Oakland has a not-so-great reputation (somewhat underserved). But this hotel is located in a unique place next to a channel and fishing pier separated fairly conclusively from Oakland proper by a freeway and railroad track. That's not a bad thing because over the freeway and railroad track is a quasi industrial area with scattered homeless tent cities. Nevertheless, the freeway and railroad tracks are an effective barrier against street hassles. I rather stay here than in San Francisco city. BART and the highways allow access to Silicon Valley, Napa, and Marin without the horrific traffic jams near the city. By the way, Oakland has some excellent black southern and creole food as well as BBQ . . . don't knock Oakland till you've tried it!