With its prime location near the Oakland airport, many travelers choose to stay off the beaten path of San Francisco and stay in Hayward instead. Although there are many things this city has to offer, Hayward has a storied past. Unfortunately, Hayward, California, is best known for the 1868 earthquake. This infamous event caused incredible devastation to the entire area.
At one point, the city was fully sustained by its food canning and salt production, although the area no longer focuses on these productions. The city prospered during the gold rush. By the twentieth century, Hayward was drawing cowboys to attend the rodeos at the Harry Rowell Ranch. Celebrities were frequent guests, whether taking part in or merely attending the rodeos.
The city prospered further during World War II. They began manufacturing many necessary war materials. The city remained relatively stagnant for some time after the war, and didn't see much growth or change. By 2012, it was time to revamp the city. The city worked on the downtown area and renovated many of the stores and facades. Hayward is also home to a new solar farm, which will power over 1200 homes.
Best Times to Visit Hayward, California
The weather is variable in this part of California, making it difficult to plan a trip without worrying about rain. The spring is beautiful with or without rain showers. Spring and fall visitors will experience an average temperature in the 60s and 70s. Fall typically comes with the fewest crowds, so large groups could find destinations eager for patronage during these months. Summer offers high 70s and 80s with an occasional peak into the 90s. The weather fluctuates easily, so be sure to pack a jacket and shorts for those quick changes.
If you want the best deals on hotels and less crowds, then head to Hayward during the winter. Temperatures rarely dip beneath the 40s, generally staying in the 50s or low 60s during the winter months. Luckily, you can see all the sites without having to worry about inflated prices and the large crowds that visit California during the summer.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Hayward, CA:
Hayward by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Hayward, CA. You can use these charts to determine the best time to book a room in Hayward during the year.
Best Luxury Hotels in Hayward, California
4 Star Average Prices: $139.77
There are several nice hotels in the area to make sure you are comfortable and even pampered, but visitors will trade the overblown luxury of other major cities for personable and friendly service. The Fairfield Inn & Suites offers large rooms for its guests. If you still have work to consider while you are traveling, you can use the business center and conference room. The Fairfield Inn also offers bright rooms with flat-screen televisions and wireless internet. The hotel also offers a free, hot breakfast as well as a fitness center.
Ten miles outside of Hayward is the Rose Hotel. This upscale hotel is unique and offers a different feel for its guests. Although it's not quite a bed and breakfast, you will still have a more intimate feel. Each room is individually decorated and offers a minibar, DVD player, and a flat screen television. Guests can also enjoy the fireplace in the lobby, free internet, and free self-parking.
Affordable Options in Hayward, California
3 Star Average Prices: $129.28
Compared to the prices of San Francisco, everything in Hayward seems accessible. Of course, some hotels are more affordable than others. If you're in search of a hotel near the Alameda Museum, reserve a room at the Bay Breeze Inn. This reasonable hotel offers garden views and complimentary wireless internet. Guests also have the convenience of a refrigerator and microwave in every room and free parking. Should you need it, dry cleaning and laundry services are available from the hotel.
Another thrifty hotel option is the Days Inn & Suites Hayward. Close to Hayward City Hall, the Japanese gardens, and California State University East Bay, this hotel offers free internet among plenty of other amenities. Guests also have complimentary access to a nearby fitness center. Each room has a microwave and refrigerator, and guests can also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast.
For a hotel near the Eden Landing Ecological Reserve, consider staying at the Motel Six Hayward. These economical hotels have consistent levels of service. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby, as well as air-conditioned rooms. There are also laundry facilities on the premises and free self-parking. Wireless internet is available for purchase.
2 Star Average Prices: $96.49
Best Discounts in Hayward, California
If you have access to AAA, military, or senior citizen discount, consider staying at the Hampton Inn. This hotel offers relatively significant discounts for AAA members, active military, and senior citizens. Each room has a microwave and refrigerator. The hotel also offers a fitness center, a free hot breakfast buffet, and an outdoor swimming pool. The Quality Inn Hayward is a smoke-free hotel near California State University East Bay offering free internet, parking, and a hot breakfast buffet.
Best Value Options in Hayward, California
To get the most out of your money in Hayward, California, consider staying at the Best Western Plus Inn. With this chain, you know you can expect good service and quality, clean rooms. Consider staying in one of 14 suites or enjoy the outdoor swimming pool. The Best Western Plus Inn has a microwave and refrigerator in every room, and offers free internet and parking. Guests can also enjoy the complimentary hot breakfast buffet.
