The Best Places to Spend the Night
To really experience all Oakland and the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer, you have to spend a few nights. Oakland and the nearby cities have a variety of nice accommodations, to fit whatever your budget happens to be. One of the following options is sure to give you a great night’s sleep, in walking or driving distance of Jack London Square.
On a Budget
B-Love’s Guest House: This is a quaint little hostel located in West Oakland. It’s run by Traci, the owner of the house who also lives on the grounds. The house has five rooms and many amenities, including a full kitchen, washer and dryer, wifi, and cable TV. It’s a five minute walk to the BART, the Bay Areas subway system, which can take you to downtown Oakland and Jack London Square in a matter of minutes. The rates are around $55 a night for one person. One caveat: while the streets of West Oakland are safe in the daytime, be careful at night and never walk alone.
Medium Range
Waterfront Hotel: If you have a little more money to burn, you can find great accommodations right in Jack London Square and on the Bay, at the Waterfront Hotel. The hotel has a quaint nautical theme, a pool, and friendly employees. Just be aware that the rooms that face the street do get train noise at night and during the day, so bring your white noise machine if you’re a light sleeper. The cheapest rooms here will be about $140 a night, with the standard waterfront rooms at about $210.
Oakland Marriot City Center: You can stay right in the thick of things downtown, but still within walking distance of Jack London Square, by crashing at this posh hotel. This hotel serves up the high standards you can expect from the Marriot chain: spacious, clean rooms, continental breakfast, and friendly service. The hotel is only one block away from the BART stop, so you’ll have quick access to San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area if you’re feeling adventurous. Rooms are a bit more expensive here than the Waterfront Hotel, and start at around $200.
A Splurge
The Claremont Hotel Club & Spa: This is the place to check out if you’re planning a special vacation, and you’ve got the keys to your rental car in hand. The spacious, sprawling white building is actually located in the Berkeley Hills, about 20 minutes north of downtown Oakland. Luxuriate in the hotel’s spa, sip mimosas over brunch in the restaurant, and relax in a pampered environment. The least expensive room here has one king size bed and no bay views, and will cost you about $240.
