Though situated 11⁄2 miles from Oakland's city center, the new hotel was within walking distance of the passenger stations for both the Santa Fe Railroad and the regional Key System streetcars.

[5] To attract the car driving public, the hotel's owners added a "motorists patio" in 1933, with a separate entrance from the parking area directly to the lobby.

A grand "reopening" was held with invited guests that included Oakland-born comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, boxing champion Joe Louis and acclaimed singer Lena Horne.

[3] The California Hotel, constructed in 1929–1930, is a 5-story and Mezzanine and penthouse, L-plan structure made of reinforced concrete, designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival Style.

Situated in west Oakland near the border of Emeryville and adjacent to the MacArthur Freeway (Interstate 580), the building stands out with its pressed red brick exterior in American bond, complemented by off-white and painted Stucco trim.

The building's L-plan spans approximately 214 feet along San Pablo Avenue, forming a polygonal lot resembling a flatiron with the tip cut off.

The northern arm extends 80 feet back from San Pablo, housing a balconied lobby and Banquet room, apartment units on floors two through five, and a penthouse with observation towers.

The hotel parking lot, accessed through the original gateway on San Pablo Avenue, retains its brick pylons and metal Arch, though a new gate has been installed.

The San Pablo facade is a two-part vertical composition, divided into five bays with off-white stucco panels and featuring balconies resting on consoles.

The lobby itself, though unfurnished, preserves its original design, including a mezzanine balcony, stenciled ceiling panels, a Terrazzo floor, and a Fireplace with Mayan-style relief tiles.