Preferred area for hobbyists?

Hello all!
Planning a trip in the future, but wanted to know what area of the bay is the "best" place to play?
I know that San Fransisco can be congested and difficult to navigate, especially on a time constraint.
Appreciate hotel suggestions as well!

xoBella

Speaking for myself, San Jose close to the 101 is the best. If not downtown. I hate driving into San Fran. Traffic is an issue pretty much anywhere. Can't really speak to hotels, still too new to the area.

Hotels are super expensive in SF proper. You'll find the Bay Area is pretty huge, there's a market wherever you go but I would suggest Emeryville as a good starting point.