Hipmunk's Best Hotels in Oakland, CA

If you are traveling to the Bay Area, consider skipping the high-rent districts around San Francisco and opt instead to stay in Oakland, CA. Located across the Oakland Bay Bridge only 12 miles from the San Francisco city center, Oakland offers plenty of cheap hotels and other budget accommodations.

Stay Near the Airport for the Cheapest Hotels

The new Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Oakland and the Best Western Plus Airport Inn & Suites are both cheap hotels in Oakland that consistently get great reviews. You’ll also find plenty of national budget chains, including Super 8, La Quinta, Comfort Inn, and Motel 6 Oakland near the airport.

These budget properties not only offer free airport shuttles, but many also offer free shuttles around Oakland, including drops at most local public transportation points, so you can save money by skipping the rental car.

Speaking of Public Transportation: Meet BART

BART (which stands for Bay Area Rapid Transit) is the local train system. There are a number of stations throughout Oakland. Visit the BART website for route information and a complete map. You'll see commuters of all ages on these trains, many of which are equipped with free WiFi. As in most large urban areas, if you're walking to a BART station or other public transportation in Oakland, be sure to keep an eye on your surroundings and don't leave yourself vulnerable. Some areas of Oakland can be dangerous, especially after dark.

Book Early for the Best Rates

Oakland can be quite busy during certain times of year, including football, baseball, and back-to-school seasons. If your travel plans are flexible, pay attention to what’s happening in the area and adjust your travel schedule accordingly.

To find the best hotel deals in Oakland you’ll want to book at least three weeks in advance. Most hotels offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before arrival, so there is little risk even if your plans change after booking.

Stretch Your Budget with Free Local Attractions

There are plenty of free things to do in and around Oakland. Check out Lake Merritt, a large tidal lagoon just east of downtown Oakland, surrounded by parks and city neighborhoods. Visit the Redwood Regional Park, less than ten miles from the Oakland city center, to view the impressive and ancient redwood trees. Or hop across the Oakland Bay Bridge and head into San Francisco for a stroll through the famed Mission District or the colorful Castro neighborhoods.

Consider an Airbnb Rental for Even Cheaper Accommodations

Airbnb is a great option if you're looking for cheap accommodations in Oakland, CA. For about $110 per night, you can rent a private suite in a safe, quiet neighborhood near downtown, Emeryville, or nearby downtown Berkeley. Or, for only a few bucks more, rent an entire private house. Keep in mind that many of the Oakland Airbnb rentals require a minimum of two or three-night stays.

In these residential areas, walking to the BART stations is generally safe, so you can take advantage of the local public transportation. And with your own kitchen, you can save money by cooking most meals. Many of the Airbnb properties in Oakland are within walking distance to Trader Joes and other nice grocery stores where you can stock up.

Bay Area on a Budget in Oakland

Most Bay Area locals and frequent visitors prefer the smaller Oakland International Airport to San Francisco International. Add Oakland's ample selection of affordable hotels, and you've got the perfect home base from which to work and play.

Warm Winter, Great Rates

You won't find Super 8 prices so close to San Francisco, but you can find the best hotel deals from December to May, especially if you're able to book more than three weeks in advance. Prices go up in the summer and stay there until after Thanksgiving, so keep timing in mind.

Skip the Stadium Crowds

O.co Stadium in the Coliseum Industrial area is host to both the NFL's Oakland Raiders and the Oakland Athletics MLB teams, so the area can get hectic during football and baseball seasons. That's great if you're a fan, but visitors who want to avoid rowdy crowds may want to stay elsewhere.

Go by BART or Shuttle

Airport hotels like Hilton Oakland Airport, Holiday Inn Oakland Airport, and Red Lion Hotel Oakland International Airport offer complimentary round-trip airport shuttle service. It's also easy to get to the airport via the BART public bus system, which is also a great way to explore the city.