Rialto's ideal location is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the region's most popular tourist spots. Perched at the foot of the picturesque San Bernardino mountains, the city is a little more than an hour's drive to the scenic ski area of Big Bear Lake and within reach of gorgeous hiking trails.
In less than two hours, travelers can be in iconic Los Angeles. The bonus? The train to get there only costs $9.50. If that's not enough, Rialto is less than an hour's drive from Disneyland. All of these destinations are at your fingertips for a fraction of what it would cost stay in any of those places.
However, there's plenty in Rialto itself to keep any visitor busy without ever leaving the city limits. The downtown farmers market makes for a great way to spend an afternoon. In addition to the usual suspects of local fruits and vegetables, the Rialto market also has freshly made food. Stop by one of the tents for a taste of steamed-to-order tamales and sweet, crispy baklava.
With so much to do in the area, travelers will need to find the right hotel to get a good night's rest. These are some of the top hotels in Rialto, California, to make sure you get the most of your upcoming visit.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Rialto, CA?
There's never really a bad time of year to visit this part of Southern California. Dry, sunny springs and summers and cool, wet winters are the annual norms in Rialto. The spring will have the nicest temps and least cloudy days, but it's also the busiest time of year in the area. In the fall, the Santa Ana winds pick up, but the sun keeps the city warm and the city sees far fewer tourists.
During the summer months of June, July, and August, make sure the hotel has a pool and air conditioning to cool off after spending time in much higher temperatures. In the winter, the city gets quieter but the mountains come alive with skiing, snowshoeing, and sipping drinks near the fire in toasty hotels.
Picking the right time of year all depends on your goals for the trip. Looking for a balmy, sunny getaway? Stick to the spring months. Want the sunshine without the crowds and don't mind the heat? Summer is your best bet. If you love to stay active in the winter months, head out in January or February and hit the slopes.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Rialto, CA:
Rialto by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Rialto, CA. You can use these charts to evaluate the most cost effective time period to book a room in Rialto for your upcoming travels.
What Are the Top Hotels in Rialto, CA for Luxury?
4 Star Average Prices: $161.50
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is simply dripping in luxury. Located in the nearby town of Riverside, California, the beautifully renovated hotel is modeled after a grand Tuscan villa. Everything is refined and elegant, from the canopy-style beds to the in-room fireplaces. The only job here is to sit back, relax, and perhaps book one of the fabulous spa treatments. If you're hoping to host an event, the experienced in-house team can fix everything your attendees could need. With over a century in business, the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa staff knows how to keep a guest comfortable and happy.
For a more modern stay that still has all of the necessary luxuries, the stylized Hotel Casa 425 + Lounge in Claremont is the easy choice. The rooms are built to spend time in, with private patios and spa tubs for relaxing. It's the perfect choice for a romantic getaway. When you're ready to leave the comforts of your personal room, the pretty courtyard has ample seating and communal fire pits to cozy up to on chillier nights. In the surrounding area of Claremont, visitors can stroll the walkable, tree-lined streets in search of one of the many great restaurants or shops.
What Are the Best Budget Hotels in Rialto, California?
3 Star Average Prices: $119.68
With a median home cost that is less than half of some of the nearby cities, it's no wonder that Rialto has a host of great budget hotels to choose from. The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in San Bernardino, California does not skimp on amenities for its low price point. The fireplace in the lobby is the perfect to warm up in the winter, while the outdoor pool offers respite from the towering temperatures in the summer. With both an on-site restaurant and 24-hour fitness center, this hotel brings every convenience.
Offering free on-site parking and complimentary toiletries, the San Bernardino Inn & Suites has all of the necessities. With one of the lowest rates in the area, it's ideal for those travelers who are simply looking for a place to rest their heads after a busy day out and about. It's also a great home base to use if you're in town for a conference. The hotel is conveniently located within a 15-minute drive of the National Orange Show Events Center and California State University San Bernardino.
2 Star Average Prices: $110.62
Where Are the Best Discounts in Rialto, CA?
AAA members have quite a few choices for discounted rooms in Rialto. A great option for a stay with one of these rates in the area is the Days Inn by Wyndham, Fontana/Rialto, which offers members up to a 10% discount on a room. Considering the well maintained outdoor pool and Jacuzzi area, a free breakfast, and in-room amenities, this is money well spent.
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites offers discounts to both AAA members and senior citizens. The rooms are simple while still having all the necessities. Each one comes with free internet access, a mini fridge, and hair dryers. Some bathrooms even have the luxury of Jacuzzi tubs. Every guest also has access to the daily complimentary breakfast and the outdoor pool.
What Are the Best Value Options in Rialto, CA?
It's hard to believe the price of the Best Western Plus Arrowhead Hotel when you're sitting at the palm-tree-lined heated pool or snuggling up next to the lobby fireplace, but the hotel is just a great value. It does not cut corners in spite of the fabulous pricing. The well-reviewed meeting space, free Wi-Fi, and option to book a suite also make it a perfect choice for group business travel.
Nearby, the Hampton Inn & Suites in San Bernardino keeps all the amenities any guest would expect at a great hotel. Each room comes equipped with a hair dryer, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, and access to the hotel's free breakfast every morning. The outdoor pool and friendly staff are just an added bonus to an already pleasant stay.
For nature-lovers, there is no better value to be had than at the quaint, private North Shore Inn. Located on the shores of Lake Gregory, each of the 10 guest rooms has a private balcony or patio, and many come with fireplaces. It has all the charm of a bed-and-breakfast without any of the extra costs. It's the kind of Inn where you could find yourself getting lost for a bit with a great book and a steamy mug of tea, interrupted only to go for walks in the gorgeous scenery from time to time.
