Heading to Davis, California, to visit your college student at UC Davis, but not keen on being stuck in a dorm room or a cramped Airbnb? We don’t blame you.
Davis may be all about the college vibe, but just beyond campus, there’s a surprising array of luxury stays that’ll let you live large while keeping your eco-conscious cred intact. Think chic suites and stylish retreats that offer comfort and charm far beyond your child’s dorm.
If you’ve been following the Elsewhereism trend (seeking travel experiences that feel refreshingly different), Davis and nearby neighborhoods deliver.
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Davis
From the second you walk through the doors of this luxury stay, you’ll feel instantly welcomed and zen. The bright, open lobby, dotted with art from local Davis artists, instantly feels like a little slice of the city’s personality. Beyond the Hilton Garden’s lobby, the rooms and amenities make it easy to feel pampered. Think comfy beds, a solid fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tasty bites at the hotel’s Scholar restaurant.
If you’re visiting with a group or celebrating something special, the hotel also has the largest open-air meeting space in town. Its outdoor patio, complete with fire pits and sweeping views of the Davis horizon, makes for a surprisingly scenic backdrop for any gathering.
So if you’re in town for a family visit, a UC Davis event, or just a stylish base to explore the area, this spot makes it easy to mix comfort and convenience.
Mountain Shadows Retreat
Just over an hour from Davis, the Mountain Shadows Retreat is the perfect escape when you need a break from campus life – or just want to get your student out of the dorm and into nature for a while.
Nestled in the Sierra Nevadas on three acres of private forest overlooking the American River Canyon, this place is all about doing you.
There are no cookie-cutter rules here. Want a heated pool, tiny homes, a cozy cabin, or an outdoor fireplace for s’mores and storytelling? Check, check, and check. There’s a fully stocked kitchen too, so you can whip up your own meals if the fancy restaurant scene isn’t calling your name.
If you’re here to relax, this place is a wellness wonderland. Meditation, workshops, or personal growth retreats, you name it, they offer it.
Castello di Macero
Ever dreamed of living like royalty without the hassle of knights and dragons? Castello di Macero is your chance. Nestled on 8 private acres with a tranquil lake, this castle-inspired estate is just 10 minutes from the UC Davis Arboretum, making it the perfect mix of fairytale escape and convenient location. And, you can rent out the entire castle for your friends and family.
Spanning 9,000 sq ft, the main castle is pure luxury with a home theater, wine room, game room (pool, poker, foosball, you name it), office space, and a tower offering 360-degree panoramic views of the Davis area.
A Luxury Stay for When Student Living Isn’t Enough
Student living isn’t for everyone, and frankly, neither is pretending a tiny dorm bed is luxury.
Luckily, visiting your UC Davis student doesn’t mean you have to rough it and resign yourself to squeaky mattresses, fluorescent lights, and the lingering aroma of cafeteria pizza. Luckily, just beyond campus, there’s a surprisingly stylish world waiting for parents, relatives, and anyone who appreciates comfort, charm, and a little bit of indulgence.
Sometimes, the best part of visiting campus isn’t the quad, it’s knowing your weekend escape has a heated pool, a cozy fireplace, or a view that makes Instagram jealous.