Get to Know California’s Capital at This Stylish Hotel — Rooftop Pool Included

In contrast to the frenetic scene below me, the Sawyer’s rooftop was an oasis of calm. Chaise lounges and daybeds rimmed the large pool where a few folks were enjoying an evening dip. Others, like me, were content to watch downtown’s high-rises glow as sunset infused the sky with soft orange light.

The rooms and amenities at the Kimpton Sawyer

It was toasty when I arrived at the Sawyer that afternoon. But the warm September temps were no match for the hotel’s cool factor. In the lobby, soaring glass walls, a calming neutral color palette, lots of plants, and clusters of intimate seating areas created a chill atmosphere. The hotel’s daily social hour was in full swing — guests chatted over drinks while a young musician played acoustic covers of indie hits. After checking in, I joined the social hour crew, quenching my thirst with a refreshing pink concoction of grapefruit juice and grenadine.

I headed up to my room where more of the Sawyer’s relaxed urban elegance awaited. The gray, slate blue, and tan color scheme complemented streamlined blonde wood furniture, while a sleek gold floor lamp and side table added a touch of glam. With its upholstered headboard and crisp white linens, the king-size platform bed was a dreamy spot to sleep (and wake up to a morning espresso, thanks to the in-room Nespresso machine). I was also happy to find an endangered species rarely seen in hotels anymore: a mini-bar. (I may have had a midnight rendezvous with a bag of gummy bears.) But the room’s star attraction was in the bathroom: a deep soaking tub perched next to a separate shower.

The Sawyer opened in 2017 with 140 standard rooms, 75 premier rooms, and 35 suites. Situated in 10 stories of a 16-floor building that also includes 45 residential units, the hotel has several ballrooms and suites to accommodate weddings, business meetings, and other gatherings. Rates vary depending on the season. In slower months, a standard king starts at around $275 per night while a one-bedroom suite goes for about $440.

Next door to the rooftop pool on the third floor is a well-equipped gym with 24-hour access, but you can also combine outdoor exercise and sightseeing using Sawyer’s complimentary bikes.

Dining at the Kimpton Sawyer

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A post shared by Revival Sacramento (@revivalatthesawyer)

As dusk settled over DOCO that evening, I settled at a table in Revival, the hotel’s vibey rooftop lounge that connects to the pool area. A wall of glass doors facing the pool was wide open to the balmy evening air, so I felt like I was dining alfresco even though I sat inside. The restaurant’s design was eclectic and captivating: Botanical wallpaper graced the walls. Fiber lamps dangled from the ceiling. Living-room-style seating areas with a mix of low-slung rattan chairs and plush green velvet sofas dotted the room, inviting guests to linger.

I sampled a few of Revival’s light bites. The avocado salad was doused in dressing, but the cheese and charcuterie board, zesty marinated olives, and flourless chocolate cake that I ordered for dessert were tasty.

Next to the lobby on the first floor, Echo & Rig, the hotel’s upscale steakhouse, features heartier offerings in a sophisticated setting. The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch during the week and weekend brunch. On the second floor, at Punch Bowl Social, bowling and other games feature on the menu alongside cocktails and pub fare like nachos and sliders.

Things to do near the Kimpton Sawyer

Get to know the neighborhood

I was tempted to laze away my time at the Sawyer reading and napping poolside, but there’s so much to do within walking distance of the hotel. In addition to dining and shopping at DOCO, you can check out the Crocker Art Museum’s impressive collection of California art or visit the State Capitol, which has a museum and sits in a gorgeous park. On the other side of the pedestrian- and bike-friendly K-Street Tunnel at the edge of DOCO, you’ll find historic Old Sacramento — or Old Sac, as locals call it — and the waterfront.

Crocker Art Museum: 216 O St, Sacramento, CA 95814
State Capitol: 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Deep dive into Old Sacramento

I borrowed one of the hotel’s bikes and pedaled to Old Sac. A quick jaunt across the mall got me to the tunnel where I zipped past colorful mural-adorned walls and, on the other side, found myself in a different world. Instead of DOCO’s expanses of concrete and modern architecture, I was greeted by cobblestone streets lined with ornate nineteenth-century Victorian buildings.

