Waterfront Hotel a Joie De Vivre Hotel

Waterfront Hotel a Joie De Vivre Hotel descritpion

Overlooking Jack London Square and the waterfront, only 12.5 miles from Oakland International Airport, this boutique hotel provides easy access to top area attractions and free Wi-Fi.
The Waterfront Hotel is in a great location, close to the area's main sites. The restaurants, shopping and entertainment of Jack London Square, the Oakland Convention Center and the center of the city are only minutes away.
With complimentary shuttle service to Oakland city center, 24-hour concierge services and a heated swimming pool, every stay at the Waterfront is sure to be enjoyable. The hotel also provides a free weekday wine and cheese reception.

Recommand

Low rates——No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
41 properties in Oakland——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
255 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at Waterfront Hotel a Joie De Vivre Hotel. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
They speak 2 languages——Waterfront Hotel a Joie De Vivre Hotel's staff speaks:Spanish,English
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.

Facilities of Waterfront Hotel a Joie De Vivre Hotel

Outdoors ：Outdoor Pool

Pets ：Free!Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Activities ：Canoeing | Sauna | Fitness Center | Bicycle Rental

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 25 per day.

Languages Spoken ：Spanish | English

Reviews for Waterfront Hotel a Joie De Vivre Hotel

Review 1：The staff is amazingly professional and helpful. The location is beautiful and perfect for any oakland visit. The lobby/lounge area is welcoming and warm.

Review 2：The showers were very old fashioned. Nowadays you must also have a handshower as well as the fixed shower. The fixed shower too low. Decor in bedroom (and specially the bathroom area) was very 1970s with cheap boxing cupboards.

Review 3：The location and staff

Review 4：Would be nice if you had ventilators in bathroom for steam from shower. Parking was too expensive on top of room payments and gratuities for valet.

Review 5：Staff very helpful as were the valet attendants. Location was excellent. Allows maximum of two dogs per pet friendly room. Restaurant also has outside area where dogs are permitted. Heat lamps as needed. Nice views of the marina.

Review 6：The receptionist present when I first entered seemed entirely disinterested.

Review 7：The location is great. The gentleman who brought up breakfast room service was also great in quickly replacing items I had left behind at home (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc).

Review 8：I really enjoyed being on the water, the historical sites a leisurely walk just outside the hotel and the quality coffee and breakfast and restaurants so close by. Closer parking would be nice, parking at the hotel is valet only and you are charged extra. Staff is very friendly and courteous and everything felt well maintained. I will definitely stay here again.

Review 9：NOISY ceilings are not well insulated so you can hear the people walking above train comes by the hotel very early in the morning we did not sleep well

Review 10：Beautiful place centrally located fun area good morning coffee good discount rate (51%) without this rate this hotel would be expensive nice view

Review 11：Other than the local nightclub and pounding bass (Ear plugs are already provided by the hotel) it was great!

Review 12：Great room, bed, and facilities, good discount.

Review 13：My toilet back up.. It was fixed while I was out.. The air condition malfunction after two different engineer it was adjusted to automatic which means it stayed on more than off...

Review 14：The accommodating staff was so nice and helpful .. They'll go beyond the call of duty, to make sure your stay is enjoyable..

Review 15：#206: toilet flush is LOUD!

Review 16：Young man came to clean balcony of bird mess before we entered our room--clean, thorough, friendly, expedient. Wish we got his name so you can commend him for his effort!

Review 17：Check-in not very friendly, difficult parking service (car hand-in next to registration desk but room at the other end of the paring area). A bit pricy.

Review 18：Great location close to the harbor and train station. Nice view to SF bay and SF downtown from the bay side rooms.

Review 19：Walls were pretty thin. You can easily hear too much, & if you want to sleep in, housekeeping can be loud in the hallway.

Review 20：Beds were so nice & comfy, Lungomare (sp?) restaurant downstairs was fabulous, don't miss it!

Review 21：I hated the noisy train. I was awakened two times during the night and will try the warerside if I ever stay again.

Review 22：The lively location and the very good restaurant.

