Actually you'll want to spend the night in Emeryville since that's where the Zephyr Terminates.( I wouldn't recommend staying in Oakland,even around Jack London Square where the Rail Station is)Sounds like the best thing to do is to take the Zephyr to Oakland, spend a night there and then catch the coastal train to LA. Thank you for all your help
There is a Nice High Rise Hotel just across the Tracks from the Station ( used to be Hyatt, not sure now) and several Major Hotels close to the Station ( HIlton,Marriott)that a Cab or Ride share can get you to/from quickly.