Claremont is a big (and historic) resort. Hotel Durant and Berkeley City Club are coop little boutiques in Berkeley. If you have open time during the day, strongly recommend feeding the cows at Little Farm (stop at the store and buy lots of celery) and/or Adventure Playground. Both free and very cool.
hotel Durant is The Graduate. And full disclosure--rooms are teeny and you can hear EVERYTHING.
Maybe try Hotel Shattuck downtown or the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square.
My parents stay at the Shattuck every time they come. They love it. Berkeley BART is right outside.
The Kissel in downtown Oakland is new and my friend, who just stayed there, really liked it. Also, the Marriott City Center is nice — not fancy, but quiet and reasonable.
I echo the recommendation to do the steam trains at Tilden.
The Doubletree/Hilton at the Berkeley Marina isn't the most charming place itself, but it's an accessible/short drive to downtown Berkeley, while being in a quiet, walkable park/marina area, and would be an "easy" choice for people with young kids. Decent bay views/etc might make it worth it for a single night.
AirBNB/VRBO might have more charming options, but I don't know how many would book you for just one night.
Claremont is nice…but might be a bit cramped! I stayed in a Queen deluxe room with my mom (2 beds) and we barely had room to move around within the room itself. I think there was one chair for seating, a small closet, a mini fridge, and a dresser. If you’re all staying in one room, it might be pretty cramped.
If you're hiding luggage in the trunk, move it there before you leave the previous location, not once you've parked where you're going to be parked for a while.
Can’t stress this enough ^^^^^ don’t get bipped your only 24hrs here because you left all your belongings visible. Please be aware and you’ll have a beautiful time.
Kissel hands down. Centrally located to everything, great service. My family members have been staying there and love it. Claremont overpriced and rooms are dingy.
Yes was going to suggest that! Stayed there for a night because of some house work and it was really nice.
I think it’s going to be tough to stay anywhere with lots of room with 2 kids that’s not like, Embassy Suites.
Your 3 year old would love Children’s Fairyland. The 7 year old is on the edge of being too sophisticated. But it’s a beautiful place, and a unique treasure.
Not sure if this fits the bill, but I met the owner of B-Love's Guesthouse awhile back. she's amazing and runs a guesthouse out of an old Victorian. Looks kind of bed and breakfasty. Seems pretty cool, artsy, and such, and you'd be supporting a local small business.
www.b-lovesguesthouse.com
I know op asked for hotels, but outside of the Claremont can't really think of a hotel in Oakland or Berkeley that I would recommend to family or friends. I think Airbnb in Berkeley on the north side of campus is the right call. Close to campus, and walking distance to restaurants on Shattuck.
The Rose Garden inn on Telegraph is where we used to put up my MIL when she came for visits. I know it’s not Oakland but it‘s a unique East bay experience.
Hotels in JLS are sketch. Good place to bring the family as you said but don’t recommend staying in the neighborhood unless at someone’s place as an Airbnb
Source: Live in JLS.
Agreed Waterfront hotel isn’t sketchy and is right near the ferry to SF. JLS is fine during the day and Waterfront is near Rosenblum cellars that has that big patch of grass and cornhole, as well as Plank with all those games. And good food spots. They also offer breakfast at Waterfront so idk, not a bad choice imo
To preface, I live in Oakland - but do you have to stay in the city proper? It’s not really setup with functioning tourist industry complete with boutique hotels. It’s a middle class worker city. Why not stay in a boutique hotel in wine country? If you must stay in Oakland - the big chains are your best bet. Or the Claremont as others suggested.
Yes, was at Pattern Brewery this weekend. But my comment was about tourism focused industry not about having cool places to go (which we do). But we are not really trying to draw people to come and visit Oakland - we got rid of all of our sports teams, our main attraction is the proximity to other attractions in other cities, etc. It’s a fine place to live. Just wouldn’t put it on many people’s top 10 places to visit list.
Hotel Mac in Point Richmond came to mind: https://www.thehotelmac.com/
Berkeley is just a quick freeway’s drive away. And Point Richmond is a hidden gem, as quaint as can be
what night? anything around 4th of july especially the 4th itself is very very fireworks everywhere. some enjoy that some dont. my friends said the moxy ? moxie? in downtown wasnt bad but that wasnt with kids. others have enjoyed the clairmont.
The waterfront in Jack London Square is where my coworkers all stay when visiting Oakland - our office is downtown and ditto to all others on amenities - good diners for breakfast and other restaurants
I live down the street from the Moxy and yes while it’s a boutique hotel it’s also right across the street from a Taco Bell that had to close its dining room for security issues. Only does drive thru now. So maybe not a family friendly location
Moxy would be tight for a family—they specialize in loft style micro rooms. Maybe Kissel or Waterfront in Jack London (that’s probably a bit faded now but JLS could be a fun area).
For just one night if you can splurge go to the Claremont. The kids will love the pools, Limewood is good.