Review 23：The surprising and disappointing thing about this waterfront room was the shopping/restaurant plaza below our 4th floor room - there was a lot of night-life including an incredibly loud concert going on all evening! It did end at 10 pm but people milled around loudly until 11 pm at least. (Suddenly it got quiet so I think there was a curfew.) Also, for the price of the room, I expected the interior to be more like a regular Marriott or Hilton level facility. It is an old building that has been redecorated nicely but still leaves a bit to be desired. The large view windows were dirtyish. Also, the king bed was kind of hard, flat and sunken in the middle - not very comfortable. (Nothing beats a Sheraton bed!) Still, we slept well enough and enjoyed the plaza the next day.

Review 24：It was a very nice area of Oakland, right on the water, in the Jack London pedestrian area. Plenty of people around, no worries about getting out and about (though parts of Oakland are sketchy.) The hotel staff was pleasant and helpful! It was very clean.We had a water front suite overlooking the plaza/boardwalk so that was really nice. (except for one thing...please read the negative notes next.)

Review 25：The water in the swimming pool was salty and actually caused some irritation to the skin and eyes. Upon checking out, I discovered that the in-room checkout service was not working. While checking out at the desk, the service came off a bit cold and indifferent.

Review 26：The room and hotel in general were clean and beautiful. The pool was kept at the perfect temperature, and the breakfast was delivered promptly, if not a bit early. Our room had a gorgeous view which added to the atmosphere to celebrate a birthday.

Review 27：This is a lovely hotel in a fabulous location; on the water in Oakland. The ferry to San Francisco is next door. And unlike San Francisco, Oakland is not teeming with people. Jack London Square is fun, though pricey. The people in this hotel were gracious and helpful. Excellent spot!

Review 28：a very simple breakfast offering would have been nice since coffee shops in the area didn't open until later.

Review 29：view, comfortable bed, easy access to ferry

Review 30：Great hotel. They upgraded us to a room with a huge balcony, which was amazing. Great location, lots to do right outside the hotel. You can't hear the trains at all if you're on the waterfront side.

Review 31：Can be very noisy as the Jack London Square is crowded. Avoid ground floor rooms ! We had to stay there for one night and it was very bad.

Review 32：Nice view, if you get a Harbour view room. Good connection to SF.

Review 33：I did not know there would be a big party going on under my window on Saturday night, but then I realized why you gave me EAR PLUGS!! Great!

Review 34：Everyone was so friendly and helpful.

Review 35：Overpriced considering the need for an update. The "water view" isn't really worth the extra expense. Now that we know the area we will stay closer to town in less expensive quarters on our future trips.

Review 36：Convenient to catch the ferry.

Review 37：The front desk needs some lessons in manners. When they tell you where your room is, they should also tell you where the pool & fitness room are. They aren't very friendly.

Review 38：The rooms are very clean & the ambiance is very relaxing.

Review 39：City-facing rooms have street noise - worth upgrading to waterfront if you're sensitive to noise.

Review 40：Fantastic staff, great location by the ferry terminal

Review 41：bothered a bit by the way the AC worked, e.g., I tried to make it run all night long instead of going on and off all night. Couldn't figure that out. Would have been nice to have a bagel or danish in the morning.

Review 42：we were given an excellent view room on the waterfront, enjoyed the wine & cheese hour

Review 43：Hotel felt run down. The trains were nearby and noisy. There were ear plugs in the room so that indicates the amount of noise.

Review 44：The beds were very comfortable the room was clean.

Review 45：We did not have a bad experience at all. Our only issue was with the$25.00 per day parking fee. It's my personal feeling that nohotel/motel should charge for parking in their own lot. If theyhave to park guests vehicles "off site", it is not theguest's fault. If off site parking is necessary, the charge shouldnot be more than minimum wage of those parking & fetching theguest's vehicles.

Review 46：Kat was extremely personable & helpful. She made my husband and Ifeel special, welcomed, and appreciated. The decor is lovely & sofitting for the local. We will return & bring friends!

Review 47：Nothing bad to report. We'll be back!

Review 48：We actually live about 30 minutes away, but it was great fun to stay over. Loved the ship-like theme of the hotel.

