Recently returned from an overnight to the Fairfield Inn Sac Cal Expo. Wanted to stay at a hotel that was within walking distance of Cal Expo. (which it was. Families with very small children may find the distance a bit too long to walk, especially in the heat)

I will list the pro and cons of the hotel. My husband and I felt the hotel was nice and was an excellent value.

PROS -

Nightly room rate - got an excellent room rate with our AAA card.

Free Breakfast - Free and excellent!!! Sausage, egg & cheese breakfast sandwiches, waffles, hot and cold cereals, bagles, fresh baked muffins and pasteries, fresh fruit, yogurt, milk, juices, coffee, hard boiled eggs. Really just a great selection.

Pool - loved having a pool. We were able to see the State Fair in the morning, come back for a swim and then return in the evening when the temp was cooler.

Clean Room - our room was really clean. We stayed in a regular king room (no fridge) HD flat screen TV, small sitting area, desk, free WiFI (which we didn't use so can not comment about the speed) lots of pillows, nice shower head, coffee maker in the room. Not a big room but it worked.

Free coffee and water - they provided free coffee and cold water. I was able to fill up my water bottle whenever I wanted to. (which was often due to the heat)

now the cons

CONS

Front Desk - Front Desk just ok. Friendly enough but not very helpful. Explained we were going to walk over to the State Fair. Clerk didn't really say much. Thought she might have some information to give us for the fair or at least give us some verbal information, but we received neither.

Thin walls - we could clearly hear the family and their children accoss the hall from us. Young kids making lots of noice. I have five children so it does not bother me but it may someone else.

Air Conditioner - it was a bit loud when the air conditioner was on.

TV Remote - TV remote did not always work. I think the batteries were low.

No hotel information book - our room did not have a hotel information book. Didn't know the breakfast hours, hours of the pool & hot tub, etc.. not a big deal just thought it was strange.

Automatic check out - in the moring when we work up, we already had the receipt for our stay slipped under our door. What if we wanted to use cash or a different card? (we didn't want to but...) Also, check out was at 12pm but even at 9am, our phone in the room had no service. I just wanted to call down to the front desk as I had a question but the phone was totally dead. They must turn it off when they process your credit card without notice.

Train noice - you can hear the train whistle all day and night, but it's didn't bug me. The hotel does provide ear plugs in the room for those it would annoy.

Even with the minor CONS, I would stay again if I was able to get the same AAA rate. With the free breakfast they offer, which is just wonderful, it makes the room almost free. Just a really good deal for a night or two.