I’m one of those people who thinks of Redding, California as a refueling stop between the San Francisco bay area and central Oregon. I’d heard of the Sundial Bridge and knew that Redding offered great fishing and outdoor activities, but I never thought to spend the night and explore until recently. I’m glad that I took the time to travel the Shasta Cascade region and I used the Red Lion Hotel Redding as my base camp for adventure.
The 192 room hotel is centrally located off Interstate I-5, Highway 44 and five minutes from downtown. Redding can get awfully hot in the summer, so a hotel that offers a swimming pool is a must if you are traveling with kids. The Red Lion Hotel Redding features a heated, fenced swimming pool, as well as a hot tub. During my visit, kids were enjoying the pool and the adults came out to gather around the pool and socialize at night.
I never made it to the pool during my stay because I was too busy visiting the Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, the Redding Rodeo and venturing off to Burney Falls. I walked right past the fitness center the first morning on my way to breakfast, but I did notice a fellow guest working out on the treadmill on the way back to my room. He was probably working off the eggs, sausage, potatoes and fresh fruit that he had eaten earlier.
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My queen room was located toward the back of the hotel on the first floor with a patio and sliding glass door leading out to the grass and swimming pool. It was an ideal location for me because I felt safe parking my car at night and it was an easy walk to my hotel room with my luggage. The self parking was free and plentiful. Motorcyclists will feel safe parking their bikes in back of the hotel, too. If you are flying into Redding, the Red Lion offers a complimentary airport shuttle to the hotel.
As is expected with Red Lion hotels, the rooms are clean with a work desk and chair, coffee maker and refrigerator. My queen bed was fine, but I did feel a bit of a wind tunnel effect when the air conditioner kicked on sporadically. The shower was nice and hot and I liked the eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner and body lotions offered, as well as a hairdryer in the bathroom.
Business travelers will like the free wifi and business center. If you are traveling with your pet, be sure to become a Red Lion member of their “Hello Rewards” loyalty program because pets stay free, otherwise there is a $15. per stay fee. Room rates are determined by length of stay with discounts offered for AAA, AARP and military members. Rates start at $98 with best available rates and package deals offered. Check the website for current pricing. Compare rates and at one of the booking sites such as Booking.com.
Nancy D. Brown was hosted by Red Lion Hotel Redding. As always her thoughts, opinions and photography are her own.
