Oakland Marriott City Center (a Union hotel) is a ...

Oakland Marriott City Center (a Union hotel) is a mid-century styled establishment that is beautiful maintained. The well trained staff is most professional. On check-in we were given two bottles of water and a couple of bags of popcorn.

The contemporary room, on the eleventh floor, is both spacious and comfortable. Lots of seating, including a chaise lounge. The TV is huge. The view of the port and downtown Oakland is spectacular. I do not have a fear of falling, but the full length windows make me a bit uncomfortable. Closing the sheer drapes, provides a feeling of safety and at the same time allows dramatic view of downtown Oakland. Of course, there are also black out curtains.

The king size bed is comfortable. A neatly camouflaged refrigerator is included. All the standard amenities, coffee and brewer, hair dryer, iron with ironing board, and bottles of personal products are included. The bathroom is tight. Everything works. There are two mirrors available in the room, a full length mirror, just before you leave the room, and a mirror over the sink. Lighting is adequately bright. The LED strip, built into the shelf above the bed, provides romantic lighting. A small, sliding door closet is equipped with a safe.

We stopped for a snack at the "Iron & Oak Restaurant." Located on the second floor of the hotel, the spacious seating and comfortable, well padded, oversized chairs take some of the pain away from the long convention day. Shafi, our waiter, is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. There is a limited choice of vegan items. I choose a vegan brown rice bowl. The rice is mixed with steamed veggies, pickled red onions and topped with mildly spicy red sauce. It is suprisingly good.

The elevator service is fast. All public areas are wheelchair accessible. Coffee is available, but no coffee drinks are served. Parking is very expensive.