Let’s be honest for a second. Finding a place to crash in the City of Arts & Innovation can feel as sunny as the 91 freeway traffic. Riverside is a historic city with a stunning Mission Inn and a growing downtown scene. Pick the wrong spot, and you might miss the citrus groves.
But when you find that perfect home base, waking up to the sight of the bell tower and the smell of orange blossoms is pure Inland Empire magic. And here’s the thing—2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for Riverside hospitality.
From the legendary historic landmark to convenient modern towers, there is a perfect room waiting for you. Whether you are here for the university, the courthouse, or just passing through, these best hotels in Riverside are absolute game changers.
1. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Let’s kick things off with the undisputed crown jewel of the city. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a stunning National Historic Landmark. It looks like a California mission mixed with a Spanish castle. The vibe is romantic, historic, and absolutely magical.
The rooms are unique, with antique furniture and beautiful courtyards. For hotels in Riverside, this offers the most iconic, unforgettable stay. The rooftop has a stunning view of the city.
The Festival of Lights in December is world-famous. You must see it.
2. Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
The Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center is the convention king of the city. Connected to the Riverside Convention Center, this hotel is built for business. The vibe is classic, busy, and very professional.
The rooms are standard Marriott quality. The pool is a great place to cool off. For hotels in Riverside that offer a central, reliable stay downtown, this is a solid pick.
The lobby has a Starbucks. Grab and go.
3. The Mission Inn Alternative View (The Presidential Suite)
While the main hotel is stunning, the presidential suites at The Mission Inn are a step into another world. These suites are massive, with fireplaces and private balconies overlooking the bell tower. The vibe is pure luxury.
The bathrooms are marble. For hotels in Riverside that offer a truly splurge-worthy experience, these suites are the winner.
The views of the courtyard are incredible.
4. Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown
The Hyatt Place Riverside Downtown is a modern, comfortable hotel near the Mission Inn. It is a great value option for visitors who want to be in the center of the action. The free breakfast saves you money.
The rooms are standard Hyatt Place quality (spacious). For hotels in Riverside that offer a reliable, budget-friendly stay downtown, this is a smart pick.
You can walk to the Mission Inn and the restaurants on University Avenue.
5. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Riverside
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Riverside is a solid, reliable pick near the University of California, Riverside (UCR). This is the best spot for parents visiting students. The free breakfast is a nice perk.
The rooms are standard but clean. For hotels in Riverside that offer convenience to the campus, this is a winner.
The pool is a nice bonus.
6. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Riverside
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Riverside is a modern, bright hotel near the freeway. The rooms are standard Fairfield quality. The free breakfast gets the day started right.
The location is convenient for road trips. For hotels in Riverside that offer a consistent, no-surprises stay, this is a safe bet.
The staff is known for being friendly.
7. Courtyard by Marriott Riverside UCR
The Courtyard by Marriott Riverside UCR is located right near the University of California campus. This is a business-friendly hotel with a modern lobby. The rooms are standard Courtyard quality.
The bistro serves breakfast and dinner. For hotels in Riverside that are perfect for university visitors, this is a solid pick.
The outdoor patio is a nice spot to relax.
8. Best Western Plus Riverside Inn
The Best Western Plus Riverside Inn is a reliable, mid-range option near the freeway. It is clean, safe, and easy to access. The free breakfast saves you money.
The rooms are comfortable. For hotels in Riverside that offer a no-fuss stay for road-trippers, this is a solid choice.
The pool is a nice bonus in the summer.
9. Homewood Suites by Hilton Riverside
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Riverside is an all-suite hotel perfect for extended stays. The rooms have full kitchens and separate living areas. The free breakfast and evening socials save you money.
The rooms are spacious. For hotels in Riverside that offer a “home away from home” feel for traveling nurses or families, this is the winner.
The outdoor grill is a nice touch.
10. Residence Inn by Marriott Riverside
The Residence Inn by Marriott Riverside is another excellent extended-stay option. The suites are modern and bright, with full kitchens. The free breakfast is a great perk.
The hotel is located near the freeway. For hotels in Riverside that offer great value for longer stays, this is a smart pick.
The sports court is a fun bonus.
11. Days Inn by Wyndham Riverside
The Days Inn by Wyndham Riverside is a budget-friendly option near the freeway. The free breakfast is basic but saves you money. The rooms are standard.
The location is convenient for travelers passing through. For hotels in Riverside that are easy on the wallet, this is a pick.
The parking is free.
12. Motel 6 Riverside, CA
Motel 6 Riverside, CA is the ultimate budget option. It is no-frills, cheap, and located near the freeway. If you just need a bed for a few hours, this works.
The rooms are basic but clean. For hotels in Riverside that are light on the wallet, this is a pick.
The location is convenient for the freeway.
13. Quality Inn Riverside
The Quality Inn Riverside is a budget-friendly, no-frills hotel. The free breakfast saves you money. The rooms are basic.
The location is near the freeway. For hotels in Riverside that offer a cheap place to sleep for road-trippers, this is a solid choice.
The pool is a nice bonus.
14. Rodeway Inn
We are ending with a basic, budget motel near the highway. The Rodeway Inn is simple and cheap. It is clean enough for a quick stop.
The rooms are standard. For hotels in Riverside that are light on the wallet for a quick overnight, this is a pick.
The location is convenient for the 91 freeway.
Conclusion
So there you have it—fourteen incredible places to crash in the City of Arts & Innovation. From a historic castle-like landmark to convenient budget motels, Riverside has a home base for every type of traveler.
The hardest part isn’t finding a bed anymore—it’s choosing which incredible historic street to walk down first.
Now stop scrolling and go book that trip. Your unforgettable California adventure is waiting for you right now.