In 1870, Modesto was founded as a city, although at that time it was named Ralston after a local financier. Ralston was a modest person and requested the city's name be changed, and due to that modesty, it was named Modesto. At this time, Modesto was a stop on the railroad line that connected Los Angeles and Sacramento. In the early 21st century, the downtown area went through a revitalization with the addition of modern attractions, including the Downtown Plaza and Gallo Center for the Arts.
When should you visit Modesto, California?
The Central Valley of California is hot and dry for much of the year, although the area does receive moderate rainfall during the winter. Temperatures rarely dip below 40 during the winter months. In the summer, highs are generally in the 90s, but it often reaches 100 degrees for multiple days at a time, making it difficult to spend time outdoors. The weather stays warm throughout the day and evening until onshore breezes offer slightly cooler temperatures after 8 p.m. The heat and dryness can impact tourism rates, bringing more people during the spring and winter seasons.
Modesto hosts several annual events that can draw large crowds, which impact local hotel prices. One of the most popular events is X-Fest, which started in 2000 and features the largest disco in the world. The city also hosts SummerFest, a downtown summer concert series that has featured well-known performers like Hootie & the Blowfish, Chris Isaak, Styx, and The Doobie Brothers. The Modesto Relays — a track and field competition — takes place each May.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Modesto, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Modesto, CA. Analyze these illustrations to evaluate the most cost effective time period to book a room in Modesto for upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels in Modesto, California?
4 Star Average Prices: $137.41
One of the nicer options in Modesto is Residence Inn by Marriott Modesto North. This all-suite hotel is close to shopping areas and restaurants. Each suite has a full kitchen with a stovetop, tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and microwave, along with a TV with cable channels, free wireless internet access, and a phone. You can take advantage of on-site amenities like an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a health club, an arcade and game room, and a business center. Grab snacks at the convenience store within the hotel or enjoy a drink at the lounge. A full breakfast buffet is served each morning with hot and cold menu items.
Best Western Plus Executive Inn & Suites is another high-end property, although it's about 15 miles from Modesto. Within your room, you'll find an LCD TV with premium cable programming, a refrigerator, a private bathroom with a shower/tub combination, complimentary toiletries, a tea and coffee maker, a microwave, and a phone with free local calls. During your stay, you can use the outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and business center. Free parking is also available. A complimentary full breakfast is included for each guest, which includes bread, pastries, hot and cold cereal, eggs, and assorted breakfast meats.
If you're willing to travel a bit farther from Modesto, Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites is another option. This property is about 38 miles away, and it recently underwent renovations. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, and staff members who speak multiple languages. The hotel serves a complimentary continental breakfast daily. In the guest rooms are flat-screen TVs with cable channels, free wireless internet access, microwaves, refrigerators, complimentary toiletries, separate workspaces, and tea and coffee makers.
What are the budget hotels in Modesto, CA?
3 Star Average Prices: $102.29
Motel 6 Modesto Downtown offers affordable rates and a convenient location near the McHenry Mansion and McHenry Museum. This property has free wireless internet access in the common areas and guest rooms, hot coffee available in the lobby, and free on-site self-parking. Guests can also receive assistance booking local tours or securing tickets to nearby attractions. Within the rooms, amenities include refrigerators, TVs with cable programming, and private bathrooms.
Quality Inn is another cost-effective option in the area, located on Kansas Avenue. During your stay, you'll have access to the complimentary breakfast buffet each day, along with free daily newspapers in the lobby, express check-in services, and dry cleaning and laundry services. Free parking is also provided for guests. Each of the spacious guest rooms is equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator, free wireless internet access, a TV with satellite channels, and a separate workspace.
You can save money when you book a room at American Budget Inn & Suites Modesto, which is within a short drive of the Modesto Municipal Golf Course. The guest rooms have comfortable beds, TVs with cable programming, private bathrooms, and air conditioning. Guests appreciate the central location of this property, which is close to shopping areas, restaurants, and fuel stations. It's also easy to access because it sits right off an exit of Highway 99.
