Most hotels in Arcata, CA are located along Valley West Blvd, parallel to and one block east of the main road through town, US 101, the Redwood Highway. The Best Western Arcata Inn is half way along the boulevard on the west side; a long, thin L-shaped building of 61 rooms on 2 floors, outdoor/indoor pool, and bar serving free continental breakfast. A selection of restaurants and shops are within half a mile though most facilities in Arcata are in the downtown area, 2 miles south.

The well rated Comfort Inn Arcata is situated 2 miles north of downtown Arcata at 4701 Valley West Blvd, close to the ocean, Arcata Bay, several gardens and two state beaches (Trinidad and Little River). The inn has a heated indoor pool/hot tub and each room contains a microwave, ironing facilities and a refrigerator. Free continental breakfast is served while for other dining there are 3 restaurants adjacent to the property.

Quality Inn Arcata occupies a large site with a quiet location, at 3535 Janes Rd, close to US 101 and 2 miles north of the town center. Just 2 miles of flat farmland separate the hotel from the Pacific Ocean and the calmer waters of Humboldt Bay, while some rooms overlook the wooded hills that border the town on the east side - location of many coastal redwood groves; Redwood National Park is 32 miles north. All rooms contain a microwave & refrigerator, and the hotel has an exercise room, tennis court, outdoor pool/hot tub, children's playground, picnic area and free breakfast.