Name: Jack London Inn
Address: 444 Embarcadero West, Jack London District, Oakland, California, United States of America, Oakland, Alameda County, US
Price range: $62–$105 per night
Rating: 7.28

What guests think

At Jack London Inn, reviews describe a budget stay with a convenient waterfront location across from Jack London Square, but frequent tradeoffs include loud train noise, dated rooms, cleanliness problems, limited climate control, and a neighborhood that can feel unsafe.

Many highlight proximity to the ferry, Amtrak, and restaurants, plus onsite parking, while others report thin walls and constant horn blasts that disturb sleep. Staff feedback is mixed—some praise friendly, helpful service; others cite rude or unresponsive responses and check-in or room assignment problems. Breakfast is usually very basic, and maintenance issues such as broken fixtures, pests, and lingering odors appear in several reviews, though a minority mention clean rooms and comfortable beds for the price. Best for budget travelers who prioritize location over comfort.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site parking is available, though policies and fees vary; several reviews note old or unreliable elevators and that the pool/outdoor areas are closed or under renovation. Overall facilities feel worn and limited.

Related guest reviews

8

William

Sep 28, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

This place kind of gets a bad wrap for what they offer. Decent stay, bed was comfortable. TV didnt work. But it had a fridge, decent bathroom (albeit very little water pressure). I thought I was in for a worse stay by the reviews but it really isn't that bad if you aren't a judgmental human being. Parking on site was 10$ a night and they had a security guard who did a good job. Convenient if you drive up or take the train as the station is nearly right outside the hotel. Train noise was a little noticeable but did not diminish my sleep quality.

4

Russell

Jun 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Second time staying here and while the staff is polite and had no issues the room “223” smelled pretty bad and the noise coming from the hallway was unbearable. The hotel itself is old but the problem isn’t the age it’s obviously struggling with it's business. The garage is closed off on one side what appears to be permanent. The pool and upper decks are closed off from any kind of access. And the overall state of the furnishings is terrible. Lamps falling apart literally leaning over. The bathrooms have hand towels and washcloths for bathing. The TV was working but immediately displayed the remote batteries were low and needed to be replaced. The hallways are also very smelly and so so noisy. The bed had fresh linens and while the bed last night had no comforter or quilt it was ok because the temperature outside wasn’t bad.

8

Brian

Jun 22, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The good: large room, elevator worked, lots of secure off street parking (some covered), good shower, comfortable bed, conveniently located, helpful and friendly front desk staff, Amtrak station about a 4 block walk on level ground. The not-so-good: poor breakfast (but several good diners nearby), furniture is old and worn, Amtrak trains run right in front of the hotel and are noisy blowing whistle at all hours, low grade towels (use some bleach maybe?), noisy hallway, view from room at decrepit buildings behind hotel, pigeons poop everywhere! OK: You get what you pay for. Not bad for price.

2

RICHARD

May 17, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

After checking in they told me that the elevator was not working and my room was on the 4th floor! Booked the deluxe room so top floor and NO bellman or help offer! Terrible conditions and the worst staff too. Plus they put a $150 hold on your CC and even after checking out it’s still not removed! Do not stay here!

8

Eric

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice beds and sheets. Cool waterfront area. Good parking. Good sized rooms. Really loud train from about 630 am until 1030 pm

2

Prakash

May 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

AC was not working. Not enough options for breakfast. Rooms and corridor were not so clean. Swimming pool was under construction. Not friendly front desk staff.

6

Peter

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

OK for the price, cheap place to stay in Oakland. You get what you pay for, if you are looking for something up market then this is not for you, if you a looking for a basic place at a reasonable rate then this may well be OK. Beware that this is right by the railway which runs down the street outside, so expect train horn noise at all hours. The reception area is a bit dated but the check in was swift and easy, and on the two seperate nights I stayed I noticed the deposit that was taken was back in my bank account very soon after check out. The corridors are grim, but the rooms I had were both OK, nothing fancy but clean and warm. As stated, an OK place for what you pay. Near the Amtrak station and boat to San Francisco. One downside is the rough sleepers who hang around the streets but nothing the hotel can do about that. Breakfast very basic nothing special, just juice, coffee, cereal and toast.