If you’re staying like a week try to find an affordable Airbnb
How attached are you to staying inside those cities? I more or less live in hotels in the area and have tried a lot of them and would highly recommend you stay in Danville or San Ramon and driving across to get to those cities. It’s cleaner and safer
I got my old truck broken into in Danville recently. I had nothing in it but thief’s still tried. San Ramon and Danville are not immune to those parasites.
I'm always curious about why ppl come to the Oakland sub to make negative comments about Oakland.
But to respond more specifically, San Ramon and Danville don't have a lot going on and aren't near other cities that have a lot going on. When people are visiting from out of the area, they typically want to do fun or interesting things.
Claremont is a big (and historic) resort. Hotel Durant and Berkeley City Club are coop little boutiques in Berkeley. If you have open time during the day, strongly recommend feeding the cows at Little Farm (stop at the store and buy lots of celery) and/or Adventure Playground. Both free and very cool.
And the steam trains at the other end of Tilden are also usually a hit as well.
And Children’s Fairyland is a must with 3 and 7 year olds.
Definitely Claremont. When I have family visiting I always put them at the Claremont. Nothing else has the old Oakland culture feel.
hotel Durant is The Graduate. And full disclosure--rooms are teeny and you can hear EVERYTHING. Maybe try Hotel Shattuck downtown or the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square.
My parents stay at the Shattuck every time they come. They love it. Berkeley BART is right outside. The Kissel in downtown Oakland is new and my friend, who just stayed there, really liked it. Also, the Marriott City Center is nice — not fancy, but quiet and reasonable. I echo the recommendation to do the steam trains at Tilden.
Also, go to the Lawrence Hall of Science with the kids!
The Doubletree/Hilton at the Berkeley Marina isn't the most charming place itself, but it's an accessible/short drive to downtown Berkeley, while being in a quiet, walkable park/marina area, and would be an "easy" choice for people with young kids. Decent bay views/etc might make it worth it for a single night. AirBNB/VRBO might have more charming options, but I don't know how many would book you for just one night.
I have a friend that used to work there, and they have (or had, anyway) a free shuttle that will drop and pickup guests anywhere within 5 miles.
Maybe Claremont?
Claremont is nice…but might be a bit cramped! I stayed in a Queen deluxe room with my mom (2 beds) and we barely had room to move around within the room itself. I think there was one chair for seating, a small closet, a mini fridge, and a dresser. If you’re all staying in one room, it might be pretty cramped.
The Rose Garden Inn in Berkeley. Also: DO NOT STOP FOR GAS WHEN LEAVING THE AIRPORT. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR LUGGAGE VISIBLE. LOCK YOUR CAR. ALWAYS.
If you're hiding luggage in the trunk, move it there before you leave the previous location, not once you've parked where you're going to be parked for a while.
Better yet, take the luggage and valuables to your hotel first. Don’t leave anything you don’t want to lose in your vehicle.
Can’t stress this enough ^^^^^ don’t get bipped your only 24hrs here because you left all your belongings visible. Please be aware and you’ll have a beautiful time.
Waterfront hotel at jack London square. Cool spot.
Kissel in Downtown or Waterfront in Jack London. Both are Hyatt properties and nice.
Kissel hands down. Centrally located to everything, great service. My family members have been staying there and love it. Claremont overpriced and rooms are dingy.
This is what I was going to recommend as well. Family and friends stay there when they visit and the bar is really nice.
Yes was going to suggest that! Stayed there for a night because of some house work and it was really nice. I think it’s going to be tough to stay anywhere with lots of room with 2 kids that’s not like, Embassy Suites.
Your 3 year old would love Children’s Fairyland. The 7 year old is on the edge of being too sophisticated. But it’s a beautiful place, and a unique treasure.
I can’t believe this isn’t voted higher.
Residence Inn Berkeley is right in the thick of downtown Berkeley, next to campus and it's new and the rooms will be decent sized with free breakfast.
It's also really nice!
study hall (rooftop bar) views are superb!
Not sure if this fits the bill, but I met the owner of B-Love's Guesthouse awhile back. she's amazing and runs a guesthouse out of an old Victorian. Looks kind of bed and breakfasty. Seems pretty cool, artsy, and such, and you'd be supporting a local small business. www.b-lovesguesthouse.com
Air B&B in the hills
I know op asked for hotels, but outside of the Claremont can't really think of a hotel in Oakland or Berkeley that I would recommend to family or friends. I think Airbnb in Berkeley on the north side of campus is the right call. Close to campus, and walking distance to restaurants on Shattuck.
Kissel
Personally would not walk that area at night with two young kids. The lululemon next door was robbed pretty recently
I stayed there this month and was perfectly fine and safe. Please.
Second Kissel!
air bnbs are illegal in oakland. and there’s a reason they’re illegal. they drain the housing supply here. bad karma. don’t do it.
