If you are Flying:
You have your choice of two airports to fly into, San Francisco and Oakland, both of which are international airports. SFO is the larger of the two, but Jet Blue (www.jetblue.com) and Southwest (www.southwest.com) only fly into Oakland and I encourage you to check out their rates, which are usually excellent. Oakland airport is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Oakland and OSDF. San Francisco airport is only a 20-30 minute drive IF there is no traffic (try not to book a flight that arrives during rush hour).

Where to stay:
The most affordable hotel option is The Jack London Inn. They will allow up to 4 people to register for one room (with two queen beds), and they are offering the special price of $75 per night to anyone who mentions that they are with the Oakland Swing Dance Festival when registering. The hotel is located in Jack London Square which is adjacent to downtown Oakland. It is 18 blocks from Sweet’s Ballroom, and 25 blocks from the Lake Merritt Dance Center, so you would most likely want to catch a ride, cab, or bus to classes and dances although walking is possible. Visit www.jacklondoninn.com

Another reasonably priced hotel that is a little closer to both venues is The Washington Inn. Their weekend rates start at $89 per night. They are located 8 blocks from Sweet’s Ballroom and 15 blocks from the Lake Merritt Dance Center, so walking during the day is a possibility. Visit www.washingtoninn.com.

To view a map with the class and dance venues, as well as the hotel locations, click here.