Danville was first settled as a farming community, its main industry evolving from wheat to nuts and fruits when a Southern Pacific Railroad spur began serving the area in 1891. The town had just 200 residents in 1860 and almost 2,000 by 1870. By 1950, housing tract development transformed Danville into a residential suburb that saw incredible growth in the 1970s and 1980s. In fact, the 1980 census showed that 80 percent of residents moved to Danville after 1970. The town was officially incorporated in 1982.
Today, Danville comprises 18 square miles and is ranked as one of America's wealthiest towns, as well as one of the most well-off San Francisco suburbs.
What time of year is best to visit Danville, CA?
There's no bad season in which to visit the San Francisco metro area. Although warm weather makes summer the high season for this destination, you'll also pay peak hotel prices from June through August. You can save on accommodations during the shoulder season of September to November, which has the benefits of warm weather and thinner crowds. And because this part of California never gets too cold, winter is even a great time to travel to Danville. The spring shoulder season provides an additional opportunity for tourists to find budget Danville accommodations.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Danville, CA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs displaying average price patterns by star rating class in Danville, CA. Analyze these illustrations to calculate the best time period to make a reservation in Danville throughout the year.
What are the Danville, CA luxury hotels?
4 Star Average Prices: $172.15
In the Danville area, luxury hotel options abound, offering high-class amenities for travelers who don't mind a bit of a splurge. Our first of two picks in this category is the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa in Lafayette, about 8 miles from Danville. This hotel has received AAA's coveted Four Diamond award for 25 years running. The design and decor of this property are inspired by the classic French chateau, providing guests with an iconic European-style country escape in the heart of California's East Bay.
The romantic property provides breathtaking views of rolling hills from its expansive courtyards and secluded private spaces. Each spacious room combines old-world charm with modern amenities, including a minibar, wireless internet, plush spa-style robes, nightly turndown service, a flat-screen HD television, and Keurig coffeemaker. Relax and enjoy a bit of pampering at the full-service spa on-site, then enjoy gourmet drinking and dining at the hotel's Park Bistro and Bar, which serves rustic French country cuisine showcasing the best local meats, produce, and seafood.
Another four-star option near Danville is the Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek Hotel in Walnut Creek. This luxurious property is distinguished by its world-class spa and expansive state-of-the-art fitness center with free classes, ideal for the active traveler looking for optimal post-workout relaxation. All guest rooms offer a true retreat with an oversized soaking tub, ergonomic workstation with high-speed wireless internet, sumptuous pillow-top mattresses and luxury bedding, and flat-panel TV with Netflix and Hulu service.
Enjoy eclectic casual dining at the Citrus Fresh Grille, gourmet California farm to table fare at the Citrus Lounge, and delicious deli-to-go at the Citrus Fresh Market. The full-service on-site spa offers a full menu of treatments to pamper your mind, body, and spirit.
What options are in Danville, CA for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $138.34
Although Danville proper has just one hotel, travelers can find plenty of great, affordable lodging within a 10-mile radius. When it comes to budget-friendly options, we prefer the Castro Valley Inn, located in Castro Valley just over 9 miles outside Danville. This low-cost property offers amenities that include free parking, free wireless internet, premium cable, and air conditioning. Those who have stayed here praise the spacious, clean rooms and comfortable beds, and note its convenient location close to restaurants and shopping and just minutes from downtown San Francisco.
Another choice for Danville travelers who want to save on accommodations is the Diablo Mountain Inn in Walnut Creek. This small property offers stylishly old-fashioned flair and modern amenities such as free parking and wireless internet, newly renovated rooms, free continental breakfast, free phone service for calls throughout the continental United States, and cable television. Hotel guests can access the nearby Forma Gym at a cost of $10 per day. Pet-friendly rooms are available at the Diablo Mountain Inn.
2 Star Average Prices: $124.56
What are the best hotels in Danville, CA that offer discounts?