Review 49：There wasn't really anything we didn't like. My husband said he would of liked to have the option to self park instead of paying $25.00 a day for valet. And for me, the towels and toilet paper could be softer (that's all I can think of) but honestly everything was perfect!

Review 50：The hotel staff is amazing, kind and courteous! The room was big and comfortable and our view was beautiful! We had a balcony and that was the cherry on top!! Room service is very quick and the location is prime; close to SF. It was our anniversary and they brought us a bottle of champagne and candies which was so awesome. We definitely will be back and highly recommend this hotel!!!!

Review 51：The walls and windows are fairly thin and we heard noise earlier in the night from the square.

Review 52：This hotel was on a prime location in Oakland. It was nice that we stayed there Saturday night because on Sunday morning there was a farmer's market in the square.

Review 53：Paying for the overnight parking at the hotel.

Review 54：Great for spending the night after attending an event at the famous Yoshi's Jazz Club across the street. Nice view of the waterfront.

Review 55：Did not like how the parking at/around the hotel leaves no other option then to pay the 25 dollar a day valet parking in order to have a place for your car . Parking areas around do not have overnight parking available.

Review 56：Liked how the hotel was on the waterfront and we had a room facing the water and enjoyed the view. Really nice to have the keurig coffee maker in the room and also in the lounge/lobby area.

Review 57：Train horns from nearby rail line. Smell of varnish in room.

Review 58：Clean, comfortable, location, views, eating and entertainment near by without the fear of criminal element that can be experienced in other location in Oakland. Have always stayed at the Marriott. The Marriott always felt a little unclean and way overpriced. Enjoyed the evenings in Jack London Square.

Review 59：Amtrak ran every 15/20 mins just 25mtrs from the hotel tooting its hooter for a minute each time to warn pedestrians poss danger!!!! Staff very poorly trained Facilities in hotel poor... No Resto, no tea facilities,gave us a poor room to start with until we asked for an alternative... Poor...but so is Oakland.. Avoid

Review 60：Space in room was good

Review 61：Nothing

Review 62：The staff...the customer service was the best I have ever experienced, and I travel quite a bit. The location was excellent. Close to the ferry to San Francisco, loaded with good restaurants within walking distance. A movie theater across the street. Perfect and lovely at the Holidays

Review 63：Bed too soft.

Review 64：Beautiful lobby with an inviting fireplace where we sat and had our breakfast on those cold Oakland mornings! Coffee and tea made the lobby an additional plus. Great location, on the waterfront. Charming restaurant next door. Very dog friendly.Warm and helpful staff.

Review 65：The walls are so thin you can hear the people 'groaning' next to you. The train wakes you up. The valet got ink pen on my brand new leather tan seats when he parked the car Christmas Eve! No one suggested a discount for me, just shrugged. I'm still trying to remove it with alcohol and leather cleaner. Just got the car.

Review 66：The room was nice with a partial view of the water. It was on the second floor with a balcony. The wine in the evening by the roaring fire was great.

Review 67：Walls are pretty thin and they didn't seem to try And keep the revellers quiet when they came if from parties on Sat night, at least on the first floor.

Review 68：It's a fun location in Jack London Square, which is looking a bit worse for wear. Must have be having problems b/c of heavy police & security around. Glad their trying to keep it safe. Staff was very friendly and nice.

Review 69：The noise from the maids slamming the doors and thrusting the vacuum cleaner against the adjacent walls, way to early. I had to move rooms three times due to lack of communication from staff. I asked for water views bath tub and refrigerator and microwave, I did not receive my prior request. I had children slamming doors and being offensive in the adjacent room. My friend was physically assaulted in the lobby from people who where not even staying at the hotel. I will never stay there again and would have left if it where not for the front desk staff. The manager did not even apologize for ALL my inconvenience.

Review 70：Front desk staff.

Review 71：The bathroom seemed a little dated. But it was a good size.

Review 72：The hotel was perfectly situated to take in the area. It was clean and comfortable and seemed like the bedroom had been recently updated. Love the Jack Loudon Square area. Would definitely stay again.

