Oakland Marriott City Center

The hotel serves as a prominent convention center hotel, offering direct access to event spaces and public transportation, making it a highly convenient choice for many. Its signature feature is its impressive views of the Bay and city skyline from higher floors, contributing significantly to a memorable stay. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, the comfort of its rooms, and the attentive service provided by the staff. This hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers attending conferences, sightseers exploring the Bay Area due to its excellent transit links, and concert-goers visiting nearby venues. Families and couples also find it appealing for its spacious accommodations and central location. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best views, and be prepared for potential costs associated with parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities that generally enhance the guest experience, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. The M-Club Lounge is a notable amenity, appreciated by many for its spaciousness, comfortable seating, and selection of snacks and drinks, though some find the coffee sub-par or question its value. The fitness center is well-equipped with various cardio machines, including Pelotons, and free weights, though some guests note a lack of fans, leading to a stuffy environment. Wi-Fi connectivity is a recurring topic; while available, it is often reported as slow or difficult to connect to, and incurs a daily charge for non-members. Guests also mention the presence of a small market with limited and overpriced selections. The elevators are frequently cited for being slow and occasionally problematic, requiring room keys for access, which can be inconvenient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The comfortable beds and high-quality linens are frequently highlighted, ensuring a restful sleep for most. However, room size receives mixed reviews, with some finding them spacious and well-appointed, while others, particularly those traveling with more than two people, consider them small or tight. Noise is a significant concern for some, including street noise, elevator noise, and an unusual "swooshing" sound that can disrupt sleep. The AC system is also a point of contention, with reports of it being loud, ineffective, or causing stuffy air. Bathrooms are described as clean but sometimes small or outdated, with issues like low water pressure, lack of a fan, and inconveniently placed toilet paper dispensers. Some rooms feature updated decor and offer impressive views of the Bay or city.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback. The on-site restaurant, Iron and Oak, is generally praised for its food quality, with specific mentions of tasty dishes like fish tacos, burgers, and quesadillas. However, some guests find the menu limited and the prices high, occasionally describing the food as mediocre. Breakfast in the M-Club Lounge is often appreciated for its healthy selection, though some find the coffee sub-par and note that it is not always included in the stay. Room service is available but has a limited menu and is sometimes delivered in takeout containers, with some guests reporting below-average food and less-than-friendly delivery staff. The bar area is noted as a nice spot with a good selection, though some guests are disappointed by its early closing times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, making it highly convenient for exploring the area. Its direct proximity to the BART station is a major advantage, providing easy access to San Francisco, the airport, and local venues like the Oakland Arena. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous attractions, including the Fox Theater, Chinatown, Jack London Square, and a variety of restaurants and shops. The hotel's connection to the convention center also makes it ideal for business purposes. While the hotel maintains a strong security presence, some guests express concerns about the surrounding area's reputation, particularly at night. Parking is a significant point of discussion, consistently described as expensive, with both valet service and self-park options incurring high daily fees, and some guests report issues with the in-and-out system.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness and attentive service. Many guests highlight the helpful staff at the front desk, who are often described as welcoming and accommodating, contributing to a positive overall experience. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as smooth and quick, though some guests encounter issues with room keys or Bonvoy account recognition. Housekeeping is frequently commended for being thorough, respectful, and responsive to requests for extra amenities. The valet service is noted for its efficiency and the pleasant demeanor of its attendants, though a few guests report concerning incidents related to car handling. Security personnel are present and generally helpful, though some guests feel their interactions are less welcoming. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention various additional charges that can impact the overall cost of their stay. These include significant Wi-Fi charges for non-members and substantial parking fees, which are often higher than advertised. A notable point of contention is the package handling fees, with guests reporting unexpected charges for receiving mail or deliveries. The rewards program benefits, particularly for elite members, receive mixed feedback; while some appreciate perks like lounge access, others feel the value is not commensurate with the required spending, citing misleading aspects like the "Your 24" check-in/out policy. Hotel policies regarding late-night food service are also a concern, with limited options after 10 PM. Some guests also report elevator issues and a policy preventing guests from using luggage carts themselves.