The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection

Don’t stay in room 918. The walls, curtains, and some furniture were stained, and the shower drain was clogged. Within a few minutes of my first shower, the water had risen to my ankles. I called the front desk and they fixed the drain right away. I’d arrived after a very long flight and didn’t notice the room’s condition until morning. I was in town for work, with long days and no time to change rooms, so I had to stay there. The staff were great, and I’m sure they would have helped me move if I’d asked. Still, they shouldn’t offer a room like this to guests. See my photos for reference.

The Wi-Fi was very slow, but the rest of my stay was good. My corner suite had plenty of space, the room was very clean, and the air conditioning worked great. Staff were friendly, and the hotel is a good choice if you need to be near the medical campus. The rooftop restaurant and bar were both nice, with a good drinks selection and friendly bartenders. It feels like a four-star hotel.

The showers were great, and the room and bed were solid, but I wouldn’t stay here again. Parking was a mess and cost $45 overnight. They take your keys, and if you need something from your car, a valet has to walk you to it and unlock it. The valet guys were rude. Check-in is on the 10th floor, which is an odd layout, and the restaurant was closed. You’re paying for the location. Personally, the hotel around the corner is better and cheaper.

The hotel itself was decent, but I won’t return. Valet parking was $45 for one night, and if I’d known the price, I would have looked for free street parking. With a room over $200, I feel parking should have been included. They did have a free continental breakfast, but it started so late that anyone wanting to eat before, say, 9 am had to pay for menu items. It seemed like a way to get people to pay. Most motels offer free parking and an early continental breakfast, so I’ll save my money.