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Where to Stay in the San Francisco Bay Area: Oakland Boutique Hotels

Bay Bridge Oakland
Bay Bridge, Oakland (Photo: flickr, Torroid)

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco but you’re uneasy about the expensive nightly rate of most hotels in the city, consider staying in the East Bay and taking the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) in. Cities like Oakland are becoming a destination in themselves, giving you a wide variety of things to do both in San Francisco and close to your hotel.

Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove – Oakland Waterfront

Enjoy waterfront or city views from the 143 rooms and suites at the Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove – Oakland Waterfront. The comfy rooms have queen or king beds, fridges, microwaves, coffee and tea makers, and more. There’s an outdoor pool and patio that overlook the water as well. Travelers will appreciate free parking, 24-hour fitness and business centers, ATM, and local and airport shuttles. There’s even a free continental breakfast that includes pastries, waffles, and hot items. With rates starting around $259 a night, this hotel offers huge savings compared to San Francisco city accommodations.

Red Lion Hotel Oakland International Airport

If you’re looking for an airport hotel, consider the Red Lion Hotel Oakland International Airport. THe hotel is geared towards business travelers, and the 189 rooms have pillow-top beds, large desk areas, and coffee makers. Some Executive King rooms also have fridges. The Red Lion has a business center and meeting space, ATM, laundry service, and airport transport. There is paid self-parking and long-term parking available as well. Rates here start at $189, which is a great deal for a business-focused airport hotel in the Bay Area.

Hilton Oakland Airport

An affordable option near the airport is the Hilton Oakland Airport. Located less than a mile from the airport and only two miles from a BART station that takes you to San Francisco, the Hilton is an ideal hotel for exploring both Oakland and San Francisco. You’ll be only minutes away from stadiums for the Raiders, the A’s, and the Golden State Warriors. You can catch all the latest sports action from the hotel’s sports bar, thanks to 13 HDTVs. There is also a game room with air hockey and pool tables. With rooms starting as low as $87, the Hilton is a great deal.

Waterfront Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, consider the Waterfront Hotel, a Joie de Vivre Boutique Hotel. The 143 rooms and suites have balconies, desk and seating areas, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea makers, and Pro Terra bath amenities. Some rooms have fireplaces as well. The hotel offers a free wine and cheese hour along with complimentary downtown shuttle. The Waterfront Hotel has more of a B&B style feel, but with luxury hotel amenities. The hotel even allows dogs under 30 pounds! Rooms start at $279 a night.

La Quinta Inn Oakland Airport/Coliseum

For those seeking a familiar budget brand, consider La Quinta Inn Oakland Airport/Coliseum. Rooms are small and basic with a work desk, fridge, coffee maker, and pillow-top bed. Larger rooms may have a sofa and microwave. Free perks include Wi-Fi, parking, a breakfast buffet, and a 24-hour airport shuttle. Rooms start at $80 a night, which is hard to beat for an airport hotel, especially in the Bay Area.