California

7 of the Best Affordable & Cheap Hotels in Oakland

by Paul Joseph  |  Updated December 18, 2023

Positioned on the east side of San Francisco Bay, the city of Oakland brims with culture, diversity, art, foodie hotspots, and, for its visitors, plenty of great places to stay, too.

(Photo: Executive Inn & Suites / Courtesy Booking.com)

With its restored Victorian architecture, myriad of cultural venues, and top-class dining and shopping opportunities, Oakland is a delight to explore. The city is also blessed with a huge choice of accommodation options, with something to suit every taste and budget. If you’re working with a limited budget but would still like to stay somewhere with a dash of character, we’ve selected 7 of the best affordable Oakland hotels.

Executive Inn & Suites

Situated right in the heart of the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, about 2.5 miles from the many landmarks and attractions of bustling downtown Oakland, this cosy mid-range hotel features a lounge restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a well-equipped fitness centre. All of the hotel’s modern guest rooms come with a TV, a fridge, a microwave and a coffee-maker. Close by to the hotel are several parks, as well as the Franklin Recreation Center. From $110 per person.

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Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport

(Photo: Radisson Hotel Oakland Airport / Courtesy Booking.com)

For anyone with an early flight out of Oakland or a late arrival into the city, this hotel, located just 3 miles from the airport, may well fit the bill. It offers an airport shuttle service available every half hour on-demand from 7am to 11pm. On-site amenities include a restaurant serving all-day food, a fitness centre, and a business centre. There’s also free private parking for guests travelling in their own transport. Guest rooms come with a TV, a coffee machine, a fridge, a microwave, a work desk and a private bathroom. Downtown Oakland is about a 10-minute drive away. From $96 per person.

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Washington Inn

Positioned in downtown Oakland, this historic inn combines a prime location with comfort. Designed in traditional style, the property treats guests to a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and there’s also a gourmet restaurant for evening and afternoon dining, and a shared lounge for relaxing and socialising. Guest rooms are simple but stylish and come with a private bathroom. Several points of interest including Jack London Square, the Oakland Museum of California and the train station that connects to downtown San Francisco are all within walking distance. From $90 per person.

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Imperial Inn

(Photo: Imperial Inn / Courtesy Booking.com)

Located about a mile-and-a-half north of downtown Oakland, this inn positively oozes character. As well as its aesthetic charm, there are also practical amenities including 24-hour front desk, business services and free private parking. Guest rooms equally combine the quaint with the modern, equipped as they are with a TV, a DVD player, a  fridge, a microwave and a coffee-maker, as well as a work desk and a private bathroom. Mosswood Recreation Center  is seconds away on foot and there’s a BART metro station a 10-minute walk away, providing easy access to the rest of the city. From $74 per person.

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Casa del Mar Beachfront Suites

Set right across the street from the sandy shoreline of Seawall Beach, this contemporary hotel features a choice of two outdoor swimming pools, as well as a communal barbecue area and conference rooms. The hotel’s brightly decorated suites come with a TV, a kitchen, a balcony with ocean views, a living room and a private bathroom. For guests arriving in their own transport, there’s free on-site parking. The Galveston Pleasure Pier, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Moody Gardens are all a quick drive away. From $49 per person.

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La Quinta Inn by Wyndham

(Photo: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham / Courtesy Booking.com)

A 10-minute drive southeast of downtown Oakland, this basic but comfortable hotel offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a business centre, a laundrette and free private parking. Daily continental breakfasts are also available to set guests up ahead of a day of exploring. All rooms come with a coffee machine, a fridge and a microwave. The exotic animals of Oakland Zoo can be found nearby and Berkeley Marina, with breathtaking views of the Bay Area, is also within easy reach. From $91 per person.

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Courtyard by Marriott

Just a block from a BART metro station, guests at this hotel can reach other parts of Oakland and beyond in quick and convenient fashion. At the hotel itself, there’s a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, an outdoor heated pool, an exercise room, a business centre, meeting rooms, and a living room-style lobby where guests can unwind. There’s also a free shuttle service that runs to and from Jack London Square, a major entertainment spot. The greenery of the Chinese Garden Park is a couple of minutes on foot and Oakland Zoo is a 15-minute drive away. From $149 per person.

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