Redding is kind of a weird place to stay if you don't know the layout. You’re either stuck in a budget motel that smells like 1984 or you're paying high-end prices for a view of the I-5. Finding that middle ground—somewhere that actually feels like a home and not just a place to dump your suitcase—is tricky. Honestly, TownePlace Suites Redding CA is usually the name that pops up when people realize they need a kitchen and a decent desk.
But is it actually the "home away from home" it claims to be?
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I’ve looked into the real guest experiences from late 2025 and early 2026. The reality is a bit more nuanced than the glossy Marriott photos suggest. While some travelers swear by it as their go-to stop on the way to Oregon, others have found the property showing its age. There’s been a lot of talk about a "much-needed renovation" recently. Some guests in late 2025 actually reported polite construction workers on-site, which suggests the hotel is finally getting that face-lift people have been asking for.
The Kitchen Situation: Real Meals or Just a Microwave?
Most hotels give you a "kitchenette" that’s basically a bar sink and a microwave. At TownePlace Suites Redding CA, you actually get a full-sized refrigerator with a freezer. This is a big deal. If you’ve ever tried to jam a week’s worth of groceries or a large pizza box into a standard hotel mini-fridge, you know the struggle.
The rooms at 2180 Larkspur Lane are built for people who are staying more than a night or two. You get a dishwasher, a stovetop, and real plates. You’re not eating off paper towels. For families traveling with kids or professionals on a two-week contract at Mercy Regional Medical Center, this setup changes everything. You can actually cook a steak or boil pasta instead of living off Black Bear Diner takeout.
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Wait, speaking of Black Bear Diner—it's only 0.7 miles away. If you do fail at cooking, you’ve got options.
Room Layouts That Don’t Feel Cramped
- The Studio: This is your standard setup, roughly 341 square feet. It’s got a King bed and a sofa bed. It works for a couple, but adding two kids might feel a bit tight once the sofa bed is pulled out.
- One-Bedroom Suite: At 515 square feet, this is where you get a door between you and the kids. Essential for sanity.
- Two-Bedroom Suite: These are the unicorns of the hotel world. They clock in at 740 square feet and can fit up to six people. They usually feature two separate bedrooms and a living area, making them the best value for groups heading to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The Location "Sweet Spot"
The hotel is tucked away on Larkspur Lane. It’s a few blocks off the I-5, which is a blessing. Why? Because you don’t get that constant highway drone that plagues the hotels directly on the Hilltop drive strip. It’s quieter. It’s also incredibly close to the Mt. Shasta Mall if you need a quick retail fix or forgot your hiking socks.
If you’re here for the outdoors, you’re about a 15-minute drive from the Sundial Bridge. If you haven't seen it, it's a massive working sundial that crosses the Sacramento River. It’s iconic. It’s also where the Turtle Bay Exploration Park is located.
For the serious hikers, you’re looking at a 20-minute drive to Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. If you’re planning to hit Burney Falls, give yourself about an hour and fifteen minutes. It’s a trek, but worth it.
What Guests Are Actually Saying in 2026
Recent feedback has been a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. On one hand, the staff gets incredibly high marks. People like Michelle and Karen (real guests, not AI personas) have recently praised the staff for being "very nice" and "helpful." There’s a certain warmth there that you don't always get at the bigger corporate hotels.
But let’s talk about the "Marriott Standard." Some 2025 guests felt the property was getting "rough around the edges." We're talking stained carpets and worn-out furniture. The good news? The hotel has been undergoing a rolling renovation. If you’re booking now, it is worth calling ahead to ask for one of the "newly remodeled rooms." The difference between the old decor and the updated 2026 look is pretty significant.
The Breakfast Breakdown
Breakfast is free. It’s a buffet. You know the drill: omelets, sausage, waffles, and decent coffee.
One pro-tip: it starts at 5:00 AM.
That is ridiculously early for a hotel, but it’s perfect if you’re trying to beat the heat for a morning hike or if you’ve got a long drive ahead of you. The seating area can get crowded around 8:30 AM, so if you hate people, go early.
Things You Might Not Find in the Brochure
There is an EV charging station on-site. In Northern California, that’s becoming less of a "perk" and more of a "requirement."
Also, the pool is outdoors. It’s open year-round, which sounds great until you realize Redding gets down to 35 degrees in January. If you’re visiting in the summer, though, that pool is a lifesaver. Redding heat is no joke; it’s a dry heat that feels like standing in front of an open oven.
The fitness center is open 24/7. It’s not a Gold's Gym, but it has the essentials—treadmills, some free weights, and a cable machine.
The Pet Policy
They allow pets. There’s a fee, obviously, but they are generally very welcoming. There are plenty of grassy areas around the property to walk a dog. Just don’t be that person who doesn't pick up after their pet—the staff is nice, but they aren't your maid service for the sidewalk.
Summary of Practical Logistics
- Check-in: 3:00 PM (Must be 21).
- Check-out: 12:00 PM.
- Parking: Free self-parking. The lot can get a bit tight if you're driving a massive dually or towing a boat.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi, and it’s actually fast enough for a Zoom call.
- Market: They have an "In a Pinch" market in the lobby for those late-night ice cream cravings or if you forgot your toothbrush.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book TownePlace Suites Redding CA, do these three things to ensure you don’t end up in a noisy room:
- Avoid the Mechanical Noise: Specifically, try to avoid rooms next to doors labeled "storage." Guests have noted room #216, for example, can be loud due to mechanical equipment nearby.
- Request an Updated Room: Mention the recent renovations when booking. The newer rooms have better TV positioning and fresher linens.
- Join Bonvoy: Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, the Marriott Bonvoy rates are almost always lower than the "standard" rate, and you get better treatment if there’s a dispute over room quality.
This place isn't a five-star resort. It's a functional, comfortable, and reliable spot for people who need more than just a bed. Whether you're here for the fishing on the Sacramento River or a long-term business project, it does the job—just make sure you get one of those refreshed rooms.