Civic Center Lodge / Lake Merritt BART

Since I have never been to Oakland, I had no idea of where to stay. So I ended up at the Civic Center Lodge. Here is the thing - I was traveling by myself, female, and I was given a room on the bottom level. I asked the motel manager if I would be safe. He responded 'of course, you have nothing to worry about'. Well I reminded him that he kept his door locked and I had to ring a bell to get him to unlock it so that I could enter. Also, when asking the Taxi driver if I was safe in the area, he told me during the day I would be okay, but do not walk around at night. Okay, maybe the safety thing was my issue, but the NOISE, freeway, train, and just people walking up and down the stairs. I did not have a problem with the bathroom window as some travelers did, because it was frosted and no one could see through it - just remember to close it. The BART is close, but not safe at night to walk the block plus to the motel. Only in my opinion.

Liked: It was clean; linens (towels, sheets etc.); fridge; microwave and coffee pot in room.
Disliked: The NOISE (please see review).

Liked: It was a great stay for the night; the price was very reasonable. The rooms were clean, the front desk clerk was very friendly and accommodating. I would stay there again.

Bad

Bad

Liked: N/A
Disliked: I didn't actually get to stay at this location.. I booked online the day I planned to stay, but when I arrived, the woman behind the desk told me I had to pay a $100 deposit IN CASH. I asked if they had an ATM on site, but of course they did not, and she didn't have any information for where the nearest one was. I pointed out that this cash deposit was nowhere listed in my reservation, which she agreed was not. Since my phone was nearly dead (as I expected to charge it when I was finally in my room), I wasn't able to search for an atm or another room. I attempted to charge my phone at an available charger outside, but she yelled at me to get off the property. My battery pack was unfortunately in my luggage that the airport [temporarily] lost, so I was attempting to charge my phone with my laptop, but it was going very slowly. After about 20 minutes I had enough battery to turn my phone back on and post an emergency status to my friends, and was luckily able to find someone to assist me. The woman came out of her room to yell at me several times during this, even though I was standing in one spot with my luggage and was not causing any problems. I would never recommend this location to anyone, and will never attempt to book here in the future. That woman behind the desk was awful and has no sympathy/ empathy/ heart.

worst hotel on the planet

Liked: nothing
Disliked: there was nothing to like

Exceptional

Very good

Exceptional

Bad

Great price and great place...

Liked: Location was perfect for me. I was in town for a marathon and it was a 10 minute walk to the start line. Also, since it was a Sunday, there was a large flea market directly across the street from the lodge.

I WANT A REFUND!!!

Liked: NOTHING
Disliked: Worse experience ever ! The owners are rude and racist !!! I did not want to rent a smoking room because of prefer to smoke outside & smoke outside because it’s a “non smoking room” the owner assumed since I said no smoking room that I don’t smoke ! He proceeded to talk to me like a child about my right to SMOKE A CIGARETTE ! I told him no I wasn’t smoking he proceeded to assume I smoke, also told me I would not get my deposit back if my clothes smelled like smoke which didn’t make sense to me ! Seemed like he profiled me racially I had already old him I wasn’t smoking there he insisted to keep assuming I did. also the heater was broken and barley worked I was freezing the whole time and they wouldn’t switch my room , the whole process was unprofessional I’ll never spend money with them AGAIN