Recently our daughter had major surgery at Kaiser Oakland which required her to stay for most of a week. We live about two hours away so finding a hotel within reasonable driving distance was extremely important to us.

While reviewing hotels in Oakland it seemed we had two choices: 1) insanely expensive with teeny tiny rooms and outrageous parking fees OR 2) places where the words "hooker" "drugs" and "cockroaches" appeared in the reviews. We had almost given up on staying overnight when we stumbled across this place.

The Marina Village Inn has the most amazing location right on the marina. The view from our ground floor room (and its large patio) was boats, docks, the harbor and the Oakland skyline beyond. On our last morning there we could see a man on the deck of his boat getting ready to take her out for a sail. So cool!!!

The room itself was in need of some repairs - the couch had a 2in rip in one of the cushions and the arm, the bathroom had a large splotch of black mildew spreading across the ceiling, and the lamp had a fat cobweb connecting it to the wall. The sheets are a bit on the rough side but the bed was comfortable and the tv had excellent reception. The room was well lit and had great storage and a larger-than-average fridge. With a few tweaks this place could be really top notch, but then room rates would shoot into the stratosphere.

Anyhow, I'm super-thankful this place was there for us when we really needed it and if we ever have to go back again it will be our go-to hotel!

Alameda is an island and the Inn has an excellent location right on the estuary with boat docks right out front. The place could be quite nice, but they have let it run down a bit. As I walked to find my room I noticed paint-peeling, junk stored here and there. But I had a nice spacious room on the ground floor with a small fenced-in patio out front, a microwave and refrigerator, tv, shower, etc. Everything seemed clean. The bed was comfortable. However, the phone didn't work, two lights didn't work, and the heat lamp/light in the bathroom didn't work. The phone wouldn't have been a big deal since I had my cel phone with me, but I could not get a strong enough signal to use it. Had to go out in the middle of the big lawn to get a call out at all and kept losing the signal. They also have free wifi, but again, the signal is so weak I couldn't access anything. The lady on duty finally got the phone to work, and I didn't even bother to mention the other problems. They were minor. With a little TLC the place could be lovely, but then the price would go up and right now it's a great deal for a spot right on the water.

I've stayed here once before and found the room only okay and a little threadbare, the service generally good but erratic, but the value excellent. Ths time I upgraded to a deluxe king room with balcony and water view. It made a great difference. The room was large, comfortable, had modern bathroom fixtures, and a great view---plus wonderful weather. At these prices what more could one expect? Although inconvenient to restaurants, etc. if you don't have a car, I'd definitely go back again.

This hotel is near my company so I stay here because it is convenient. The accommodations are sparse. Expect to see old cigarette burns, old mattress , old towels, etc. But the hot water works, there are no bugs that I saw, the air/heat works and they have coffee in the lobby. So for the price and the location it works for me.