Best Hotels in Oakland California

The 12 Best Hotels in Oakland, California

San Francisco may get most of the attention, but make your way across the Bay Bridge, and you’ll find there’s a lot more to the Bay Area than its most famous city. Over the years, Oakland has emerged as one of the coolest cities in California. Cruise the streets, and you’ll find everything from colorful street art and funky galleries to hip coffee shops and seriously innovative farm-to-table restaurants.

First-time visitors will love soaking up the hustle and bustle of Jack London Square before getting a history lesson at the Oakland Museum of California and the African American Museum & Library

If you prefer to get outside, one of the coolest things about Oakland is that it’s brimming with cultural and natural attractions. Outdoor lovers will spend their days paddling around Lake Merritt, walking among towering redwood trees in Redwood Regional Park, and going hiking in nearby Joaquin Miller Park. From catching an A’s game at the Oakland Coliseum to checking out the artists and buskers at one of the First Fridays block parties, there’s always something fun to do in this city!

Plus, it’s no secret that Oakland is a mecca for foodies. It’s well worth spending a few days in this Bay Area gem for the food and drink scene alone. 

From vegan Southern food, Korean BBQ, and authentic Ethiopian to Mexican taquerias, Texas-style barbecue joints, and Palestinian-Syrian restaurants, the variety is nothing short of impressive. And if you need something to wash it all down, just follow the Oakland Ale Trail or the Oakland Urban Wine Trail for craft brews and local wine!

With so much to see and do (and eat and drink!), you’ll want a nice hotel to come back to at the end of an action-packed day. Luckily, Oakland is home to a range of waterfront hotels, artsy boutique retreats, and amenity-packed resorts. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Oakland to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Where to Stay in Oakland

Where to Stay in Oakland, California: Best Hotels

It’s no surprise that the best Oakland hotels are clustered around the downtown area. Whether it’s your first visit to the city or your 20th, it’s always fun being able to walk to downtown’s top attractions and star farm-to-table restaurants. Plus, if you base yourself in the heart of town, you’ll have easy access to a variety of BART stations, which means getting around is a breeze!

One of the most popular places to stay in Oakland is the Jack London District. Not only will Jack London Square be right on your doorstep, but this is where you’ll find Oakland’s best waterfront hotels, including the famous Waterfront Hotel. And if you plan on spending some time in San Francisco, you’ll have easy access to the ferry.

You’ll find some of Oakland’s coolest hotels in the Temescal neighborhood. This is easily the most hip part of town, and there’s no shortage of unique cafes, innovative restaurants, and vintage shops to keep you entertained for days on end.

If you’re short on time and need quick access to the Oakland International Airport, you’ll find a handful of hotels nearby that offer complimentary airport shuttles. But don’t worry – downtown Oakland is an easy 15-minute drive away!


The 12 Best Hotels in Oakland

1. Kissel Uptown Oakland

Where to Stay in Oakland, California: Kissel Uptown Oakland
Photo: Kissel Uptown Oakland

If you’re looking for cool Oakland hotels, it doesn’t get much better than Kissel Uptown Oakland. Set in the artsy and eclectic Uptown neighborhood, you’ll be surrounded by the city’s best bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. 

You’ll love all of the thoughtful and luxurious amenities that come in each and every room. From the artwork by local artists to the wood and marble furnishings, expect the perfect blend of form and function. Plus, you’ll love brewing your morning joe with the K-Cup coffee maker each morning and watching Netflix on the 55-inch smart TV in the evenings.

If you’re feeling peckish, you can grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Otto’s in the lobby. Better yet, head up to the hotel’s High 5ive Rooftop Bar, where you can enjoy American-comfort fare and classic cocktails with a view! Or, if you’re feeling lazy, you can always kick back in your PJs and order room service.


2. Moxy Oakland Downtown

Oakland Boutique Hotels: Moxy Oakland Downtown
Photo: Moxy Oakland Downtown

Moxy Oakland Downtown is a no-brainer if you’re looking for cool boutique hotels in Oakland. You know a hotel is hip when you check in at the bar and are given a complimentary cocktail with your room key!

Make your way to your room, and you’ll find a cozy but surprisingly stylish and functional space. You can hang clothes and bags on the handy wall hooks, get some work done at the fold-down desk, and keep up with your favorite shows with the 55-inch flat-screen TV. Plus, the lightning-fast internet is free, which is always an added perk!

But if you’re sick of being cooped up in your room, you’ll find plenty of cool spaces around the hotel where you can hang out. Whether you want to get some work done on your laptop or socialize with your fellow guests, Bar Moxy is always buzzing. The hotel also has a 24/7 gym in case you want to keep up with your routine during your stay.

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3. Waterfront Hotel

Unique Hotels in Oakland, California: Waterfront Hotel
Photo: Waterfront Hotel

Hyatt’s Waterfront Hotel is the perfect pick if you’re in need of a relaxing getaway with a dash of luxury. Plus, one of the things that makes this one of the most unique hotels in Oakland is that it’s the only Jack London Square hotel on the waterfront. From the marina to street art and fine dining, you’ll be steps away from the best that Oakland has to offer!