4

John

Aug 18, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. No air conditioning. Keycard issues. Broken bed.

8

Melyssa

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Right next to Jack London Square which has many dining options and 5 minute walk to ferry to San Francisco. Rooms are clean with a fridge. Free parking. The lobby and public areas need a remodel. Not the best area to the east and the noise from the Amtrak trains is loud. Breakfast needs improvement.

4

Patrick Joey

Jun 8, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The floor next to the bed had splotches of some sort of dried liquid. The light switches were noisy and had to have the switches positioned juuuust right to get them to work. One of the elevators in the lobby was out of service, but there was no sign on it. People had carved things all along the walls of the elevator. The door leading to the parking area was broken and would not open. So, as far as I can tell, there was only one way in or out in the event of a fire. THE PLACE IS RIGHT NEXT TO TRAIN TRACKS!!!!

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Reviews repeatedly cite dirty rooms, odors, mold, pests, and maintenance grime, though a few guests did find their rooms clean. Housekeeping and upkeep are inconsistent.

Related guest reviews

6

Christopher

Dec 7, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Dirty. Dilapidated. Old and dusty. Terrible part of town, but in Oakland the "terrible part" just means INSIDE Oakland. This place is second rate

2

Pramod

Nov 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was not clean, very basic breakfast, just cereal, bread, orange juice and coffee.

2

Ezra

Oct 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

There were bedbugs! I alerted the front desk and left at 1AM. Overall filthy, dilapidated place.

2

Leah

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Dog friendly hotel, but it reeks of nail polish, pine sol, and old pee soaked carpet had dried cakeed dog poo 💩 embeded in the fibers, along with dried poo from a small dog under the broken wall ac. Broken smelly fridge, broken TV, and the shower stall was painted over with what appeared to be wall paint that was chipping, didn't feel comfortable showering there even with slides on. Oh and the train goes by all day and all night, honking their horns

6

Leroy

Sep 17, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

There were bedbugs and roaches. I also found a piece of a wig from a previous guest.

2

Jose

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It has mold in the bathroom. Blood stains on the comforter! Lights did not work.

2

Kourinthia

Nov 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

So dirty and smelly I didnt even stay the night. Do not stay here. Lots of damage to the building, stains and foul odor throughout the whole place.

10

Darrell

Oct 31, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room

4

Dasean

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was in very bad shape, dirty linen and extremely dirty shower and bathroom. Everything in the room was in poor condition. No A/C so it was extremely warm on a hot night. Very noisy with the train running pretty much every half hour up until about midnight. Visualy unappealing and would not recommend. I contemplated leaving and going elsewhere but it was very late when I arrived so didn’t have many options.

2

Zackrie

Feb 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I would not recommend this property. The room smelled of smoke. It was clear that (despite made beds) the floor had not been vacuumed and surfaces had not been wiped down. The bathroom counter was awful and had what I assume was drug residue by the burn marks and lines on the paint. The sink had been poorly reglazed and still had toothpaste/spit from the last guest in it. The shower was moldy and there was mold in the room along the ceiling. Also, it was super noisy. I could hear music from other rooms all night and got woken up by what sounded like domestic violence twice. I would have called the front desk, but the phone didn’t work… in fact most of the outlets in the room didn’t work. Unless it’s a last resort, do not stay here.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Many rooms are dated with broken fixtures, and numerous reviews report no working heat or air conditioning. Train noise and thin walls are common, while some guests found beds comfortable or rooms spacious.

Related guest reviews

2

Sirajum

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Horrible experience. I booked a room well in advance and even called them to make sure if everything is ok on the day of the check-in. But when we reached there, they just said our room doesn’t have any heat or ac and that is the only room they have left. There were noises the whole night and there were chaos through the whole floor. Horrible experience overall. Not recommended!

