Highlander Motel
About Highlander Motel
Featuring free parking, this Oakland, California motel is a 15 minute drive to Oakland International Airport. Free Wi-Fi is provided each room. Offering a satellite TV, every room includes a desk and a private bathroom at Highlander Motel. A refrigerator and microwave are also provided. Free coffee is provided daily near the front desk at Motel Highlander. Union Square and San Francisco, California is a 15 minute drive from the Highlander Motel. Berkeley, California is 10 miles from Highlander Motel.
Amenities
- 24-hour front desk
- Meeting space
- Express check-in / check-out
- Wheelchair accessible
- Smoke-free property
Reviews
The hotel reviews indicate a mix of positive and negative experiences. Guests generally appreciate the friendly and accommodating staff, cleanliness of the rooms, and comfortable beds. However, there are consistent complaints about noise, parking, and the quality of the surrounding area.
- Friendly and accommodating staff
- Clean rooms and comfortable beds
- Noise from traffic and other guests
- Limited parking and poor parking lot conditions
- Unsafe and unclean surrounding area
- Inconsistent amenities and maintenance issues
- 5/5
Staff was great!
- 4/5
Clean and comfortable room and bed. Large mini-frig a plus. Lots of hot water, good shower. Off street parking. Friendly staff. Good location, easy access to/from Hwy 580. Some restaurants, banks, gas stations and shops along MacArthur Blvd.. Furnishing are serviceable but worn. A dresser drawer was broken and could not be opened. Amenities could be better. Only one small bar of soap and no facial tissues. No wash cloth either. But good value for the price.
- 4.5/5
Superb
- 3/5
Pleasant
- 4/5
Best motel you could ask for. Price was right, parking & location convenient, clean and cozy.
- 2.5/5
Passable
- 0.5/5
Very rude
- 0.5/5
Very rude
- 4/5
It was fairly quiet. The rooms did need new TV and perhaps a blow drier would have been nice but no big complaints.
- 0.5/5
Staff was willing to give refund. Motel out of towels.
- 0.5/5
Staff was willing to give refund. Motel out of towels.
- 5/5
Exceptional
- 2/5
Cost so much just to add another night
- 1.5/5
The location was close to work It was dirty and the bed was uncomfortable
- 4.5/5
Location was great for to take public transportation today to work. Clean room, excellent staff, I felt safe.
- 4/5
Parking was easy in the daytime. But new years eve it was full of crookedly parked cars at 3 AM. LOL. The lady at the front counter was fantastic! Very helpful and informative. Room served its purpose. Beds were comfortable, HUGE TV with great channel selection. Shower and toilet were pretty solid, but the toilet seat was wrong size, still did its job! Some furniture needed a good cleaning. But i didnt need or use them. Floor and sheets were fine. Was not in the area I though. Square in the neighborhood. Would stay again for a good price.
- 1.5/5
The location was close to work It was dirty and the bed was uncomfortable
- 5/5
My stay at the highlander is always comfortable, I actually love that it's peaceful the rooms are clean always staff are friendly id rate it overall a ten.
- 5/5
Nice quality, quite, clean all good
- 4.5/5
Superb
- 3/5
Pleasant
- 2/5
the place could be great if they put effort into it. Bathrooms smell like urine pillows smelled of sweat and have stains burnt linen, marks on bed spread and towels It is a budget option, but the conditions of the place are just ridiculous. The bathrooms need to be properly cleaned not just wiped down. Invest in new pillows and bedding, at least give the exterior a coat of paint. There is potential since the actual rooms aren’t terrible but it needs some actual cleaning and some touc . If you just need a place to crash for a night it’s ok.
- 3/5
Bed was clean and comfortable. Room overall was rundown and showed lack of care. Basic items like shampoo (There were two conditioners) had to be requested.
- 2.5/5
Passable
- 3/5
Pleasant
- 4.5/5
Location was great for to take public transportation today to work. Clean room, excellent staff, I felt safe.
- 1/5
Yuk id rather sleep in my truck and clean wit wipes than ever syay here agian...
- 4/5
Very cost effective and great front desk staff! Would stay here again. Good value.
- 3/5
The whole entire property needs upgrades inside out. Decently clean. Everything looks worn out.
- 5/5
The family who runs the hotel are great. Very approachable and affable. I would totally recommend stay at the Highlander. Next visit to the bay area, I'll be staying there.