Another great value option in Hayward is La Quinta Inn & Suites. Located near the executive airport, the hotel offers a free shuttle anywhere within a five-mile radius. If you want to see the local sites and get a good deal, this hotel offers the right location with all the amenities you need at an affordable price. The hotel has a heated outdoor swimming pool, a free continental breakfast, and an on-site fitness center. If you're traveling with a four-legged friend, La Quinta Inn & Suites is a lot pet-friendly.
Consider a Stop in Hayward, California
Although many people think about Berkley or San Francisco when they visit the area, there are plenty of reasons to stop in Hayward. With its site near the Oakland airport, visitors have easy access to the city. Guests should start their journey through Hayward by visiting the Hayward Japanese gardens, California's oldest Japanese gardens. They represent a historically strong Japanese presence in the area. Dedicated in 1980, guests still flock to these gardens, built along traditional lines.
Another major draw to Hayward California is the Garin Regional Park. Hayward is well known for its parks, and many people especially enjoy Garin Regional Park. Horseback riding, hiking, kite-flying, nature study can all be found here. It is also the location of the Apple Festival in late summer. Antique varieties of apples are celebrated with apples and their juice, folk music, and old-fashioned games.
When people aren't visiting the park, they usually are found at the movie theater or Buffalo Bill's Brewery, which is the one of the first breweries open to the public in California. Although the downtown area is quaint, there are still plenty of fun options for the family to do.
If you're a sports fan, consider buying tickets to see the East Bay FC Stompers play. This amateur soccer team is the only sports team in the area, but their fans are devoted. If you're a fan of golf, there are two local, public courses to play, as well as a private course in the area.
The prime location of Hayward to many of the surrounding areas also is an ideal attraction for visiting the area. Those who don't want to spend the high prices for accommodations in San Francisco have more affordable options in Hayward. Fly into Oakland airport and get a hotel in Hayward to have access to many of the Bay Area's favorite sites. Spend a day in San Francisco and visit Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out the Sea Lions and enjoy dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp. Hayward gives you access to the city without the price tag.
FAQs about hotels in Hayward
How much does a cheap hotel in Hayward cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Hayward can be as cheap as $96.49 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Hayward cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Hayward has been $129.28 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel in Hayward cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Hayward has been $139.77 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Hayward?
Below are reviews of the city of Hayward, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"We were there for a family event"
Score
5.0 / 5
Alvis M., from 12-Jul-2026
"I found the city of Hayward colorful quiet"
Score
4.0 / 5
I found the city of Hayward, colorful, quiet and I did not see any homeless people in the area I was in.
Yvetta F., from 04-Jun-2026
"CENTRALLY LOCATED"
Score
4.0 / 5
CENTRALLY LOCATED
Daniel D., from 17-Jan-2026
" California"
Score
4.0 / 5
Was up visiting family members we was all over California. Antioch, Sacramento, Oakland and the list go on.
Deborah M., from 06-Dec-2025
"Friendly"
Score
4.0 / 5
Friendly people
Victor T., from 14-May-2025
"Love the day and nighttime activity!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Love the day and nighttime activity!
Iosefo N., from 07-Oct-2024
"Great place to visit and live!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Hayward is a great place to visit and live!
Paul F., from 12-Mar-2024
"Good Customer Service"
Score
4.0 / 5
The clerks were always very helpful and accommodating.
Harvey B., from 04-Mar-2024
"Nice Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
It a nice place.
Yolanda S., from 21-Feb-2024
"Nice Staff"
Score
5.0 / 5
Front desk person was nice.
Aaliyah E., from 31-Dec-2023
"Me gusto todo muy limpia ciudad"
Score
5.0 / 5
Me gusto todo muy limpia ciudad
Alejandro L., from 09-Oct-2023
"Me gusto todo muy limpia ciudad"
Score
4.0 / 5
Me gusto todo muy limpia ciudad
Alejandro L., from 09-Oct-2023
"Plenty of Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Plenty of shopping experiences.
John M., from 22-May-2023
"Satisfied with hotel stay."
Score
5.0 / 5
Satisfied with hotel stay.
Manoochehr B., from 22-Apr-2023
"Nice Place"
Score
5.0 / 5
A nice place.
Henry R., from 22-Mar-2023
"Quiet Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
It was quiet and away from Oakland.
Angela J., from 17-Jun-2022
"Accessible to public transportation & local attractions."
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel was accessible to public transportation and local attractions.
Pamela G., from 17-May-2022
"Enjoyable"
Score
5.0 / 5
I enjoyed the city.
Annette S., from 23-Mar-2017
"Calm and Quiet"
Score
5.0 / 5
There is lots of shopping in the city. The Southland Mall was great.
Gina C., from 19-Oct-2015
The average traveler rating of the city of Hayward, CA shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 19 reviews