but it's a welcome relief after a long day of campus exploration or just, you know, sweating in the California sun. I've spent many a happy afternoon lounging by that pool with a book, occasionally dunking myself to cool off. The only downside? Sometimes, it can get a little crowded, especially on weekends. But hey, you win some, you lose some. It's a pool. Be grateful.
Is it family-friendly? Is there anything for kids to do?
Yep! It's definitely family-friendly. They have cribs available (call in advance to make sure you get one!). The pool is a big draw for kids. The breakfast situation, as discussed, can be a lifesaver. There's usually plenty of space in the rooms for families to spread out. Davis itself is also a pretty good spot for kids, with parks, the Arboretum, and the Explorit Science Center nearby. I took my niece there once and she loved it (though she did complain about the lack of chocolate chip cookies…kids!). So, yes, good for families. Just pack snacks.
What about the location? Is it truly convenient for UC Davis?
This is where the Hyatt Place really shines. It's *right there*. Seriously, you can practically see the university from the hotel. This is HUGE. You can walk to campus, drive a very short distance, or hop on one of the free campus buses. It's super convenient for parents visiting students, conference attendees, or anyone who needs quick access to the university. Saved me a ton of gas and sanity during move-in week with my younger sibling. Seriously. Location, location, location. It's the main reason to stay here, honestly.
Are there any restaurants or shops nearby?
Yes! There are some restaurants within easy walking distance, including a few chains, and some local spots (check out the reviews!). A short drive will get you to downtown Davis, which has a ton of options, from casual cafes to more upscale dining. As for shopping, you have a pretty decent selection of shops, and the university has a bookstore (duh!). Target and Trader Joe's are a quick car ride away for stocking up on essentials (essential snacks, obviously). I’m a big fan of Davis Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, it is nearby but check if its open. It’s a total vibe.
What's the Wi-Fi like? Because, priorities.
Usually, pretty decent. Fast enough for streaming and video calls, which is all I ask for these days. It’s not been perfect, but generally better than some other hotel experiences I’ve had. Always check the recent reviews, though, because Wi-Fi can be a fickle beast. If you absolutely need a rock-solid connection, consider bringing a mobile hot spot, just in case. I once had to give a presentation from my hotel room. The Wi-Fi was not my friend that day, and I nearly had a complete meltdown. So, yeah...check that Wi-Fi ahead of time.
Any hidden gems or things to be aware of? Any major negatives?
Okay, here are a few things:
- Noise: Rooms facing the street can get some traffic noise. Ask for a room on the inner courtyard if you're a light sleeper.
- Pet Policy: Check the policy if you're bringing a pet. There might be extra fees and restrictions.
- Housekeeping: Sometimes, housekeeping can be a little… hit or miss. Don't be afraid to ask for extra towels or toiletries.
- Consider the time of year: Davis gets *hot* in the summer. Make sure your room has good AC! And be aware that during peak seasons (graduation, move-in), prices will be inflated.
- My Own Personal Pet Peeve: The elevators are sometimes a bit slow. Be patient. Or, take the stairs if youBudget Hotel GuruHyatt Place Uc Davis Davis (CA) United States
Hyatt Place Uc Davis Davis (CA) United States
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