The Best Hotels to Book in Stockton, California

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.

Wash away the stress of a long drive with a relaxing dip in the ivy and palm-surrounded outdoor pool and hot tub. Fancy a workout instead? This hotel has a clean and spacious fitness center with weights, treadmills and elliptical machines. Afterwards, treat yourself to a black cherry old-fashioned from The Bistro by the firepit, and then drift off to sleep as you watch the latest TV show in your king-sized bed.

Just five minutes’ drive from the Stockton Civic Theater and The Haggin Museum, and less than 20 minutes from The Fruitbowl (a roadside store where you can try local fresh fruits, veggies, and baked goods), this hotel is well-placed for a great Stockton experience. However, the apple-tree filled hotel lobby invites you to stay and enjoy the waterfall in the on-site restaurant, The Orchard Grill. Try the signature Cherry Orchard Salad or filet mignon with red onions, gorgonzola and port wine reduction. Or, belly up to the bar for a beer, wings, and a game at The Canal Street Sports Bar.

Need to spread out a bit? These cozy, modern studios and one- or two-bedroom suites include a living room with a pullout couch and gas fireplace, plus full kitchens. The free grocery shopping service means you don’t even need to stop by your nearest supermarket. If you don’t feel like cooking, tuck into the dungeness crab boil, popcorn crawfish or fried pickles at Captain Crab, just five minutes down the road. Meanwhile, for endless entertainment for the little ones, Pixie Woods (a 1950s-era amusement park) is just eight minutes away.

Try the complimentary cinnamon rolls before you set out to visit Stockton’s beautiful Cambodian Buddhist Temple, Wat Dhammararam, just four minutes down the road. You can stay tranquil with blackout shades that keep out the California sun, when you need (or want) to lie in. The warm, humid indoor pool is also ideal for lounging.

Just North of Stockton is Lodi, known as the most diverse winegrowing region in the United States. A stay at this smart Lodi hotel puts you just minutes from a host of great wineries, including the “hip tasting room” at Riaza Wines, a seven-minute walk up the road. D’Art Wines and Mettler Vineyard are also just down the street. When you’ve had your fill of Tempranillo, White Barbera and Pinotage, recover the next day with the awesome free breakfast, munching on sweet breads and Greek yoghurt.

Drive South from Stockton on I-5 and you’ll find yourself in Lathrop. If you arrive at this hotel hungry and in need of more than a road snack, you’re minutes away from heartier fare. Ghirardelli Outlet and Ice Cream Shop, possibly the best hot fudge sundae you’ll ever have in your life, is just five minutes’ drive away. A bit further out is Hogan’s Haven Acres, which offers burgers and beers, plus alligator racing, right on the bank of the San Joaquin River. Feeling the need to work off these indulgences? There’s an indoor pool and fitness center back at The Hampton Inn. Foosball and ping pong are also available for lower impact options.

Clean, traditionally decorated rooms make this a restful place to stop on a long road trip. Get going in the morning with complimentary eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, and coffee. If the coffee doesn’t wake you up, a dip in the bright turquoise painted indoor pool might do the trick, or if you’re staying in a suite, a soak in the jetted tub should work. Happy trails!