One of Oakland’s most recognizable hotels, the Waterfront Hotel, is closing for Good Friday, which will have a major negative impact on the city’s economy.
The hotel is situated on a prime piece of real land in the center of Jack London Square, close to the busy ferry port, marina, and estuary.
The hotel was previously Jack London Square’s biggest tenant, so its closure raises questions about what will happen to the city’s historic waterfront area. The 145-room hotel has been a mainstay in the neighborhood for decades and is well-known for its breathtaking views of the port and estuary.
However, several residents told CBS News Bay Area that Jack London Square is going through its worst slump in decades as the neighborhood struggles with dwindling foot traffic and worries about violence.
Three-year employee Moises Cruz talked about his observations of the hotel’s deterioration.
“We were losing a lot of business. A few individuals had to be laid off, and fewer people were arriving. Cruz clarified, “They had to close the restaurant early. “I was aware of their financial difficulties. But despite their best efforts, they were unable to cure it.
Cruz, a resident of Oakland, has been employed in the Jack London Square area for almost ten years. Prior to joining the Waterfront Hotel crew, Cruz worked at a local restaurant. He thinks the closure was caused by a number of issues, such as the effect of the pandemic on business travel, the departure of big sports teams, and an increase in crime.
“Homelessness and crime were rampant in this area. Individuals were breaking into vehicles and other objects. For that particular reason, many individuals are reluctant to visit this place,” Cruz stated.
The shutdown was unexpected for guests like Morgan Ward, who had just come from San Diego to check in for her reservation.
It’s depressing. I’ve spent a lot of time at this hotel over the years. It’s also a fantastic hotel. Disappointed, Ward remarked, “I have the best memories.”
When guests showed up for their bookings on Friday, staff turned them away; some shocked visitors said they had not been told in advance that the hotel was closing.
The hotel, which is run by Hyatt and owned by Jack London Square Associates LLC, has long been a well-liked vacation and business travel destination. Its lease with the land’s owner, the Port of Oakland, was recently broken, nevertheless, when the owner stopped making rent payments.
The Port of Oakland claims that although the lease is set to expire in 2061, it is unknown what the hotel’s future will hold as the Port’s lawyers attempt to collect the non-payment and settle the lease.
Additionally, it’s uncertain if the lease may be transferred to a new operator to run it as a hotel.
Additionally, some clients are attempting to recoup payments for events that were scheduled but then canceled. Co-founder of the nonprofit organization Love Not Blood, Cephus Johnson, voiced his displeasure with the shutdown.
“I’m sad that this fantastic hotel, supported by Hyatt, could treat us in this way. Johnson added, “And we’re just the little people.”
Jack London Square is still struggling despite the influx and outflow of businesses in recent years. A number of establishments have lately closed, including the upscale French restaurant Left Bank and the Forge Restaurant.
Nevertheless, there is hope because later this year, a Dave and Buster’s facility is planned to open in the region.
The loss of the Waterfront Hotel is very traumatic for certain residents.
“For me, it was unexpected. Well, not quite nowhere, I suppose. It’s quite depressing to see how many businesses in Jack London seem to be struggling to stay open and have been closing. However, it stings to lose this one,” Allyson Yuen, a neighbor, remarked.
Cruz lost his job at the hotel and is now unemployed, but he believes the district will eventually rebound. According to him, Hyatt offers one week’s severance pay to laid-off employees for every year of employment.
“The fact that we must endure this is absolutely awful. Jobs are being lost. “I hope it improves,” he remarked.
The closing of the Waterfront Hotel is Oakland’s second significant hotel closure in as many months. Due to dwindling revenue and an increase in crime, the huge Hilton Hotel near Oakland International Airport closed its doors in August.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.