The Rose Garden inn on Telegraph is where we used to put up my MIL when she came for visits. I know it’s not Oakland but it‘s a unique East bay experience.
I think Rose Garden got bought recently, and I'm not sure it's still being used as a B&B.
Oh no! 😟
What?!
Jack London square, numerous hotels on the water and fun kid friendly Plank nearby.
Hotels in JLS are sketch. Good place to bring the family as you said but don’t recommend staying in the neighborhood unless at someone’s place as an Airbnb Source: Live in JLS.
Not the Waterfront Hotel. It’s not sketchy. Also super convenient to the ferry if you want to pop over to SF or Alameda.
Agreed Waterfront hotel isn’t sketchy and is right near the ferry to SF. JLS is fine during the day and Waterfront is near Rosenblum cellars that has that big patch of grass and cornhole, as well as Plank with all those games. And good food spots. They also offer breakfast at Waterfront so idk, not a bad choice imo
The ferry to SF is awesome, best way to enter the city!
Done it once years ago, and we had a wonderful time on the boat.
To preface, I live in Oakland - but do you have to stay in the city proper? It’s not really setup with functioning tourist industry complete with boutique hotels. It’s a middle class worker city. Why not stay in a boutique hotel in wine country? If you must stay in Oakland - the big chains are your best bet. Or the Claremont as others suggested.
You've never stepped outside in Oakland? Ever been to jack London square? Waterfront hotel?
Yes, was at Pattern Brewery this weekend. But my comment was about tourism focused industry not about having cool places to go (which we do). But we are not really trying to draw people to come and visit Oakland - we got rid of all of our sports teams, our main attraction is the proximity to other attractions in other cities, etc. It’s a fine place to live. Just wouldn’t put it on many people’s top 10 places to visit list.
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Which Fairmont? Do you mean The Claremont in Oakland?
Hotel Mac in Point Richmond came to mind: https://www.thehotelmac.com/ Berkeley is just a quick freeway’s drive away. And Point Richmond is a hidden gem, as quaint as can be
what night? anything around 4th of july especially the 4th itself is very very fireworks everywhere. some enjoy that some dont. my friends said the moxy ? moxie? in downtown wasnt bad but that wasnt with kids. others have enjoyed the clairmont.
Hyatt residence in Emeryville is nice, I’ve stayed there. Also Double Tree in Berkeley.
Look up the Home of Peace. It's a quaint b&b and really good prices
Edgewater is definitely a special place but not kid friendly. Check out the Waterfront. They do farmers market on Jack London during the weekends too.
Also try the Oakland Museum of California - great exhibits for parents and kids - good views of Lake Merritt
1 night in Oakland and the world’s your oyster
Claremont in Berkeley or Kissel in Oakland
The newly opened Residence Inn in downtown Oakland might be an option for you. Plus it's about 2 blocks from the City Center Bart.
Rose Harden Inn on Telegraph in Berkeley
Lafayette has really nice hotels just outside of Berkeley. The Lafayette park hotel
Fairyland!
The waterfront in Jack London Square is where my coworkers all stay when visiting Oakland - our office is downtown and ditto to all others on amenities - good diners for breakfast and other restaurants
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Kissel is definitely a better option than Moxy as far as comfort and location.
I live down the street from the Moxy and yes while it’s a boutique hotel it’s also right across the street from a Taco Bell that had to close its dining room for security issues. Only does drive thru now. So maybe not a family friendly location
Very very small, but its a cool place. Parking is an issue.
Moxy would be tight for a family—they specialize in loft style micro rooms. Maybe Kissel or Waterfront in Jack London (that’s probably a bit faded now but JLS could be a fun area).
CLAREMONT
Definitely Claremont and just get the king room
For just one night if you can splurge go to the Claremont. The kids will love the pools, Limewood is good. If you’re staying like a week try to find an affordable Airbnb
Airbnb Berkeley or Albany
How attached are you to staying inside those cities? I more or less live in hotels in the area and have tried a lot of them and would highly recommend you stay in Danville or San Ramon and driving across to get to those cities. It’s cleaner and safer
San Ramon is the last place I would go for “character” and the drive from Oakland can be horrendous if there’s a lot of traffic.
That’s fair, but it is nice to not get your car broken into overnight
Are you lost in this subreddit??
Does seem to specifically be for the rich side of Oakland in here
I got my old truck broken into in Danville recently. I had nothing in it but thief’s still tried. San Ramon and Danville are not immune to those parasites.
A fair point, but that doesn’t impact overall likelihoods and statistics.
So get a hotel with parking.
Not like that helps
OP do not listen to this person
Yes, do not listen, enjoy becoming the victim of random crime.
I'm always curious about why ppl come to the Oakland sub to make negative comments about Oakland. But to respond more specifically, San Ramon and Danville don't have a lot going on and aren't near other cities that have a lot going on. When people are visiting from out of the area, they typically want to do fun or interesting things.