Oakland, CA: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

What are the best times to visit Oakland, CA?

Finding the time off to visit Oakland is hard enough for many people, but you should know the seasonal differences regardless. Planning your trip for one season could prohibit you from experiencing some activities unique to other seasons. Fortunately, most of what you can do in Oakland is available year-round.

If you love sunshine, come by during the summer. Overcast is virtually non-existent from July to August, so enjoy those blue skies. The summers can get pretty hot with highs around the mid-70s, but that pales in comparison to the blistering heat of some other places. Like most of sunny California, Oakland experiences mild winters with lows around 44 degrees at worst. Most of the time, you can enjoy a cool temperature somewhere in the low to mid-50s.

If you don't like the rain, that's just another reason to head to Oakland during the summer. Through July and August specifically, rain is extremely rare. It's not uncommon for there to be no rain at all for those two months. In the winter, on the other hand, rain gets a bit more common with it peaking at 30 percent probability in February. You may be able to avoid the crowds if you travel during the winter, but make sure to pack your umbrella.

What hotels are offering the best discounts in Oakland, CA?

You're already taking advantage of your time off by going to one of the most exciting cities in America, so why not take advantage of some incredible deals as well? Oakland has quite a few premium hotels with exclusive AAA discounts that you can take part in.

The Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove Oakland Waterfront offers a 12 percent discount to all AAA members, and you still get the waterfront view. The pool is especially nice with excellent lighting well after dark, so you can enjoy the hotel pool and still experience the view of the waterfront. There's free Wi-Fi and breakfast, along with free airport transportation, so arrival and departure have never been easier. There's even a train station pickup available.

If you're looking for a military discount, head to Best Western Plus Bayside Hotel. At this wonderful hotel, you'll find a host of useful amenities like free breakfast every day and fitness facilities. More importantly, you'll be right next to Lake Merritt where a world of aquatic adventure awaits. Inside each room, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi and wired internet connection along with cable programming. You can add some extra relaxation to your trip with deep soaking bathtubs complete with complimentary toiletries.

What are the value hotels in Oakland, CA?

Just because you're trying to save money on your trip doesn't mean you have to settle for the lowest quality hotel in Oakland. There's a nice compromise that can be made if you're looking for quality while also trying to save. You'll find plenty of value hotels in Oakland, so book yours to get the best of both worlds.

One of the best value hotels in the city is Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Downtown. In this incredible hotel, you'll find plenty of activities without leaving the grounds, including a pool, a bar and lounge area, and a 24-hour fitness facility. Each room has the option of wired or wireless internet; both are included along with cable programming for the flat-screen television. The real attraction is the hotel's restaurant, which features a gorgeous garden view. There's also a limo/town car service available if you want to see Oakland in style.

Another great value is the Z Hotel Jack London Square. This hotel offers quite a bit right in the middle of downtown Oakland. This hotel makes your stay incredibly convenient, with a 24-hour business center and front desk, so you can take care of any problems that arise whenever you want. Each room has free Wi-Fi, of course, but you can also enjoy premium cable packages that many other hotels don't offer. There's breakfast available every morning along with an attached restaurant, so you're never too far away from good food. If you prefer staying connected the classic way, you can grab a free newspaper every morning as well.

What are the things to do in Oakland, CA?

The gorgeous city of Oakland, CA is packed with adventure suitable for all kinds of people. With so much to see and do, it's helpful if you make an itinerary before you go. Unless you're planning an extended stay, you're going to have to pick and choose what you want to see and experience most.

If you're looking for family fun, head to the Children's Fairyland theme park or try to learn something at the Chabot Space & Science Center. Most famously, Oakland is home to Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum and Oracle Arena, so try to catch a game or show at least once during your trip. You can see shows of a different kind at the numerous theaters all around town including the legendary Fox Theater off Telegraph Ave.

For a more nature-centered experience, Oakland features some incredible natural features like Lake Merritt where you can fish, swim, and spot some incredible waterfowl. For a more international experience, stop by the Oakland Zoo where you can see animals from all over the world and eat at their restaurant, accessible only via gondola. There are also numerous well-maintained parks if you want to get some steps in or need a nice biking trail.

Whatever your tastes are, you can be sure that there's something exciting waiting for you in Oakland, CA.

Billy Joe Armstrong said: 'Making mistakes is a lot better than not doing anything.

This statement is very true. How are we going to learn anything, if we never go out and do anything? Well, vacationing to Oakland will provide you will knowledge about the area and experiencing activities that you may not have experienced before. Oakland hotels will provide an easy, safe way to plan where you can stay during your trip. Whether you need cheap hotels to keep to your budget, or you are looking for a high-end hotel, there are plenty of hotels in Oakland that will fit your needs.

Locating Budget-Friendly Hotels in Oakland

There are many cheap hotels that in Oakland that will help you keep to your budget while allowing you to enjoy your vacation as well. The Imperial Inn Oakland is a great place. This hotel is located near the MacArthur BART Train Station, Lake Merritt and to Old Oakland. The rooms offer en suite bathrooms and are accessed through exterior hallways. All rooms include: microwaves, fridges, coffee making equipment and complimentary bottles of water. Another choice is the Crown Lodge Motel Oakland. This hotel is located near the Oakland Zoo, Street Business District and the Chabot Space and Science Center. The rooms feature free Wi-Fi and cable; all rooms are accessed through exterior corridors. Oakland hotels make it possible to traveling on a budget carefree.

High-End Resorts in Oakland

Hotels in Oakland also offer the luxurious travel option. The Courtyard Oakland Emeryville, is a four-star hotel located near the Jack London Square and San Francisco. The contemporary-styled rooms feature desks and chairs, flat screen televisions and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas and wet bars. The hotel also offers social spaces, an American restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner, a business center, an indoor heated pool, a whirlpool, a fitness room and on-site paid parking. Another option is the Hotel Durant. This hotel is located near UC Berkley and the well-known Botanical Garden, the Indian Rock Park and the Tilden Regional Park. The collegiate-themed rooms have pillow-top beds, desks and campus or San Francisco Bay views. The Executive rooms have special access to a private lounge with free, daily continental breakfast, evening wine receptions and PlayStation. Adjoining rooms are also available.

Alternative Accommodation in Oakland

Oakland features boutique and independent hotel options as well. The Waterfront Hotel is a relaxed hotel located near Jack London Square and the Oakland Museum of California. The nautical rooms feature desks, iPod docks and coffeemakers. Some rooms offer balconies and/or harbor views; suites add separate living areas and/or fireplace. The hotel also provides a heated outdoor pool, a sauna and fitness room, an Italian restaurant, a business center and thirteen meeting rooms. Another is The Inn at Jack London. This hotel is located near multiple shops and restaurants in Jack London Square and the waterfront and ferry terminal. The elegant rooms are arranged around a landscape courtyard and feature pillow-top mattresses, free Wi-Fi and coffeemakers; some have patios and balconies with courtyard views.