Detailed Evaluation of Kissel Uptown Oakland, a Property under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
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The Kissel Uptown Oakland, a member of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, has undergone a transformation to enhance the guest experience. With a focus on bold decor, refreshing service, diverse culinary options, and glamorous event venues, the hotel aims to create a more memorable stay for guests in Oakland's vibrant Uptown district.
Located in the Northgate neighborhood, the hotel offers a spacious, 2-floor lobby. The third floor houses a fitness center available 24 hours a day for hotel guests, as well as an interior space lined with fake grass and open to the sky above. A small book exchange cabinet and a shelf at the bottom of the closet, equipped with a safe and a steamer, are thoughtful additions.
The hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program, with rooms available for 15,000 points per night during a stay. As a Category 4 property, guests can enjoy a redemption value of 1.25 cents per Hyatt point.
The main restaurant, Otto's Uptown Kitchen, serves breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. daily and is open for lunch and dinner as well. Room service is available during Otto's operating hours, with a QR code on the desk leading to the menu, but requiring a call to place an order.
Valet parking is the only option at the hotel, with a cost of $10 per hour or $52 overnight, and a $20 surcharge for oversized vehicles. However, it's worth noting that parking is an included benefit for Globalists on award stays, and charges during the stay were unexpected.
The front desk staff initially received mixed reviews, but the hotel addressed this issue by improving their service quality. Housekeeping regularly took over the hallways with their carts during the stay, blocking access to and from the rooms.
The guests had to change rooms due to noise issues, but the valet and restaurant staff were absolutely fantastic during the stay. Along with numerous wooden recliner chairs, the hotel's outdoor area on one floor above the lobby offers seating in front of several conference rooms, providing 3,150 square feet of event space.
The hotel's rooms are equipped with a closet containing a handful of hangers, an umbrella, and a pair of robes. The corners of the walls and areas near the doors had multiple scuff marks, which could be addressed for a more polished appearance.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays. With its strategic location, nice rooms, fantastic breakfast experience, and ongoing improvements, The Kissel Uptown Oakland offers a refreshed and invigorated stay for travellers seeking a unique experience in the heart of Oakland.
[1] Hotel management statement (Source: [Link to the source]) [2] Local tourism board statement (Source: [Link to the source])
- The hotel's main restaurant, Otto's Uptown Kitchen, not only serves diverse culinary options but also hosts live music performances, contributing to the vibrant lifestyle in Oakland's Uptown district.
- During their stay, guests can enjoy exploring the unique businesses in the Northgate neighborhood, with mainstream shops as well as indie boutiques, offering a travel experience beyond the hotel.
- After a day of business meetings or sightseeing, guests can unwind in the hotel's lobby lounge, featuring comfortable seating and a well-stocked bar, playing a selection of relaxing music, enhancing the overall guest experience.
