Stretching from the coast to redwood-covered rolling hills, the vast city of Oakland enjoys its own unique history, culture and geography. Perched on the inner part of the San Francisco Bay area, it has a huge number of entertainment spots and sites of interest, including museums, theatres, shops and restaurants, as well as being an excellent base for exploring the rest of northern California.
As you would expect from a city of its scale, Oakland has a huge range of accommodation options. Among them are everything from budget guest houses to luxury hotels and resorts. For those planning to visit Oakland who are looking for cheap hotels in the city, we’ve picked out 7 of the best.
Jack London Inn
From $72/ night
As its name suggests, this hotel is neighboured by the hugely popular entertainment area of Jack London Square on Oakland’s waterfront, making it ideally located for those keen to be at the heart of the city action. Guest rooms are designed in traditional style and are equipped with cable TV, a clock radio, and an ensuite bathroom. Hotel amenities include an on-site restaurant serving classic American dishes and a sports bar where live entertainment is hosted. Free WiFi is available in all areas of the hotel. The closest BART station is within walking distance, offering easy access to the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Bay Breeze Inn
From $75/ night
Nestled near Oakland International Airport, just over 4 miles from the city centre, this freeway accessible delightful Inn combines charm and tranquility with affordable rates. Ideal for those keen to be based a little away from the main hustle and bustle of the city, but still within easy reach of most of its most popular attractions, its guest rooms range from singles through to family-sized suites, all featuring cable TV with movies, a refrigerator and microwave, and a private bathroom. Elsewhere in the hotel, amenities include free WiFi, laundry facilities, copy and fax services, and vending machines, The famous Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Raiders football team, is within walking distance, and the major entertainment hub of Jack London Square is a 10-minute drive away. For places of interest a little further afield, downtown San Francisco is 20 minutes away by road and the world class vineyards of Napa Valley Wine Country are just over double that distance. BART public transportation is as close as 1 mile away.
Continental Lodge
From $108/ night
A couple of miles outside of central Oakland, this hotel benefits from a number of practical services and amenities including free on-site parking, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, vending machines selling snacks and drinks, and family rooms. Each guest room is decked out in warm colours and contains satellite TV, a microwave and fridge, a work desk, and a DVD player. For shopping enthusiasts, the open-air South Shore Center in the city of Alamada is a short drive from the hotel. Oakland International Airport is just over 6 miles away.
The Washington Inn
From $112/ night
Housed in a historic inn, this affordable boutique-style hotel has been spruced up with Italian-inspired architecture and sensual décor, and is perhaps the most charmingly distinctive option on this list. Located in the downtown Oakland East Bay area, close to the bars and restaurants of Jack London Square, it also has its own intimate, contemporary restaurant serving seasonal California cuisine. Guest rooms range from single rooms to luxury suites, all featuring a dash of traditional European flair and elegance, augmented by modern conveniences. Complimentary continental breakfasts are served every morning and there’s also free WiFi in all areas. A train station that connects passengers to downtown San Francisco is nearby.
Inn at Temescal
From $102/ night
Situated among the shops and restaurants of Oakland’s hip and happening Temescal neighbourhood, one of Oakland’s oldest districts, this hotel enjoys a bustling location. Among its amenities are a shared lounge and TV area that’s ideal for unwinding after a day on the move and the hotel also offers complimentary bike rentals, plus 24-hour front desk, free WiFi and free parking for those arriving by car. Air-conditioned guest rooms have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Oakland MacArthur BART station is a brisk 5-minute walk away, connecting to the entire Bay area.
Westwind Lodge
From $113/ night
For proximity to some of Oakland’s best shopping and restaurants, you won’t find many better placed affordable hotels than this property close to vibrant Piedmont Avenue. Inside the hotel itself, there’s 24-hour reception and an on-site laundrette so guests don’t have to worry about packing to lightly. The spacious, air-conditioned guest rooms are kitted out with handy amenities including a microwave, fridge, and television. For respite from the humming activity nearby, the tranquil green expanse of Mosswood Park is just across the street.
Extended Stay America
From $99/ night
For anyone seeking all the convenience of a hotel but with the amenities of a self-catering apartment, Extended stay America meets this very criteria. Located in Oakland’s northern suburbs and designed in particular for longer stays of anything from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, its guest rooms feature a kitchenette complete with a stove-top, microwave and fridge, giving guests the option of preparing their own food rather than dining out every day. Other useful services for longer occupancies include laundry and ironing facilities. Complimentary grab-and-go breakfasts are available every morning and there’s also free on-site parking. Notable nearby attractions include the buzzing waterfront area of Fisherman’s Wharf, with its seafood restaurants, aquarium, and ferry tours.
