Without being egotistical, I know a hell of a lot more about the North Bay than you do.

Those places are a tad old, yes... but:
a) you'd be spending 90% of the day out and about sightseeing, without having to drive for 30 mins just to get to the Golden Gate.
b) at night you'll hear light traffic on the highway rather than police sirens and gunfire.
c) you'll still be saving money on lodging.

If you've got the $$, there are nicer places (the Lark Creek Inn being one of them).. but you can't expect the Ritz-Carlton on a Motel 6 budget.