Why is Rialto, CA an Underrated City for Foodies?
Rialto is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. The population here is wonderfully diverse, and as such, so is the food. While the larger cities of San Diego and Los Angeles take all the credit for being a food-lovers paradise, Rialto stays overlooked. It may not have the Michelin stars or upscale tasting menus of restaurants in those cities, but it does have delicious, real, and authentic food.
Start with Mary Stewart's Southern Soul Food, a casual joint that cranks out stick-to-your-bones fried fish and mashed potatoes hearty enough to comfort any weary traveler. Add on the macaroni and cheese and puffed up, flaky biscuits, and there's enough food to feed a small family.
Nearby, Brothers Pizza is an Italian restaurant that's been serving the area since the 1980s. The checkered tablecloths make the perfect backdrop for dishes of Italian American classics, like their delightfully gooey chicken Parmesan and trays of pizza. There's also Cuca's Mexican Food, a family operated restaurant offering large portions of home-cooked meals filled with just the right amount of cheese, beans, and tortillas.
No matter the restaurant, the food scene here will fill you up plenty before you head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
'What concerns me the most is not the inability of the fellow man to empathize, but the ability of him to not act on it despite being able to empathize. This is one social root cause of intolerance and racism.,
David Rey, a notable resident of Rialto, CA, had this to say in an interview when faced with the question about today's rising intolerance against communities that are in the minority.
It is a burning issue all over the world, and it would be foolish to discuss such an issue that carries immense gravity in this article. But that said, it should also be noted that Rialto “ through its residents and visitors “ has at least tried to speak up against it.
That pretty much sums up the strong character that Rialto has exhibited over the centuries “ right from the Civil War to the Great Depression. People here are known to be reserved and taciturn, but they are definitely not of weak character. They know how to lead peaceful lives of harmony and synergy, and contribute to the society at large in the best possible way, at the highest possible degree.
There's hardly anything that can deemed to be 'special' about this town. But in spite of that, the fact remains that thousands of visitors do prefer to visit Rialto, at times shrugging more attractive cities like San Francisco or San Jose, just to experience a life without stress.
However, one must refrain from assuming that Rialto is a town that celebrates lethargy, as it couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, Rialto is often named as the most industrial and industrious city in the State of California, based on the average number of hours clocked each month by its residents. At least four multi-billion dollar industries use Rialto and its honest population as the tour de force of their businesses (Toys 'R' Us, Target and Staples).
So, if you need some respite from unending travails of mundane life, take a hike to Rialto. Even though the town works hard, there's nothing preventing you from taking a quiet stroll down the main street, or take a quick dip in the warm waters of Pacific!
Budget Hotels in Rialto
Rialto is a typical Californian town that has all the good things nature has to offer. From a clean and long beach to plains and hills of the country, wants of all types of tourists can be fulfilled by a quick trip to this city. What's more exciting is the fact that it is possible to spend a holiday in Rialto at a fraction of what a similar holiday in a bigger city would cost you.
A major reason for that is the availability of cheap hotels around and in Rialto. Despite being cheap, these Rialto hotels are not at all shoddy or shabby. In fact, many tourists would find them to be in a better state of being than cheap hotels elsewhere usually are.
Western Empire Inn and Wigwam Motel are two popular picks that belong to this segment of budget hotels in Rialto. These are typical American highway inns with barest of facilities available. Fares per night usually hover around $40-60 mark.
Regal Life in Rialto “ Not a Lot of Scope
When it comes to luxury resorts and spas, Rialto fails to score too highly. This is one area where the city usually lags behind its regional competitors.
Golden Leaf Luxury Suites offers a typical business stay that can be called luxurious in comparison with the other available options. It certainly, however, is not up to the mark if you are to use top brands like Sofitel or Hilton as yardsticks.
Rialto Royal Apartments, located near the coast, are semi-luxury rental apartments available from $150 per night and higher.
The obvious lack of proper luxury hotels in Rialto, as confounding as it is, can be looked at as a positive factor for the tourists who prefer understated and minimalistic stay at cheap prices.
Things to Do and See in Rialto
The building of Rialto Historical Society is definitely worth visiting while you are enjoying your vacation in Rialto. It is a 100-year old building that was originally built to serve as the First Christian Church of Rialto. Since then, it has been converted into the official location of the Rialto Historical Society. Its white pickets and tall steeple make for a great view.
Rialto is an important railway station along the West Coast of the United States. Hence, the big boxcar depot at Rialto Train Station can offer a curious view of the evolution of American industries and railroads in tandem.
The famous Pacific Electric Depot building has since been restored and turned into an upscale restaurant that has the potential to be your favorite hang-out place in the city.
While you are sightseeing in Rialto, you should try not to overlook the authentic American- Mexican- Spanish blend of culinary culture that prevails in Rialto. Joints like Brother's Pizza are well-known for their amazingly unique pizzas and grilled food that can hardly be found in other parts of the country. Similarly, El Gallo Bar and Grill brings the delicious and spicy flavors of Southbound Mexican Highway to hungry bellies of tourists at the end of a hectic day of sightseeing.
Do's and Dont's of Sightseeing in Rialto
- Do make sure to visit local historic building.
- Do carry proper IDs while travelling.
- Do keep yourself hydrated while sightseeing.
- Don't overlook street food in Rialto.
- Don't forget your suntan lotions and sunblock at home.
Local Transportation in Rialto: What You Should Know
The only thing you need to know about local transport in Rialto is that you will have to rent a car in order to travel around the city.
Taxi services are available, but they are usually very expensive. Also, many Rialto hotels have special car rental schemes for their guests “ something that you need to ask your hotel management about.
Bus companies operate frequent local tours on weekends, as well.