- 5/5
It was very clean I was comfortable the lady and guy was very nice people I will stay there any time when I work in oakland
- 5/5
This place was extremely clean and comfortable. It had everything I needed, staff was nice, and it was in a super convenient spot for what I needed. There is also a great little French Bakery right down the street.
- 5/5
Exceptional
- 3/5
No breakfast. It was a convenient location. it had a back door that needed to be sealed with weather striping because there was none and I could see daylight around the door and lots of traffic noise coming through. I had to wear earplugs.
- 3/5
No breakfast. It was a convenient location. it had a back door that needed to be sealed with weather striping because there was none and I could see daylight around the door and lots of traffic noise coming through. I had to wear earplugs.
- 3.5/5
Interesting part of Oakland but pretty quiet, and felt safe.
- 1.5/5
Nothing The location, the room smells, sheets and pillows were stained.
- 4.5/5
Chair in the room was really old and shabby. Needs replacement.
- 1/5
I had a very disappointing stay at Highlander Motel. The room was not up to standard, with significant cleanliness issues, including stained towels and dirty surfaces, which made the space feel neglected. There were also concerning maintenance problems that made me feel unsafe, such as poorly maintained electrical fixtures and structural damage. The staff seemed unresponsive to these issues, and I was frustrated by the lack of support from the booking platform. I hope these serious concerns are addressed to ensure a better and safer experience for future guests.
- 2.5/5
It was close to where I needed to be and one of the cheaper options Room Cleanliness as well as the cleanliness of the outside areas
- 1.5/5
price, but i guess you get what you pay for neighborhood, location, smell in the room, reception area
- 4/5
The checkin was very nice and hospitable even though I arrived in the late evening after a long day of work and airline trip. The housekeeping crew were excellent and kept my room clean and smelling fresh. It was a great room to come back to after a long day of activities. Absolutely nothing!
- 4/5
Very clean! Wood vynil flooring instead of carpet. I was able to walk around barefoot which I never do in carpeted hotel room. Very comfortable bed and clean linens. Walkable neighborhood, even after dark. Very pleasant and helpful staff. The upholstery on the chair and bench were clean but stained from prior use.
- 4/5
Didnt provide any of small towel like a washcloth to wash face/body
- 5/5
Great property just one of the rooms didn’t have a working air conditioner No working air conditioner in my room last time
- 5/5
Extremely reasonable prices. Very friendly and accomodating staff and attentive and kind housekeepers. The second we walked into the room you can smell how fresh and clean it was and the housekeeper cleaned everyday while we were out and about. It was close to public transport to get to many shopping centres and was close enough to many delicious restaurants and eateries to make ordering Uber Eats affordable Depending on your expectations of Oakland the location may be considered a bit rough for some. But myself, my wife and our 1 year old son went for walks in the neighbourhood without any issues. I wouldn't consider this something I didn't like about the property but this may be an issue for some people
- 4/5
The staff was very friendly & check in was quick and very thorough. the stay was very comfortable & quiet, the room was clean and very cozy.. We would stay here again.
- 5/5
Rooms are extremely clean and kept up. Parking lot and grounds are meticulously well maintained as well
- 5/5
The place is acceptable, good service. but very noisy area due to traffic!
- 5/5
Great customer service and spotless facilities
- 4/5
The staff Rooms smells like cigarettes
- 4/5
Blankets older but clean. Staff accommodating
- 4/5
Quite area
- 4/5
Hotel was very nice to me. I check-in was mid-night, got bug-bite, then I was promoted to a better room and surprisingly savings. I appreciate it
- 1/5
Room smelled really bad and bed mattress was dirty
- 5/5
The owner was very accommodating - she let me leave my things for several hours after checking out in the morning and was very pleasant about it. The rooms are fine. My only concern is that it's tricky to find a nice restaurant/coffee shop in the area.
- 3/5
It was what I would have expected for the price. The bed was comfortable. I had to wipe off my night stand which was sticky. They need to use some bleach to clean the shower. The street was run down but pretty deserted. There were not homeless folks around there.
- 4.5/5
The towls is old , should change the new .
- 3.5/5
The staff was friendly and responsive. Good heating/cooling system (not too noisy and it worked well). Generally clean. The sink and toilet were very clean and the faucets very clean and new looking. Good shower. Microwave and fridge in the room. Not too noisy at night for where it is. The shower curtain was moldy, but I asked for a clean one and they brought it right away. The bottom of the tub was dirty. The underside of the quilt looked dirty and the towels look dingy, but I could smell detergent on them, so I think they were clean.