4

Susana

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Old no A/C No heater

6

David

Jun 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

either way you look at it... it was old... run down... but my bed was comfortable... and room was clean... and it was by far the cheapest in the entire area I would definitely return for the value... plus parking 🅿️ was very close to the lobby

6

Javier

Aug 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Old building. Rooms are not being kept up. But it was clean. Train every hour or so.

4

Nina

Mar 2, 2025

·

Stayed 6 nights

The walls & windows let through a lot of noise. It was impossible to sleep without earplugs and even then I got woken up by the really loud train outside (a loud bell and continuous train honking goes off whenever it comes and it continues through the night) and the neighbours TV. Bathroom is pretty run down but was clean.

4

Romelito

Sep 18, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room no air conditioning

4

John

Aug 18, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good location. No air conditioning. Keycard issues. Broken bed.

6

Cristóbal

Aug 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

During my stay, the hallways had a strong smell of marijuana. On two of the four days, there was no hot water available. Additionally, something that made the stay particularly uncomfortable—although I understand it is beyond their control—was the train passing by day and night, creating a very loud noise.

4

Dasean

Jun 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was in very bad shape, dirty linen and extremely dirty shower and bathroom. Everything in the room was in poor condition. No A/C so it was extremely warm on a hot night. Very noisy with the train running pretty much every half hour up until about midnight. Visualy unappealing and would not recommend. I contemplated leaving and going elsewhere but it was very late when I arrived so didn’t have many options.

6

Thomas

May 15, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very convenient, walkable location to waterfront and to Broadway, Chinatown, and many amenities. Be prepared for loud noise as trains go right in front of the hotel on Embarcadero sounding their whistles the whole time. Perfectly clean, although not necessarily in the greatest state of repair. TV did not work. Great price.

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Service

Staff feedback is mixed: many guests praise friendly, helpful teams, while others report rude or unresponsive service, check-in issues, and poor follow-up on problems.

Related guest reviews

2

Francisca

May 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I booked this hotel based on the photos online, but the reality was far from what was advertised. From the moment we arrived, we were deeply uncomfortable. There was what appeared some questionable activity to be polite -some ladies were dressed that left me wondering- one was wearing what appeared which might add it was cold she was wearingbathing suit. The surrounding neighborhood did not feel safe at all. We had reserved two rooms for two nights, but after seeing the conditions, we walked out and never stayed. One room had a toilet that wouldn’t stop running, and neither room had working heat or air conditioning. At check-in, the man at the front desk gave us a slip of paper to place in our car that essentially summed it to park at our own risk — not exactly reassuring. Despite not staying even one night, we were charged for the first night as a cancellation. It’s incredibly frustrating to have paid for something that was so misrepresented and felt outright unsafe. Thankfully, we were able to stay at our daughter’s apartment instead. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone — please do more than just look at pictures when booking. We learned that the hard way.

2

Tchell

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Horrible customer service.

10

Kevin

Aug 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was nice, convenient location to nearby shops and restaurants. Breakfast buffet didn't offer much variety, but the coffee was fresh. Was only in town for a follow-up job interview and had pleasant experience with Jack London Inn in the past. So I booked them again and again they delivered. Will stay here again should I have to stay in Oakland.

10

Glenn Allen

Jul 25, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Helpful and friendly staff. Clean and comfortable rooms. I enjoyed my stay.

2

Sean

May 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Horribly rude front desk person upon check-in. Flies buzzing around the lobby, dirty room with half of the molding ripped off. Ended up, not staying and finding another room elsewhere.

10

Tammie

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 5 nights

Staff was accomodating and friendly. Helpful with questions and requests.

2

Brandi

Nov 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Contacted property as I had an unexpected travel change and was given no help.

