Hilton Garden Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge

The hotel occupies a high-rise building just beyond the bay and offers some of the best views in the area -- it's quiet and feels tucked away from the city. A spacious lobby features lots of windows for natural light and is decorated in a cheerful, modern style. One cozy alcove offers turquoise high-backed armchairs and neutral sofas where guests can relax after checking in. A long wooden conference table in the lobby has a hand-carved look and sits next to a sleek electric fireplace finished in black tile. The restaurant and lounge feel darker and have low ceilings, but are accented with framed colorful photos of the San Francisco area. Most guests are tourist couples or families, and many business travelers also stay here thanks to the hotel's ample conference space. 

The hotel is located in Emeryville, almost directly on the bay and near the Highway 580/80 entrance. There's heavy traffic coming off the highway during rush hour, but otherwise getting to San Francisco can take as little as 15 minutes (or 35 to 45 minutes by BART). Oakland is about 10 to 15 minutes away by car. A gas station/minimart is located next to the hotel and there are restaurants and a shopping plaza within five minutes' walking distance in this safe area. The University of California Berkeley campus is a 20-minute drive. The departure point for Alcatraz Island can be reached in about 30 minutes. AT&T Park, home to the San Francisco Giants, is a half-hour drive from the hotel. San Francisco International Airport is 35 minutes away by car. The hotel has a shuttle service within a three-mile radius of the property, including to the nearest BART station, but it only runs for limited blocks of time on weekday mornings and evenings.

Guest rooms and suites are decorated in a classic style that includes beige walls, patterned carpet and curtains, and comfortable beds with white duvets and 200-thread-count sheets. Decor is a little dated, but rooms are clean. Each room has a sizable work desk with an ergonomic chair. Other standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and 26-inch flat-screen TVs, plus Mp3 alarm clocks. Premium Wi-Fi service is available for an extra fee. Rooms do not have safes. One-bedroom suites have separate living rooms with sofas, armchairs, and coffee tables, as well as wet bars. Bathrooms feature granite vanities and walls, shower/tub combos, and are decorated with Bay area photography. Toiletries are provided. Rooms have views of either the bay or the East Bay Hills and Oakland Flats mountains. Rooms on higher floors have outstanding views of the bay. Some guests have complained of dirty windows. 

Features are focused on business travelers. The Garden Grille & Bar serves traditional American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast buffet is available for a fee. The Pavilion Lounge offers drinks and light meals such as burgers. The Pavilion Pantry sells snacks and microwaveable meals. A spacious modern fitness center with Precor equipment and a skylight is available. Outside, there's an outdoor hot tub in a patio space next to the parking lot. However, there's no pool. Parking costs a low daily fee and there are ample spaces for guests. Shuttle service is available during restricted hours within a three-mile radius. Conference space (9,400 square feet) is available for business meetings and has great views of the bay. There's also a 24-hour business center and free Wi-Fi. A guest washer/dryer is available on-site for a small fee.