University Plaza Waterfront Hotel, for views of San Joaquin River

Located at the end of the San Joaquin River, this hotel is right on the waterfront, with river view rooms available by request. Pillowtop king beds mean you’ll sleep easy every night, and the coffee machines with Starbucks pods will have you starting your day with a solid cup of joe. Full-size fridges in the rooms mean you don’t need to splash out at mealtimes, but we’ve heard the molten chocolate cake dessert down in The Bistro on-site restaurant is to die for.