At the time of the Spanish arrival in the late 18th century, the Ohlone people occupied the area that is now Alameda. The island was a peninsula at the time, and both that low-lying, marshy peninsula and the area in which downtown Oakland currently stands were home to some of the world's largest coastal oak forests. It's no surprise, then, that Alameda takes its name from the Spanish word for “grove of poplar trees.”
The city itself was founded in 1853, consisting of three small settlements. By 1854, it had its first post office, and the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad followed in 1864. The city continued to grow into its modern incarnation, which offers a number of attractions and a highly coveted Mediterranean climate.
Whatever your reasons for visiting Alameda, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything the Bay Area has to offer.
Best Time to Visit Alameda, CA
As part of the Bay Area, Alameda is a great place to visit regardless of the season. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures hovering around 71 degrees. Keep in mind, though, that summer marks the peak tourist season in the Bay Area, and many travelers come into Alameda and nearby communities to take advantage of competitive hotel rates outside of San Francisco. Because of this, hotels tend to raise their prices, so you'd better book months in advance if you hope to score a good deal.
July marks the annual Alameda Art & Wine Faire as well as the popular Fillmore Street Jazz Festival in San Francisco.
Waiting to travel in the fall can help you save money on your trip to Alameda. Hotel rates drop and tourist crowds taper off starting in September, but you'll still enjoy pleasant weather and sunny skies. Since the temperatures tend to remain in the 70s, fall is a great time to experience the Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, a local haven for wind surfers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter brings chilly winds to the Bay Area, but if you don't mind packing a few layers, you can find some incredible hotel rates in Alameda during the off season. Alameda hosts a wonderful Winter Market in January, with arts and crafts, antiques, and culinary delights. There are also plenty of indoor attractions in the Bay Area to bring you in from the cold.
Booking a trip from March through May means beating the tourist rush and landing great hotel rates. Temperatures fall into the mid-60s, so you won't likely want to participate in any water sports, but booking your vacation during the spring can help you offset costs. You can also visit the San Francisco International Film Festival and the two-day, family-oriented Carnaval San Francisco.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Alameda, CA:
Alameda, CA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Alameda, CA. Browse these illustrations to determine the most cost effective dates to stay in Alameda throughout the year.
Luxury Hotel Options in Alameda, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $185.17
If you're looking for more upscale options in and around Alameda, you're in luck.
Courtyard Downtown Oakland is located just a block from the BART rapid transit station and within walking distance of Jack London Square. Guest rooms are stylish and contemporary, with flat-screen TVs, premium cable channels, free Wi-Fi, and coffee makers. Suites add mini-fridges and separate living areas. The property also boasts a living room-style lobby, an on-site American restaurant, a business center with workstations and printers, multiple meeting rooms, an exercise room, an outdoor heated pool, and a free shuttle to Jack London Square.
If you prefer a waterfront accommodation, book a room at Executive Inn & Suites. Located five miles from downtown Oakland's historic center, this hotel offers straightforward guest rooms with private granite bathrooms, mini-fridges, writing desks, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with premium cable, and free high-speed internet. Waterfront rooms also feature a deck or balcony. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, an airport and area shuttle service, free parking, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and multiple meeting rooms.
Hawthorn Suites By Wyndham-Oakland/Alameda is a casual all-suite property offering a hot breakfast buffet, free parking, a fitness room, a whirlpool tub, a coin-operated laundry, and a business center. Guest rooms are open and inviting, featuring pull-out sofas, wet bars, mini-fridges, coffee makers, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
Affordable Hotel Options in Alameda, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $141.42
Finding an affordable hotel in Alameda is easier than you might think. Jack London Inn Oakland is conveniently set on Jack London Square within walking distance of the Oakland Ferry Terminal. Guest rooms are simple, but offer premium cable TV, free Wi-Fi internet access, and coffee makers. Mini-fridges are also available upon request. Additional amenities include a free continental breakfast, an exercise room, a seasonal rooftop pool, an on-site Southern-style chicken and waffle house, multiple meeting rooms, a lounge bar, and an available area shuttle service.
Bay Breeze Inn is a two-star budget property located one block from the Nimitz Freeway. This low-rise hotel features simple guest rooms with mini-fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and televisions. All rooms open onto the parking lot. Guests can take advantage of the free parking, vending machines, and a coin-operated laundry.
Rodeway Inn is a relaxed property a little over two miles from Jack London Square. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and mini-fridges, with balconies or work desks available upon request. Suites add separate living areas and kitchenettes, which are great for extended stays. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and free parking.
