Bay Breeze Inn — Attraction in Oakland

I’ve been coming to this motel since 2004, and I can honestly say the current management and ownership are the best I’ve experienced in over 20 years. They've completely turned this place around. The guy that works in the day time is very handsome

I would go as far as saying it's one of the cleanest motels in East Oakland—possibly the cleanest overall. Unlike other places where you might end up in what I call “sliding scale rooms,” every room at Bay Breeze is consistently clean, odor-free, well-maintained, and up-to-date. Whether I book directly through the lobby or a third-party site, I always end up in a quality room. There’s no “bad side” or neglected building here.

The parking situation is also great. It can get full on weekends, but it’s still easy to navigate. Occasionally there’s a $6 parking charge—I was only charged once, and honestly, I had such a low room rate that it was more than fair.

One of the things I appreciate most is the peaceful environment. There’s no sketchy activity outside or in the lot. It’s so quiet and low-key, I often feel like I’m the only guest here.

The office/lobby is always staffed, and the new decor in there looks high-end. The staff are consistently friendly, respectful, and fair. In fact, once I was told I was banned due to a past incident, but after calmly discussing the situation and sharing my side of the story, they listened and gave me another chance. That level of customer service and understanding is rare and truly appreciated.

also noticed a decorative piece in the lobby with lemons and chili peppers. When I asked about it, the staff told me it was meant to push away negativity. That small detail really stuck with me—because this place has always felt like a safe, calm haven during unplanned or emergency stays.

Unlike other motels that make you feel watched or unwelcome, the Bay Breeze maintains a respectful, chill atmosphere. I believe the deposit policy helps attract the right kind of guests, which keeps the environment peaceful.

If I had to point out a couple minor issues, I’d say the freeway noise can be noticeable (but obviously not the motel’s fault), and the fridge in my last room didn’t work—though I doubt the staff knows about it yet, as everything else is so well-maintained. My only real complaint? They charge for ice.

All in all, this place has earned my loyalty. Safe, clean, no drama, great parking, and staff who treat you like a real guest. Bay Breeze is a true gem in East Oakland.

Ps the pulga / flea market is right outside...

I want to say that this hotel is great for a 1 night layover. If you have a flight the next day it fits the bill. The room was well appointed. Very basic and clean. The bathroom area was updated, water was hot, towels are thin, they provided shower gel/wash and it too was clean. Bed was comfortable and the bedding was clean, but.... it's minimal. Fitted sheet, a sheet and a very thin bed cover? It won't keep you warm. The a/c works great.... but, it's right next to the bed and blow directly on you. As for the area, well... thats a different story. Maybe because I'm originally from the Bay Area I didn't feel too unsafe, but if you aren't, you will. The street is lined with food vendors and a block down... a homeless encampment? We opted to get our dinner near by (Wingstop and Panda near the airport) and come straight back and in for the night. Overall it's not a bad stay. I'd stay again as long as the reviews...

Stayed twice: mid-May 2025 and late-May 2025

Room: first night was clean, second stay they assigned a room that reeked of cigarettes. All rooms are to be smoke-free. Pro: rooms have fridge. Con: rooms do not have coffee makers

Service: the first stay, I was able to get coffee out of a vending machine the next morning. The second stay, the vending machine didn’t take cards, needed exact cash and couldn’t accept more than one dollar bill. Anyone have a $3 bill? The employee at the desk (the owner of the hotel?) was uninterested in calling the company that provides the vending machine to help.

A small garden with sweet-smelling jasmine and some grass was open the first time I stayed, but a week later, it was marked as “private” and locked

Location: a neighborhood where you would probably be injured by a passing vehicle if you...