You’ll love the sophisticated rooms, which all boast 37-inch or 42-inch flat-screen TVs, ergonomic workstations, iPod docking stations, and Jonathan Alder toiletries. If you want to make the most out of the hotel’s waterfront location, book one of the balcony rooms overlooking the Oakland waterfront and Jack London Square.

When you’re not relaxing in your luxury room, you can take in the marina views from the outdoor pool, work up a sweat in the fitness center or the sauna, or get cozy by the fireplace in the lobby. The hotel also offers complimentary weekday wine socials – a nice added touch! 

While you’ll be surrounded by all sorts of excellent restaurants, be sure to enjoy at least one meal at the Waterfront Café & Bar. From rum-infused cocktails to tuna tostadas and hearth-baked oysters, expect strong drinks and creative seafood fare.


4. Signature Inn Oakland

Where to Stay in Oakland, California: Signature Inn Oakland
Photo: Signature Inn Oakland

If you’re on the prowl for budget-friendly places to stay in Oakland, the Signature Inn Oakland might just be the perfect pick. Rooms at this revamped motel have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

The retro guest rooms are outfitted with plush beds, colorful art, designated workstations, vintage-style mini-fridges, and large flat-screen TVs. Plus, you’ll have a heater and AC, so you’ll be comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside. If you’re traveling as a family and need a bit more space, the King Bed with Sofa room has got you covered with an extra sitting area that doubles as a fold-out bed. 

While there is no on-site restaurant, you’ll find plenty of food and drink options right outside the hotel. From taco shops to burger joints, you won’t go hungry in this part of town!


5. The Claremont Club & Spa

Unique Hotels in Oakland, California: The Claremont Club & Spa
Photo: The Claremont Club & Spa

Located just one mile from the University of California Berkeley, the Claremont Club & Spa is a great option if you plan on visiting campus during your trip but prefer to stay in luxury. With 22 acres of land, expect to find every amenity you could possibly need during your stay.

You’ll love spending your days playing tennis, going swimming, or fitting in yoga sessions at the club before getting pampered at the world-class spa. When hunger strikes, East Bay Provisions serves up pastries, gourmet deli sandwiches, and excellent coffee drinks morning, noon, and night.

Even the most standard of rooms is outfitted with plush bathrobes, 47-inch flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers, and Le Labo bath amenities. But if you’re willing to spend just a little bit extra, it’s well worth upgrading to the Signature Bay View Room for the extra space and the unbeatable views of the San Francisco Bay.

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6. AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown

Best Oakland Hotels: AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown
Photo: AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown

The AC Hotel by Marriott Oakland Downtown is one of the newest additions to the Oakland city center so expect everything to be clean, new, and top-of-the-line. Plus, attractions like Jack London Square and Lake Merritt are both just one mile away.

You’ll absolutely love the rooms, which are outfitted with sleek wood floors, comfy beds with adjustable reading lamps, 55-inch smart TVs with Netflix, and designated workstations. Plus, you’ll get all sorts of freebies, including Wi-Fi, Korres bath amenities, DIY lavender turndown supplies, and Hydration Stations with reusable bottles on every floor.

When you’re not lounging around your room, you can fit in your daily workout in the fully outfitted gym before enjoying the buffet breakfast at AC Lounge and catching up on your reading in the carefully curated library. In the evenings, head over to AC Lounge for their signature gin cocktails, local brews, and creative tapas dishes.


7. Oakland Marriott City Center

Boutique Hotels in Oakland, California: Oakland Marriott City Center
Photo: Oakland Marriott City Center

Yet another one of the best hotels in Oakland, the Oakland Marriott City Center is conveniently connected to the Oakland Convention Center and offers all sorts of cool amenities you won’t find in other Oakland hotels.

You can spend your days drinking, dining, and playing games in the Topgolf Swing Suite, keeping up with your routine in the fitness center, and checking your emails with the free Wi-Fi. Whenever hunger strikes, you’ll be steps away from dozens of downtown restaurants. But if you prefer to dine at the hotel, the on-site Iron and Oak serves up delicious farm-to-table dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The ultra-stylish rooms are the perfect blend of contemporary and mid-century modern, and you’ll love the artsy mural above the bed. Plus, you’ll be able to keep up with your favorite Netflix shows with the 55-inch smart TV, luxuriate with the complimentary THANN toiletries, and brew your morning cup of joe with the in-room coffee maker.


8. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport

Unique Oakland Hotels: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport
Photo: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Oakland Airport

If you’re wondering where to stay in Oakland that’s near the Oakland International Airport, Oakland SpringHill Suites has got you covered. The airport is conveniently located less than a mile away, and downtown is just 15 minutes away.