Old Sacramento was founded in 1848 during the California Gold Rush. These days, the historic district caters to tourists with lots of souvenir stores, saloons, restaurants, and more candy shops than Disneyland. Other activities include horse and buggy rides or — on weekends between May and September — 45-minute trips along the river aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad hosted by the California State Railroad Museum. Two buildings down, you can learn more about the region’s fascinating past at the Sacramento History Museum.

My first stop in Old Sac Steamer’s, a casual cafe. I ordered a veggie sandwich for lunch, then snagged an outdoor table on the raised wooden sidewalk. Next door, a duo played classic rock and country tunes. Across the street, families posed for selfies in front of a large grinning jack-o’-lantern even though the weather screamed summer.

California State Railroad Museum: 125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Sacramento History Museum: 101 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Steamer’s: 101 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Bike to nearby nature

After my meal, I headed to the waterfront. To my left, I admired the dramatic view of the yellow Tower Bridge and the Sacramento River flowing beneath it. A few boats bobbed and sailed on the smooth water. If you want to join them, several companies offer river cruises on everything from grand yachts to tiki party boats.

Biking the multi-use trail that hugs the river was blissful. Part of the American River Parkway — the American and Sacramento Rivers converge in Old Sacramento — the trail runs 32 miles to Folsom. I didn’t pedal that far, but within minutes, downtown’s freeway noise faded, and I felt like I was in the country. Cottonwood trees with yellow-tinged leaves rustled in the gentle breeze. A flock of wild turkeys scrounged for lunch in brush below the trail.

I stopped at a small beach below the green metal truss bridge at Jibboom Street. A few people lounged in the shade; a trio of boys splashed in the river. After befriending a group of ducks and geese camped out at the water’s edge, I hopped back on my bike and returned to Old Sac.

Stop to snack and shop

Craving soft-serve ice cream, I made a beeline for Sacramento Sweets Co. The old-fashioned shop looks like something from a Norman Rockwell painting, and the ice cream was as creamy as advertised. Then I poked around some of the other stores. Jam-packed with novelty gifts and themed costumes, Evangeline’s is a must. At Atrium 916, you can browse art, jewelry and clothing created by local makers. Or make your own work of art while sipping tea or kombucha.

Sacramento Sweets Co: 1035 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Evangeline’s: First Floor, 113 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Atrium 916: 1020 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Enjoy the evening ambiance

After regrouping back at the hotel, I ventured out for a sunset stroll across Tower Bridge. I passed through Old Sac on my way back to the Sawyer where the mood was festive: The wooden sidewalks teemed with people out for Friday night fun. Street performers played on corners; classic cars and tricked-out low-rider bicycles cruised the streets. I stopped at Railroad Fish and Chips for popcorn shrimp and people-watching before continuing to the hotel.

Railroad Fish and Chips: 1100 Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Support a local (and tasty) non-profit

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The next morning, I hit the pool for a bit, then walked to Old Sac for breakfast. The day was already warming up when I entered Blueprint Coffee Project, a non-profit that supports those in need in Sacramento. Bright and airy, the coffeehouse provided a welcome respite from the heat, and my iced latte and spinach and feta tart hit the spot. Next door, you’ll find a nice selection of vintage threads and vinyl, plus plants, at The Market. The non-profit shop is an extension of Blueprint Coffee Project, so I didn’t feel guilty for buying a couple of items.

DOCO was hopping when I got back. I passed through a makers’ market where vendors under white tarps peddled a variety of goods. At Golden 1 Center, a morning performance of the circus was just letting out. A sea of attendees flaunting souvenir ringmaster hats and dragon-slayer swords flooded the mall. I dodged the happy crowd and retreated to the Sawyer. Soon, the circus would pack up and roll out of town. It was time for me to do the same.

Blueprint Coffee Project: 1200 2nd St, Sacramento, CA 95814

Getting to the Kimpton Sawyer

Sacramento is one of California’s most accessible cities. If you’re traveling by car, it’s 90 miles from San Francisco via the 101 and I-80 or 385 miles from Los Angeles via I-5. The Kimpton Sawyer is located 11 miles from the Sacramento International Airport (SMF), which is served by many airlines.

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