Toby Baratta

Review of Oakland Marriott City Center, ...

The Marriott seems like a wonderful place to stay ...

The Marriott seems like a wonderful place to stay from the outside, but I would only stay here if the conference rate was cheaper than literally every other hotel in a half a mile block. The hotel advertises mobile keys and mobile check-in, but neither of these amenities worked throughout my stay. I went to the front desk three separate times regarding the mobile key situation, and each time they said that it should be working -- it never did.

If you do end up having the misfortune of staying here due to attending a conference and not having another choice in hotel, make sure to CHECK YOUR BILL! The hotel billed me at the wrong rate, causing a charge on my credit card of over $500 more than the rate that I originally purchased. If I had not checked the bill that was emailed to me post-checkout, I would have been out that money. They did refund me, however the refund takes 7-10 business days to process - which means that large of a charge on my credit card that I need to pay off with funds I don't have.

The staff was nice and it was nice to be able to just go up the elevator to my room after a tournament day, but the hotel is also poorly staffed in terms of functioning vending machines or anything to get a snack. The vending machine was broken but sent four charges to my card without actually giving me my drink. There also isn't a grocery store nearby anymore, so your options for drinks are literally the hotel lobby (which you need to wait in the check-in/check-out line to even get a drink there.

Best thing was the housekeeping was great - they don't move your stuff but ensure you have clean sheets and towels nightly. Also, the view is quite pretty over the city, depending on what floor you are on.

Overall, I'd say this hotel is one of the worst I've stayed at and incredibly disappointing for the amount of money spent for the stress it has caused me. I do not recommend staying here.