Hey Gary, it would be great to have you down for the gathering. And I think his would be our first Classico! You should check out hotels in Emeryville. This is near the eastern landing of the Bay Bridge. There are several good ones and this is about the closest to the gathering. If you want something more scenic, (and more expensive), there is the Claremont in Berkeley. Majestic old hotel at the foot of the east bay hills. You might also want to check out the Doubletree in Berkeley. Still pretty close and right by the water. Also fairly close and by the water, there are a couple of hotels at Jack London Square in Oakland. If you're looking for a lot of shops and restautants within easy walking distance from the hotel, I'd lean towards Jack London Square. There is a great local jazz club/Japanese restaurant there called "Yoshi's". An excellent intimate venue where Stanley Clarke and other notables often play.
Bill, tgo