10

Kevin

Jul 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Had to travel to Oakland for a short notice job interview. Booked Jack London Inn due to having a reasonable price and its distance from the job interview site. Hotel's location is convenient to many nearby tourist attractions and restaurants. Alameda island only a 10 minute walk/ferry ride away. Room itself was decent and reservation included breakfast. Check-in was smooth and front desk clerk was kind enough to loan me a pen for my job interview. Next time I'm in Oakland, will definitely hit this place up.

8

Jesse

Feb 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good location, friendly staff

2

Anthony

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Where to begin? I actually stayed at this hotel 15 years ago and swore I would never do it again. Due to the recent closures of two other hotels in the immediate Jack London Square area, this is the only the only one left. I decided to give it another shot out of convenience and I heard the hotel was spruced up a bit. The only improvement I could see was a newer coat of paint. Soon as I walked into the room I could hear the toilet running and after every flush I took the top off the tank to stop it from running non stop. Someone left a dog in a room down the hall unattended so there was a constant barking for about an hour straight. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is definitely not the place. The room was also supposed to include a microwave which was missing. Long story short, a dented up microwave was left at the front desk that I ended up carrying up to the 3rd floor myself! All this being said, the worst part of my experience was by far the customer service. From time I walked in the door, the poor attitude of the desk clerk Savanna. I would not wish dealing with her on my worst enemy. I came down to the desk one morning to find or inquire about the continental breakfast and Savanna rudely had the nerve to say "It's not on this floor sir, it's the second floor". Then she proceeded to sigh and smirk like some child as I walked away. I guess trying to get hotel information while she was flirting did not agree with her. Worst company representative ever!

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Location

Excellent for Jack London Square, Amtrak and the ferry, with restaurants nearby. However, frequent loud train horns and reports of a sketchy feel or car break-ins affect the experience.

Related guest reviews

8

Mattie

May 15, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Location

4

Stephanie

May 12, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The location was really convenient for ferry rides to SF. However there is a train right next to the hotel. It’s horn going off all hour of the night. Room looked nothing like the picture on the site. Bathroom sink was peeling. Could hear people scream/ door slamming at night. Just make sure you bring headphone or ear plugs when you try to sleep.

8

adam

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Closed to ferry port for San Francisco Room is clean Free breakfast is excellent Staff are friendly Spacious room for it reasonable price Restaurants in this area close at 8:30 pm

4

Cline

Jul 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

There is a train that goes by all night long blowing its horn impossible to sleep the parking lot is covered in trash with random people walking through some people sleeping in their cars. There are plenty of homeless

8

Melyssa

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Right next to Jack London Square which has many dining options and 5 minute walk to ferry to San Francisco. Rooms are clean with a fridge. Free parking. The lobby and public areas need a remodel. Not the best area to the east and the noise from the Amtrak trains is loud. Breakfast needs improvement.

2

Sarah

May 13, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Booked this for my parents because the nearby waterfront hotel is no longer operational. I had to check them in at night but we did not stay/check out the room. Parking lot had random people hanging around it & generally didn't get a good vibe from the other guests that were coming in and out. I just honestly couldn't leave my parents there - wouldn't recommend for families.

10

Natalie

May 10, 2025

·

Stayed 8 nights

Across from the street from Jack London waterfront, city bus stop in front, and a couple blocks away from Amtrak

10

Anders

Oct 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast is a regular Continental breakfast. The reception staff is wonderful!! The rooms are on the older side, a renovation/upgrades would help. Standard fridge, Microwave, and a Coffee maker in room is a plus. Bed awesome, nice and firm. Parking is on premises. The nearby Jack London Square is just around the corner!!! My stay for years when in Oakland!!!

8

STEVEN

Sep 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

An inexpensive option to be right near Jack London Square; the immediate area is walkable with a decent amount of dining options. You are literally next to an active set of railroad tracks and you will hear trains!