Book a stay here, and you’ll get a range of freebies, including a daily buffet breakfast, an airport shuttle, and ultra-fast Wi-Fi. Plus, you’ll have free use of the large outdoor pool and the gym. Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find the London Bar & Grill, where you can grab dinner and drinks in the evenings. There are also coin-operated laundry facilities if you need to wash your clothes during your trip.

Once you’re ready to retire to your suite, you’ll appreciate the 400 square feet of space, the living area with a large sofa, the designated workstation, and the large smart TV, which you can watch from the sofa or the comfy bed.

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9. Courtyard Oakland Downtown

Unique Hotels in Oakland, California: Courtyard Oakland Downtown
Photo: Courtyard Oakland Downtown

Courtyard Oakland Downtown is one of the best places to stay in Oakland if you want to be based right in the heart of the action. Whether you’re in town for work or play, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and productive stay.

When you’re not out exploring everything Oakland has to offer, you’ll love taking a dip in the outdoor pool or fitting in your daily workout in the 24/7 fitness center. Once you work up an appetite, you can grab breakfast and dinner at the on-site Bistro eatery. Better yet, sample some of downtown Oakland’s excellent farm-to-fork restaurants! 

In the evenings, you’ll love unwinding on the plush bed and finding a movie with the premium movie channels. Or, if you need to catch up on work, you’ll appreciate the large workstation and complimentary Wi-Fi. If you need more space or are traveling as a family, the suites offer 550 square feet of space, as well as a kitchenette where you can prepare basic meals.


10. Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center

Best Oakland Hotels: Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center
Photo: Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center

One of the coolest things about Hampton Inn Oakland Downtown-City Center is that 12th St. Oakland City Center station is an easy two-minute walk away. This means that you easily grab a train and reach downtown San Francisco in just 20 minutes.

Location aside, Hampton Inn provides everything you could possibly need during your stay. Plus, they offer pet-friendly rooms making this one of the best Oakland hotels if you prefer to travel with your furry friend! 

In the mornings, work up a sweat in the fitness center before filling up on the complimentary buffet breakfast. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi in case you need to get a little work done during your trip.

Head up to your room, and you’ll find a plush Hampton bed with an artsy headboard, a work desk, and a large HDTV. You’ll especially love that you can brew your own coffee in the mornings and store cold drinks and leftovers in the mini-fridge.

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11. Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel

Boutique Hotels in Oakland, California: Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel
Photo: Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel

Stay at the Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel, and you’ll get all sorts of freebies, from Wi-Fi and parking to hot breakfasts and an area shuttle. Plus, you’ll have luxurious amenities to enjoy whenever you’re not out on the town. 

You’ll absolutely love whiling away the days on the bayside terrace, which features an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and plenty of loungers. Explore the grounds, and you’ll also find a 24/7 fitness center, as well as coin-operated laundry facilities. 

Rooms come with either a city or bay view, but it’s well worth booking one of the Water View rooms for the serene views. Opt for the Beautiful King Water View Room, and you’ll be spoiled with a living room, a furnished waterfront balcony, and a bathroom with an oversized soaking tub.

While the Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, you’ll have a wide range of dining options right outside your door. From taco shops to Cambodian street food joints to pupuserias, you won’t go hungry here.


12. Executive Inn & Suites Oakland

Oakland Boutique Hotels: Executive Inn & Suites Oakland
Photo: Executive Inn & Suites Oakland

Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove is easily one of the best places to stay in Oakland, offering everything you need for a relaxing retreat. This hotel is set right on the Oakland Estuary at Embarcadero Cove, just five minutes from downtown Oakland.

You can choose from 124 rooms and 19 suites, which range from 300 to 550 square feet. All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with DirectTV and HBO, and a handy microwave and mini-fridge.

If you’re willing to splurge, it’s well worth snagging one of the waterfront rooms, which boasts sliding glass doors leading out to a private patio or balcony overlooking the water. When you’re not relaxing in your room, take advantage of the hotel’s heated outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.

Once you work up an appetite, you can enjoy the complimentary “upgraded” continental breakfast each morning at The Lounge. From fresh fruit to muffins, expect a variety of breakfast dishes, as well as a hot breakfast sandwich. 

If you prefer to dine at the hotel in the evening, head back to The Lounge for their famous steak or salmon dinner. It’s the perfect way to end the perfect day in Oakland!

That completes our list of the 12 best Oakland hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Oakland? Comment below so we can add them to the list!


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About the Author:

  • Justine Lopez

    Justine is a writer and editor who always seems to take the unconventional route in life. She also suffers from a serious case of wanderlust!

    In 2013, she left her hometown in California and set off on a yearlong round-the-world journey with her now-husband – they never looked back. Since then, she’s lived the expat life in Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Mexico, and now Dubai. Along the way, she's written and edited for magazines, newspapers, and websites in Asia and beyond.

    When she's not stoking her wanderlust by working on travel articles for Wandering Wheatleys, Justine is busy caring for her many foster cats in Dubai, seeking out all the delicious vegetarian food, and taking every chance she gets to explore a new corner of the world!

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