The Best Hotels to Book in Oakland, California

As the largest city in the East Bay region of San Francisco, travelers flock here for the buzzing creative scene | Courtesy of Moxy Oakland Downtown / Expedia

Julia Sayers Gokhale

2 December 2021

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Oakland is to San Francisco as Brooklyn is to New York City. Just across the bay from the Golden Gate City, Oakland has its own reasons to visit. As more and more locals have moved out of San Francisco and into Oakland, the city has filled with chef-driven restaurants, cutting-edge art galleries, artisan coffee shops and craft cocktail bars. It’s also home to the award-winning Oakland Museum of California, fascinating maritime history and several excellent hotels in Oakland to round out your trip.

Oakland Marriott City Center, for a soulful stay

Two double beds with white linen in a room overlooking buildings at Oakland Marriott City Center

Courtesy of Oakland Marriott City Center / Expedia

Don’t let the corporate Marriott tag fool you — this Oakland hotel reflects the heart and soul of the city. Located downtown, the Marriott reflects the vibe of Oakland with eclectic art in the rooms and soundproof windows with views of the city and the bay. The hotel is directly connected to the Oakland Convention Center, convenient for business travelers. Book an M Club room to have access to a private lounge, as well as free breakfast and snacks.

Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove – Oakland Waterfront, for nautical chic

Swimming pool at Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove – Oakland Waterfront with views over the water

Courtesy of Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove – Oakland Waterfront / Expedia | Courtesy of Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove – Oakland Waterfront / Expedia

It’s all about appreciating the views at the Executive Inn & Suites. This gorgeous waterfront hotel overlooks Embarcadero Cove and has a fresh, nautical design to match. Book a King Water View Suite and sit out on your private balcony to soak up the sights. Embrace a relaxing vacation by lounging at the waterfront outdoor pool. Although it feels a world away, the hotel is only five minutes from the bustling downtown Oakland.

Washington Inn, for the Bay on a budget

Simple double bedroom at Washington Inn with large windows and in-room sink

Courtesy of Washington Inn / Expedia

The Washington Inn is a budget-friendly Oakland stay in a historic building. Renovated with Italian-inspired architecture, the hotel offers comfortable rooms and convenient amenities like free breakfast. Located in the downtown East Bay neighborhood, it’s walkable and close to many major attractions in Oakland, including Jack London Square. The hotel also offers conference rooms and banquet facilities geared towards a more intimate setting.

Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown, for easy exploration

Exterior of Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown with trees and a road outside

Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown / Expedia

This downtown Oakland hotel offers spacious rooms, productive workspaces and proximity to the city. Book a suite for additional space, including a parlor seating area with a pull-out sofa, expanded workspace, microwave and mini fridge. Maintain a fitness routine at the 24/7 fitness center and outdoor pool. When you’re ready to explore the city, a BART station just outside the hotel takes you to attractions like the Fox Theater, Jack London Square and the Oakland Convention Center.

Holiday Inn Oakland Airport, an IHG Hotel, for a sporty stay

Two double beds at Holiday Inn Oakland Airport with white linen, a large window and a TV

Courtesy of Holiday Inn Oakland Airport, an IHG Hotel / Expedia

Just one mile (1.6km) from Oakland International Airport, the Holiday Inn offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle for travelers. It’s also a popular hotel for sports lovers, being one mile from the O.co Coliseum (home of the Oakland Athletics) and Oracle Arena (home of the Golden State Warriors), as well as just a few minutes away from the Metropolitan Golf Course. Both standard guest rooms and suites are available, which include separate living areas.

Moxy Oakland Downtown, for a creative community feel

Boldly decorated seating area at Moxy Oakland Downtown with large yellow chairs and hanging silk screens

Courtesy of Moxy Oakland Downtown / Expedia

The Moxy is one of the most fun hotels you can stay at in Oakland. The checkin desk doubles as a bar and you’ll get a complimentary drink upon arrival. Located in the art and entertainment district in Oakland, the fun, retro-chic decor of the lobby pays homage to the art deco theaters in the neighborhood in an edgy and modern way. Moxy encourages community through the large lobby that doubles as a lounge, and scaled-down rooms that urge you to view them as a crash pad after a day of exploring.

Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel, for five-star sunshine

Room at Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel with two beds, brown soft furnishings and a large window

Courtesy of Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel / Expedia

Positioned on what’s called the “Sunny Side of the Bay,” the Best Western Plus Bayside is annually voted one of the best hotels in Oakland. Watch the sunset from the outdoor pool deck overlooking the water. Large spacious suites are reminiscent of a five-star resort with large soaking tubs, water views and balconies on which to enjoy a glass of wine from the hotel lounge. In addition to complimentary breakfast, other sought-after amenities include patrolled parking and electric car charging stations.

Z Hotel Jack London Square, for retro cool

Swimming pool at Z Hotel Jack London Square with seating, loungers and plant life around it

Courtesy of Z Hotel Jack London Square / Expedia

The Z Hotel is right near the thriving waterfront district in Oakland, Jack London Square. The hotel evokes 1970s Palm Springs vibes with rooms centered around a colorful outdoor pool deck. Although the hotel is older, it’s been refreshed and remodeled with modern conveniences and comforts. But it’s the proximity to a variety of restaurants, specialty boutiques and local farmers markets that makes this hotel stand out.

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