SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- What they lack in speed, they make up for in warmth. Dolly was an ace-- thank you sir!!🫡
Cleaning/runner staff actually smile, which was nice!
Phone service was questionable: it took some effort to reach the right people or those that knew how to transfer lines(?).
Vehicle retrieval is exacerbated by traffic during peak hours, so request that car sooner than later! Geronimo is an asset & exemplary valet.
Idk what's going on with the doors here (confusing & unsightly) but the lobby is still spectacular. Great flow, function, & flare✨.
MVPs: Dolly & Geronimo .
ROOM (walkthrough) -- "Impressive design; disappointing function" sums it up.
Relaxing earth tones and moody lighting gave this room an intimate & alluring vibe. A strong first-impression aesthetically, but the devil is in the details...:
The dimensions make the layout functionally awkward; outlet distribution isn't effective; tabletop space is inadequate (esp. for a 2-person party); storage door is impractical; AC vent is poorly placed & underperforms; air circulation is lacking (shower ventilation was non-existent) & windows aren't functional either...
The view was nice though.
BED -- Very luxurious first impression with the sleep quality to match😴.
Linens were soft, breathable, & clean. The mattress had a perfect firmness level; pillows were cool to the touch; comforters were warm & cozy... 10/10
BATH -- Contemporary, sleek, & clean. The different textures were fun + the vanity was powerfully luminous. Towels were in excellent condition too-- they actually arrive fluffy upon request!
Ultimately this space was too cramped for comfort. On top of that: there's no discernible exhaust, water doesn't heat quickly, & faucet is too short.
TV/ENTERTAINMENT -- 55" LG configured with the de facto Marriott TV solution (curated smart features, stripped down apps & integrations).
The display was very high-end, same goes for the wicked mount installation👌.
If TV doesn't appeal till you, there's a bunch of hotel-sponsored activities like live music, Cornhole, & mini golf!
WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- Underwhelming...
Free (Lobby) WiFi is slow. The member benefit speeds aren't any different.
It took a significant amount of time to establish a connection.
Verizon carrier performed well in this area.
--Performance--
Video streaming - average
Online gaming - average
Video chatting - average
--Nerd Stats--
11-14 Mbps download
6-8 Mbps upload
1% packet loss
31 ms latency
18 ms jitter
FOOD & DRINK -- NOT DoorDash friendly. Despite this inconvenience, there's enough to close the gap.
In-room dining is available, although it was more of a bagged-takeout-room-service experience. Since the menu was allergy friendly menu we decided to order the French Toast & Breakfast Burrito. Both were DELICIOUS! My only complaint is their use of Cholula instead of Tapatio 💔🥲.
The receptionists are extra attentive when it comes to guests staying hydrated + there's a huge market in the lobby with everything except batteries.
In-room:
❌ microwave
✅ mini-fridge (small)
✅coffee
❌ tea
❌ wet-bar
❌ mini-bar
NOISE -- External sound-proofing goods
No complaints with internal chatter or housekeeping turnover.
LOCATION -- Downtown Oakland; Extremely walkable for food, shows, transit.
In a safe location.
RATING
This room wasn't a hit, functionally. Luckily, the quality in hospitality brought this experience across the finish line for us (s/o to Dolly & Geronimo).
I could see myself staying here again in a different room type.
I'd recommend this property for anyone optimizing for a great value at a competitive price.
4/5 ⭐️
@mrstaycation
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