The Waterfront Hotel, a beloved fixture in Oakland’s Jack London Square, is set to close its doors forever this Friday at midnight, marking the end of an era after 35 years of service. Opened in 1990 as a part of the Port of Oakland’s ambitious $100 million revitalization initiative, the hotel has been a cornerstone of the waterfront community.
For guests like Melissa Quinn from Butte County, the news came as a shock. “I had no idea when I checked in that this would be my last stay here,” she lamented. “It’s sad. While some people prefer new things, places with history hold a special significance. Once they are gone, they are gone for good.” With 145 uniquely designed rooms featuring canoe-themed wallpaper and boat-shaped lamps, the hotel has become a cherished landmark along the scenic Oakland Estuary.
The decision to shut down the hotel was communicated by General Manager James Dinnall in a letter to staff on January 17. The closure stems from ongoing financial difficulties faced by the hotel’s current ownership, which has raised questions about its future. “It is possible that the hotel will cease operations completely,” Dinnall noted, leaving many uncertain about what lies ahead for this iconic destination.
Peter Gamez, the president and CEO of Visit Oakland, expressed optimism, stating, “We are hopeful that this closure will only be temporary. Visit Oakland is committed to supporting the Waterfront Hotel and any future management team that may take over.” Meanwhile, Loren Taylor, a former city council member and mayoral candidate, hinted at the potential arrival of new businesses, such as Dave and Buster’s, to the area, emphasizing the need for Oakland to better support its existing establishments.
Adding to the hotel’s woes, a local nonprofit has claimed that the Waterfront Hotel, under Hyatt’s management, owes them over $40,000 for a canceled event that was supposed to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Beatrice X Johnson, leading the Love Not Blood campaign, highlighted the impact of this financial setback on their organization and the families they serve. “This has been very detrimental to us as an organization, it has been detrimental to us as impacted families,” she stated, although she later confirmed that her group would be refunded their deposit.
The closure of the Waterfront Hotel is just one in a series of challenges facing Jack London Square. The neighborhood has seen several popular restaurants, including Forge, Chop Bar, and Buck Wild Brewery, shut down in recent months. Hotel guest Rosy Weir expressed her concerns for the local community, saying, “I’m just sad for the community and worried about the livelihoods of those in Oakland.” The loss of the hotel not only affects visitors but also raises questions about the future vibrancy of this historically rich waterfront area.
