Lots of great advice here. I like spg the best because it has so many ways of using points you accumulate both for various hotel redemption options and (unlike other hotel programs) for converting into airline miles. As a lesser consideration, the website is pretty user-friendly and the phone customer service reps usually good.

If you're going to be spending many months in Sacramento, you might read the reviews here and at tripadvisor.com of the hotels there that you'd be considering staying at. If there's a big difference between, say, the quality and/or location of the Hyatt and the Sheraton, you might opt for the better hotel that will be home away from home, and pick your program accordingly. You can always change your hotel program down the line as your travels diversify.