Best East Bay Hotels for Group Getaways

An affordable group getaway hotel that has free shuttle buses back and forth to Oakland International Airport is always a plus. Some of these East Bay hotels — those with full-service spas — are better suited to bachelorette parties. Others are pet-friendly and offer a kids-stay-free policy, making them especially attractive for a family reunion. Whatever your group may be, here is our list of the best group getaway hotels in the East Bay.

Featured Photo: Oakland Marriott City Center

Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Airport

A free shuttle bus to and from Oakland Airport makes this one a winner. Stay here for an Oakland Athletics game. Plus, who can say no to palm trees and an outdoor pool. In the guest rooms, there’s free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV, a work desk. Other amenities include a fitness center, a business center and a Bistro restaurant serving Starbucks coffee in the morning and cocktails in the evening.

TIP: There’s also on-site parking.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites — Oakland Airport

Who wants to go to the beach? This property is four miles from Alameda Beach, a 2.5-mile sandy (manmade) expanse that’s safe for swimming and wading. It’s also conveniently located to Oracle Arena and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Back at the hotel, there’s a 24-hour front desk. Amenities include a free daily hot breakfast, a laundry, free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flatscreen TV with HBO. In-room microwaves, refrigerators and coffeemakers are available for those who want to enjoy coffee in peace or tuck into tasty leftovers.

TIP: The hotel has free 24-hour airport shuttles to Oakland International, only half a mile away.

Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa

When the group getaway is a bachelorette party, this is the place. Indulge in a European chateau feeling of exclusivity. Thirty miles east of San Francisco, the property has been rated AAA Four Diamond for 25 consecutive years. Features include a full-service spa and a heated outdoor swimming pool. An outdoor fireplace adds sophistication to the getaway and the Park Bistro & Bar is a magnet for groups. There’s parking, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center and room service.

TIP: Guest rooms come with fireplaces as well.

Marriott Walnut Creek

Perhaps the group getaway is a family reunion? Kids stay free at this hotel that’s only a two block’s walk from the BART station in Walnut Creek, 20 miles from downtown San Francisco. And Fido can come too, since the hotel is pet-friendly. If a group hike is on the agenda, it’s 16 miles to Mt. Diablo. Back at the hotel, there’s a heated outdoor pool and a modern fitness center.

TIP: Atrio is the in-house restaurant and bar, serving Baja California fusion cuisine, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

*Moxy Oakland Downtown

Everything you need and nothing you don’t. If you don’t know Moxy, the Marriott sub-brand, you’ll want to know Moxy. Rooms are small but well thought out. This is one of the newer properties, near BART, the Fox and Paramount theaters, and more nightlife. In addition to its own in-house bar, there are plenty of amenities in the price tag: Free Wi-Fi, a flat screen TV / cable channels, a gym, and pet-friendly.

*Readers’ Choice Best Group Getaway Hotel in the East Bay

TIP: Don’t be confused — Moxy Oakland Downtown is actually in Oakland’s Uptown District.

Oakland Marriott City Center

Why miss a Netflix favorite when you’re on the road? This hotel’s widescreen TVs are the answer (and there’s HBO, too). Rooms have free Wi-Fi, coffee making facilities and views of San Francisco Bay or Downtown Oakland. There’s a restaurant, a gym, a business center, and a parking lot (fee applies) as well as car rental services. Walk to Jack London Square, theaters and the farmers market in no time. And practically fall out of bed onto the 12th Street Oakland City Center BART station; it’s right on the doorstep.

TIP: Ask about the soundproof rooms.