Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland-Waterfront

This property is a modern, three-story building with beige siding and white trim, sitting right on the pretty bay. The easy highway and airport access, combined with beautiful water views, make this hotel popular with both business travelers and tourists -- despite being somewhat far from attractions. Inside, the lobby is clean and sleek, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing plenty of natural light. The space was fully renovated in 2016: new flooring, modern gray seating with bright orange accents, and a contemporary fireplace make the space feel cozy but fresh, and the new lobby bar offers amazing water views as well. Free coffee, tea, and newspapers are offered and there is a free weekday evening social with beers and drinks. The renovated breakfast area has fresh seating and carpeting, as well as several flat-screen TVs. Outside, the new terrace area has sleek chairs and tables, barbecue grills, and modern fire pits, all surrounded by shrubs and trees, and with incredible water and marina views.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Oakland-Waterfront is on the water and adjacent to Highway 880, with a few restaurants within a five-minute walk. The Oakland Museum of California, Jack London Square, and O.co Coliseum are a five-minute drive from the hotel, while the Bay Area Rapid Transit Station (BART), Oakland Convention Center, Paramount Theatre, and top local businesses are about a 10-minute drive away. Oakland International Airport and Oakland City Center are also about a 10-minute drive.

Traditional rooms -- in addition to Studio, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom Suites -- are available, and all have a homey feel with mid-tone wood furniture and nautical art on the walls. Brown swirling carpet and geometric silver lamps also decorate the contemporary spaces. Standard rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, and wet bars with granite countertops and coffeemakers. Suites offer fully equipped kitchens with two-burner stovetops, microwaves, full-size refrigerators, and dishwashers, as well as living rooms with blue couches. Some rooms also have balconies with fantastic water views, while others have loud highway noise. Stylish bathrooms have exterior sinks with granite countertops, along with shower/tub combos, light tile, and yellow walls. Neutrogena toiletries are provided. Still, the overall look is about what you'd expect from a mid-range hotel.

A lovely outdoor pool and hot tub have marvelous waterfront views, along with barbecue grills and some lounge seating; however, the pool area is only open seasonally. The free hot breakfast with fruit, waffles, sausage, eggs, hash browns, and English muffins receives good reviews, and there is an on-site convenience store, the Suite Shop, with snacks, drinks, and toiletries. A new waterfront terrace, added in 2016, provides barbecue grills and a fire pit. Cardio machines, free weights, and medicine balls are available at the fitness center, while two computers plus a printer are offered at the business center. A free weekday shuttle travels locally to attractions and businesses, and there's room service and free Wi-Fi access. But there is no on-site restaurant, and even though the hotel is pet-friendly, only two pets weighing less than 30 pounds are allowed per room with a fee.