Review 73：Although staff were friendly, I feel they need to pay more attention to detail, my boyfriend came in after I checked in and I asked them to leave a key for him in case I was out or deep asleep. (Had a long day, and flight) The front desk agent took his ID, (forgot to give it back to him), and also asked for his credit card to swipe the charges. That shouldn't have been done as I already checked in and used my card. They also charged us for two car in valet when we only had one vehicle, for one night. They did handle the issue well, and it was resolved. Please be advised to be extra careful. We enjoyed our stay and would love to come back again soon!

Review 74：I love the balcony and the view of the dock! They layout of the room was unique. The bath amenities were nice as it didn't dry the hair or skin. Overall, very peaceful stay. The staff were very friendly too! It's a beautiful hotel!

Review 75：What's not to like?

Review 76：Every Joie de Vivre property truly does add to the joy in our lives. This one located on the marina, with a spectacular westward view of the Bay and San Francisco, is especially delighteful. The complimentary wine and cheese can be enjoyed in front of the fire or on the terrace. The decor is attractive, the rooms spacious, the service JdV calibre through and through. Our second visit -- we will come up with reasons to return.

Review 77：Amtrak tracks are close, but not too bothersome

Review 78：Perfect location and beautiful hotel in Jack London Square. Great destination on the weekends for many amazing food experiences, farmer's market, waterfront activities. Our family loved our stay. Wish we had time to go swimming.

Review 79：Walls, ceiling/floor are thin. Loud neighbors next door until 2 AM, stomper above than made multiple cycles of the room every couple hours all night. Trains honking regularly but we expected that because we travelled on the train. They must recognize the noise problem because they provide ear plugs but if you are not used to them, they are an annoyance. TV didn't work but we weren't there to watch TV.

Review 80：Location: close to old/up/down town, very handy if Jack London Square is having an event. Good restaurants close. Easy ferry access to the city. Large rooms

Review 81：We would off liked to have muffins or donuts with are coffee,we also tryed to dine at your restaurant and we waitted so long for them to take our order we just left.

Review 82：We enjoyed are 5 day stay with you.Rooms were very clean and everything there that we needed down to ear plugs,nice touch for those that needed them.Everyone was exstreamly nice and helpfull. The outside was kept up and clean.Thank you for a wonderful vacation.

Review 83：Letting people know if parking in one of the public garages you recommend that the vehicle can not be retrieved after 1am. You will be able to get into vehicle the fallowing morning I believe around 6am. We were lucky that we caught an employer at the location an they were willing to open the garage for us. But I ended up paying their parking an the. The 25 dollar valet that you're hotel has.

Review 84：The friendly staff

Review 85：This hotel is right next to the ferry for people to go to SF game and then get back to a nice place to sleep. We enjoyed exploring Jack London Square.

Review 86：Ok so: parking is like $30 a night or something ridiculous like that.There is no parking anywhere else so you are forced to pay. Then youhave to tip the valet (sweet guys) who just take your car and park itin front of you. Seriously people, at least park it down the corner. Iknow that's the American way and parking in California is hell butjee. Add $40 per day on top of hotel room price (you tip when he parksand when he gets the car for you). Second, in the rooms there werecreepy messages from cleaning ladies saying "I am...from Algeria,I love travelling and do sports": I wanted to write "lesssport and more cleaning the toilet bowl because is filthy on theoutside bottom". I hate dirty toilets. If they are not spotless Idont like them.

Review 87：The place itself is not bad.

Review 88：Train noise / constant blowing of horn Total rip off valley parking Moved it 30 ft or I moved it scam as they take to parking lot any way of night some times One black up not nice area

Review 89：Location to ferry Room size okay

Review 90：The hotel is older. It's been remodeled but that was sometime ago. The noise from passing Amtrack trains that sound their horns at every single intersection FOUR times is unpleasant (especially at night...all night). I think that the desk clerk said that they had some quieter rooms farther from the street, but I think you'd have to be in San Francisco not to hear these hummers.

Review 91：The hotel is in a great location on the waterfront. There are jazz clubs, restaurants, a board walk and Saturday market all within walking distance. I loved watching the container ships dock and the sailboats race on the weekend. The staff of the hotel were very nice and gave cheerful service when asked.