6

Thomas

May 15, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very convenient, walkable location to waterfront and to Broadway, Chinatown, and many amenities. Be prepared for loud noise as trains go right in front of the hotel on Embarcadero sounding their whistles the whole time. Perfectly clean, although not necessarily in the greatest state of repair. TV did not work. Great price.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is very basic—typically cereal, toast, and coffee—and several guests found it lacking. A few appreciated having a simple free option.

Related guest reviews

2

Pramod

Nov 15, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was not clean, very basic breakfast, just cereal, bread, orange juice and coffee.

10

Eva

Apr 1, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Great space for longer term stays. They are always friendly the desk, but the breakfast, just get your own. It’s no more than milk and cereal that you can’t take to your room to eat. You have to sit in a weird cafeteria. And the women are very very very mean.

6

Ronald

Dec 8, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Have I been at worse unfortunately yes but not much worse. Real outdated the neighborhood‘s a little sketchy with plenty of good restaurants nearby all warning to keep your vehicles locked up. the hotel runs along side an active and very loud train crossing. the breakfast they offer should not even be offered. maybe just coffee and juice would’ve been better.

8

Kenneth

Nov 3, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The breakfast menu was not acceptable

2

Prakash

May 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

AC was not working. Not enough options for breakfast. Rooms and corridor were not so clean. Swimming pool was under construction. Not friendly front desk staff.

6

Peter

Mar 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

OK for the price, cheap place to stay in Oakland. You get what you pay for, if you are looking for something up market then this is not for you, if you a looking for a basic place at a reasonable rate then this may well be OK. Beware that this is right by the railway which runs down the street outside, so expect train horn noise at all hours. The reception area is a bit dated but the check in was swift and easy, and on the two seperate nights I stayed I noticed the deposit that was taken was back in my bank account very soon after check out. The corridors are grim, but the rooms I had were both OK, nothing fancy but clean and warm. As stated, an OK place for what you pay. Near the Amtrak station and boat to San Francisco. One downside is the rough sleepers who hang around the streets but nothing the hotel can do about that. Breakfast very basic nothing special, just juice, coffee, cereal and toast.

8

Melyssa

Apr 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Right next to Jack London Square which has many dining options and 5 minute walk to ferry to San Francisco. Rooms are clean with a fridge. Free parking. The lobby and public areas need a remodel. Not the best area to the east and the noise from the Amtrak trains is loud. Breakfast needs improvement.

10

Anders

Oct 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast is a regular Continental breakfast. The reception staff is wonderful!! The rooms are on the older side, a renovation/upgrades would help. Standard fridge, Microwave, and a Coffee maker in room is a plus. Bed awesome, nice and firm. Parking is on premises. The nearby Jack London Square is just around the corner!!! My stay for years when in Oakland!!!

4

John

Mar 17, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

TV very limited channels and difficult remote to use with no instructions provided. No towel replacement over a 4 night stay. Shower hot water not functional (room temp at best). Common areas quite shabby, room dated but in decent condition. Minimalist continental breakfast. Regular train crossing and train horn noise (24-7) so not for light to moderate sleepers. Decent food and drink options nearby.

10

Freda

Sep 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Convenient location from Amtrak and ferry to San Francisco. Comfortable beds. Convenient breakfast offered was a bonus. Thank you.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$61
February	$70
March	$64
April	$64
May	$69
June	$71
July	$72
August	$72
September	$68
October	$65
November	$62
December	$60

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15 $105	16 $101	17 $89	18 $84	19 $72
20 $69	21 $69	22 $68	23 $69	24 $69	25 $72	26 $72
27 $69	28 $69	29 $69	30 $65

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $64	2 $72	3 $72
4 $66	5 $62	6 $68	7 $64	8 $68	9 $72	10 $72
11 $68	12 $68	13 $68	14 $68	15 $68	16 $72	17 $72
18 $68	19 $68	20 $68	21 $68	22 $68	23 $72	24 $72
25 $68	26 $68	27 $68	28 $68	29 $68	30 $72	31 $72

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds (Two Queen Beds)

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Security deposit

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Jack London Inn

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