The Ryde Hotel is one of the Sacramento Delta’s best known landmarks; years ago it was a riverboat way station.  Surprisingly, this Venue Vixen visit was a first for me and I was intrigued. You can’t miss this property tucked just off of the banks of the Sacramento River.  The noticeable (from a great distance) water tower and Art Deco design catch your eye as you wind down the Delta.  This is one of those properties you book for the entire weekend and take your guests back to the late 1920’s bootleg whiskey and jazz music prohibition days.  There are many stories of this property I am sure we will never hear, but little tokens catch your eye on the interior that remind you this building has history.   My favorite historic piece is the small wall window in the staircase – this was a hidden window where guests would be viewed and if approved would then be allowed into the basement speakeasy.

Whether you choose to play off the theme this building lends to or choose it for a great getaway for your next event, there are many options for varying size groups and styles of service.  The main ballroom upstairs keeps with the historic theme with large window arch cutouts, oversized mirrors behind the bar, stucco walls, black carpet, and ceiling fans throughout.  A small additional space attaches to this main room for smaller events, a private lounge party, or day after brunch. The newly renovated downstairs ballroom (referred to as the Speakeasy/Cabaret Room) carries touches of the Art Deco theme throughout in a long walk up bar with beautiful mirror back bar, vintage seating booths around the built in dance floor, and a stage with piano. This space is large and airy and leads through French doors to an outdoor patio.

The outdoor patio meanders back to an open garden area that is perfect for a ceremony or outdoor reception.  Walnut trees with added lighting offer great shade for the lawn area. Other highlights of this space are the sunset gazebo with climbing roses which is the perfect ceremony spot.  There are multiple set-up options for varying uses in the large open lawn space, and the delta breeze comes up every evening for further enjoyment.

32 rooms at the Ryde Hotel allow many of your guests to stay overnight and be a part of this unique space for more than just an evening.  The rooms are offered in a European Style, a variety of Suites, and a River View Master suite option. The onsite restaurant offers brunch and many catering options to suit your needs.

There are many up-and-coming projects at the Ryde Hotel to keep an eye on. The venue could be an option for much larger events on the Delta in the not too distant future – plans are unfolding as we speak!

We appreciated that Beth Baugher of True Love Photo joined us on this visit.  Check out Vixen Vittles blog post here for the Sunday brunch the Ryde offers – Beth enjoyed photographing some of their delicious food options!

~ Vixen Catrina

Ryde Hotel Venue Vixens