In the 1920s, the area where the Sheraton Grand Sacramento stands once housed a public market that was one of the first in the country to feature indoor refrigeration, keeping foods fresher and allowing more people to gather and meet each week. In the 1980s, the space was transformed into the current hotel, with a large, open market-like lobby/bar/meeting area to bring guests together as they may have once come together in the 1920s.

Much has changed since the hotel first opened, including the décor, but the hotel remains mainly a gathering place, and as such, receives mostly business travelers attending meetings at the hotel or the neighboring convention center. As a city hotel, however, families may want to trust the Sheraton brand and enjoy the convenient location and weekend availability.

There are a total of 503 accommodations in the 26-floor Sheraton, although rooms do not begin until the fourth floor, keeping them from bustling streets and meeting space. The top two floors are reserved for Club level, which is an additional $40 per night and offers a Club Lounge with complimentary breakfast, appetizers and snacks in the afternoon, and drinks available for purchase.

Each room includes a flat-screen TV and a desk. Some rooms offer small refrigerators, but most rooms require a reservation for a refrigerator, as a nightly rental fee.

Rollaway beds and Pack 'n Plays are available.

Corner Suites
On each floor is one corner suite that is two connecting rooms that are adjoined by a private foyer. One room features a king bed and a full-sized sleeper sofa in its living room, while the adjacent room features two double beds or another king bed. Window seats can be converted into beds for small children, who will love the privacy if they pull the curtain.

Standard Guestrooms
The majority of the rooms, however, are all the same size and provide either two doubles or a king. The rooms are a bit outdated in style, as are the bathrooms, and the property could use a renovation.

As a city hotel, families will not find any special activities at the hotel. A small rooftop pool, however, is still popular with the kids who visit the hotel.

Public Market Bar
Full-menu dining is available in the lobby at the Public Market Bar. The casual gathering place features California cuisine and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

Breakfast
Breakfast is served daily in the atrium, beginning at 6:30 a.m. on weekdays and at 7 a.m. on weekends.

An extensive kids' menu is available in the restaurant and through room service. As the restaurant changes seasonally, the kids' menu also offers seasonal selections.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
A business center is located on the atrium with five computers and complimentary Wi-Fi. In-room Wi-Fi is available at a fee.

Fitness Center
A large fitness center is open 24 hours per day and features a number of stationary bikes, elliptical machines and treadmills, as well as free weights.

The Art of Smart Timing
The Sheraton is primarily a business meeting hotel and is most booked during the week. Families will find open space and discounts available on the weekends, when the hotel empties out.

Getting There
Families can find direct flights to Sacramento, or may elect to fly into San Francisco, 90 miles away. The city is located 50 miles from Napa Valley and 90 miles from Lake Tahoe, and often serves as a stopping point for travelers between the vacation destinations.

Getting Around
The hotel is centrally located in Downtown Sacramento, but you will want to have a car to get to various attractions. While you can walk the city, it's large and not entirely pedestrian friendly.