Recommended Hotel: Washington Inn
Why: Best Rates, Free Breakfast, Restaurant with Full Bar
The Washington Inn is the cheapest hotel ($122/night) in Downtown Oakland and it also has good amenities like free breakfast and inexpensive parking. The Clarion, Marriott, and Courtyard Marriott are all fine hotels, but nothing special for the increased price tag starting at $179 a night and going up well over $250 per night. Some guests at The Washington Inn complained that the rooms are small, but it seemed to be a minor complaint when location and price are factored in. Guests like the bar in the lobby as a place to relax in the evenings. We recommend The Washington Inn to couples and solo travelers.
Neighborhood Vibe: Known as the grittier “other city on the bay,” Oakland is home to a vibrant arts culture, incredible food scene, and has a strong sense of community and history. It’s a bit warmer, less foggy, and less expensive than San Francisco and has garnered loyal residents from these qualities. 
Getting Around: Three BART stations are located beneath downtown; 12th Street/Oakland City Center and 19th Street are under Broadway, while Lake Merritt is in the eastern part of Chinatown. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is roughly 50 minutes away from these BART stations, while Oakland Airport is only 10 minutes away. AC Transit offers bus service throughout the city, too.
What to Eat: Foodies like to head to Oakland for places like Commis, the only East Bay restaurant other than Chez Panisse to boast a Michelin star. For more casual fare, stop in at Haldon Hill Cafe or Arizmendi Bakery. Cafe Romanat is a great place to sample Ethiopian fare.
Things to Do: Catch a live show or movie at Oakland’s art deco masterpiece, the Paramount Theatre, or at the Fox Theater, a restored 1920s gem, which has a live music venue. Visit the Oakland Museum of California with its massive collection of California art. Watch the sunset from atop Skyline Boulevard then stargaze from Chabot Space and Science Center.