Review 92：The bed was terrible. Squeaky, not a good bed for price paid. In fact I feel like I am owed back money for sleeping on that bed. Room service tray sat in ice room whole stay. Yuck!! We have family in the area and will try the Inn next stay...

Review 93：Liked that there was a couch but it was not comfy at all. Everything was clean, amount of towels were good. Loved the microwave, nice for a midnight snack. The earthquake! ;)

Review 94：It was weird sharing a balcony with 2 other rooms. It was also very noisy through the night, I could here people outside as well as upstairs and on my own floor.

Review 95：The location was nice.

Review 96：Parking was an exorbitant $24 extra per day: valet only WiFi wasextremely low speed ... unless you were willing to pay almost $20 perday for 5 mbps Breakfast was not included ... again ... as long asyou're willing to pay ... and pay ... and pay

Review 97：Excellent location Very easy to get to downtown Oakland or San FranciscoJack London Square is a fantastic place to visit: lots to do day andnight The ferry to San Francisco is only a 3 minute walk from the hotel

Review 98：Facility was like an inexpensive hotel. Things not working quite right. Woodwork and walls needed paint. Towels were poor quality.

Review 99：Staff was friendly and helpful.

Review 100：The elevator at the front of the hotel is a long walk from the rooms at the back of the hotel, and the elevators at the back of the hotel are at the entrance to the restaurant, but there is no door to get to the lobby without going outside again.

Review 101：There are many interesting and fun activities in Jack London Square that are right in the area of the hotel, like the Sunday Farmers' Market, and points of interest around Jack London's life in Oakland. The hotel room itself was quiet and comfortable. There is a free Oakland shuttle that runs two blocks from the hotel up Broadway that you can take to the 12th Street Oakland BART station, to connect with other bus lines to Berkeley and other parts of Oakland, and to the fund restaurants and shops on Broadway. The restaurant at the base of the hotel has a great breakfast grab and go where you can get an egg breakfast and sit at tables in what is the bar in the evenings.

Review 102：$25 valet parking. We found free street parking nearby, lucky for us it wasn't street-cleaning night.

Review 103：We loved the nautical room decor, and the waterfront location, and being able to bring our dog. Waking up Sunday morning and wandering through the farmers market right outside, getting coffee and drinking it while looking out at the water was a major trip highlight.

Review 104：Location was great, fantastic view, super clean rooms, friendly staff, awesome hotel decorations/theme.

Review 105：Staff is very accommodating and very friendly..

Review 106：Parking

Review 107：Location and helpful staff

Review 108：The staff was very helpful and accommodating. The vallet Steve gave really good recommendations on restaurants and how to get around.

Review 109：toilet seats were so so low! For that price would expect a nicer room and bathroom

Review 110：Staff and Restaurant were good..

Review 111：train noise made this hotel a "never return" destination

Review 112：very pleasant staff

Review 113：The awesome service from the front sesk

Review 114：Clean, friendly and very accomodating staff, and in great location. Will definitely return.

Review 115：N/A

Review 116：Location and staff

Review 117：Not a bad experience, but, I was asked for a upgrade to a better view room. The better view was the parking lot. Not cool

Review 118：Convenience, location

Review 119：All of it. We were lucky enough to get a waterfront room.

Review 120：Loved the whole stay

Review 121：Carpets in hallway...bedroom need to be replaced!!

Review 122：Location...friendliness of staff

Review 123：Very charming Hotel with good Connection to get to San Francisco. Staff was very friendly and room was very comfortable and cosy.

Review 124：Trains and noise

Review 125：Waterfront

Review 126：We saw at least 3 roaches!!

Review 127：The room was big, quiet, and clean!!

Review 128：It was on the pricey side

Review 129：Ideal location for catching ferry Also in a great place for visiting Jack London Sq

Review 130：The only thing nicer than the pool was the incredible staff.

Review 131：Needed more coffee in the room, but that's only my fault... I gotta simmer down!

Review 132：Great style and location. Loved it!

Review 133：The room was fabulus. Great view. It was my husbands birthday and they made both my husband and i feel honored. I will send others here.

Review 134：Low water pressure

Review 135：Great location

The Fine Print

Upon check-in, photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.