The Diablo Mountain Inn offers special rates for members of the military; guests can access these prices by inquiring when they book a room. The Best Western offers a 10 percent discount for guests who are older than age 55 and special rates for CAA, AAA, and AARP members. Government and military employees receive a minimum 10 percent discount. The Renaissance ClubSport, a Marriott property, offers a 15 percent discount for travelers ages 62 and older, as well as special rates for AAA members and government and military employees.
Where are the best budget hotels around Danville, CA?
The Best Western Danville Sycamore Inn, the only hotel located directly in Danville, is one of the best values in the area, combining an affordable price with sought-after amenities. This pet-friendly property features an outdoor pool, free continental breakfast with hot items included, satellite TV in each guest room, high-speed internet access, in-room coffee and tea, and an on-site business center.
Another great option to get the best bang for your buck is the Hyatt House San Ramon, which offers both traditional guest rooms and extended stay suites, each with a full kitchen. All guest rooms feature free wireless internet. With your stay, you can take advantage of the complimentary breakfast with organic items such as cage-free eggs and steel-cut oats, an outdoor pool with hot tub, and a 24-hour fitness center.
What are the best attractions in Danville, CA?
Danville is situated along the Iron Horse Regional Rail Trail, a 40-mile pedestrian, bike, and horseback trail along an abandoned rail line. This trail, maintained by the East Bay Regional Park District, connects central Alameda County with northern Contra Costa County. Those who want to explore the area can access the trail at the intersection of Danville Boulevard and Rudgear Road. Along the trail, you'll find the historic Danville Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, built in 1891 and providing passenger service until 1934. Today, it is home to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, which is dedicated to preserving the area's heritage with exhibits and events that celebrate its rich history.
Nobel-Prize-winning playwright Eugene O'Neill once lived in Danville, and theater and history buffs can explore his life and work at the Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site. The Tao House, where O'Neill lived with his wife from 1937 to 1944, features Asian-inspired art and decor. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and maintains an archive of playbills, manuscripts, posters, and records from O'Neill's personal collection. The adjacent barn occasionally hosts productions of the playwright's iconic works. To explore other historic sites in Danville, download the map of the historic walking tour from the town's official website.
Car enthusiasts need to visit Danville's Blackhawk Museum, a display of 90 classic cars along with exhibits detailing the area's transportation and industrial history. You can also find an exhibit on the history of jukeboxes and a collection of Native American artifacts. This museum is part of the Smithsonian Institute and is located in Blackhawk Plaza. This expansive shopping center boasts high-end retailers like Anthropologie, high-quality home furniture and accessories from California Living and Draeger's, a host of health and beauty services, several restaurants, a movie theater, and an outdoor fire pit.
Enjoy Danville's natural beauty at the nearby Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Area, spanning more than 5,000 acres with two mountain ridges surrounding a tranquil valley along Bollinger Creek. The park, which is surrounded by the O'Neill Historic Site on three sides, has more than 150 miles of trails, all accessible for hikers and horseback riders and half of which allow cyclists. Las Trampas also provides nature lovers direct access to Mount Diablo State Park, with more than 90,000 acres of preserved mountain land, 100 access points, and 520 miles of trails. This is a great chance to catch a glimpse of local wildlife, including bobcats, coyotes, foxes, deer, and bald eagles. The wheelchair-accessible Mary Bowman trail encircles the base of Mount Diablo.
At the Village Theater and Art Gallery, enjoy an eclectic selection of performances including comedies, musicals, children's theater, movies, traditional theater, and live music. Stop by the box office to see what's showing and visit the Village Art Gallery, a community-based cultural arts center that spotlights exhibits by East Bay artists.
Head to downtown Danville to enjoy a tasting at the Auburn James Winery, founded in 2005 to create small batches of Bordeaux-style Napa Valley wines. The on-site St. Helens Tasting Cottage offers five-wine flights along with tours of the picturesque property. Check the calendar for events at Auburn James, too.
With so much to explore, it's clear that Danville is an untapped destination in the storied East Bay. Whether you're looking for affordable lodging outside San Francisco or want to explore this gem of a small city, book your accommodations today.
FAQs about hotels in Danville