- 1/5
Bedbugs
- 4/5
Older property, but remodeled pretty nicely. Place was pretty clean, but the phone and the hair dryer didn't work, along with several of the outlets. Asked for an accessible room and got put on the second floor with no elevator. And the weirdest thing ever encountered in any hotel stay ever...went to take a shower, discovered there were 2 bath towels and no hand towels or washcloths. Called down to the office from cell phone after looking up the number because the room phone didn't work, to be told that they DON'T HAVE WASHCLOTHS!! I have never heard of such a thing in all my life!
- 0.5/5
Bad
- 5/5
Next time I'm in the area, I know where I'm staying! :-) WELL DONE!
- 3/5
The shower did not have hot water, and the internet was very slow. The staff was friendly and property was in decent repair.
- 3/5
The manager and staff were accommodating, professional and kind.
- 4/5
Good value. Owners friendly. However, bottom floors hear virtually every step from rooms above. Best to book on second floor to avoid this problem.
- 2/5
Had high hopes for the location close by another activity. Was disappointing: office not open during part of the day. Keycard never seemed to work more than once if at all.
- 4/5
the room was very good, the drawback is proximity to the street. significant traffic noise.
- 3.5/5
Nice room!
- 2/5
Very uncomfortable bed, in a not so good area, it felt very unclear. I couldnt even stay, i rented a room at a different hotel.
- 4/5
Staff was courteous. Room was clean although bed blanket and bench had a couple of holes. Great Health Food store close by as well as convenience stores and places to drink and eat. Affordable which is saying a lot these days. When in the area will be one of my first choices.
- 5/5
Great location if you need to stay in that area, and great price.
- 3/5
Room was clean, they need new comforters, mine had a cigarette hole in it, blow dryer was broken.
- 5/5
Modern style and clean and santized well
- 5/5
It was pretty cool given the access of buses to different locations throughout Oakland
- 5/5
They responded very quick to my messages and the staff were kind to my family would definitely book again!
- 1/5
Didn't like the service
- 5/5
Good service. Staff very courteous and friendly. My son and I were very comfortable and felt safe. Would go there again in future.
- 2/5
It's not their fault that they are in a dirty urban place...
- 5/5
It was a nice stay. Quiet and peaceful. The front desk personnel was nice and professional.
- 5/5
Friendly staff and clean rooms. The beds are comfortable and it’s close to food places and stores.
- 5/5
Because of COVID and inability to easily travel, I utilized hotel.com to book him a safe and clean place to stay. He has been happy and personally noted that the staff was very kind and accommodating. I am incredibly grateful that they offered such a great rate and gave such good services. Highly recommend!!
- 5/5
Im very much happy i picked this motel! Great service, great people working there, clean rooms and nice selection of tv channels!😁
- 1/5
I reviewed on Yelp too. No cleaning of room, no toilet paper or working toilet. When I complained, I was yelled at a d told not to be threatening? Really stressful experience.
- 1/5
I took videos and photos of room and dryer up blood on mattress!!!!!
- 4/5
The room was fine. There were no restaurants near by. Outside of building was dumpy.
- 1/5
There was no hot water and I wasn't able to take a shower because of that issue 😣
- 2/5
Scary area
- 1/5
Horrible! Filthy! Disgusting! Why Expedia would even offer this place to anyone is beyond me!
- 5/5
I grew up in Oakland. I must say that I am so impressed how The Highlander has changed. I was in awe upon entering my room. The king sized bed was perfectly made. I just wanted to jump right in it. Fresh smell. Flat screen tv. Microwave and mini fridge. Bathroom clean and decorated so nice. Excellent heating/air condition system! I booked for two nights and ended up staying an extra night. Also staff was very friendly! As a native of Oakland, I give The Highlander a 5 Star review! I am so looking forward to my next stay at the Highlander! And a food delivery service right to your room.
- 5/5
Good value. Not an amazing place, but totally worth the $75 I paid!
- 5/5
The people that work there are very nice The rooms are ok, the price is excellent!!!.
- 3/5
I ended up at this motel because it was the cheapest available that day. I read all the reviews online, and thus was not expecting anything good. To my surprise, the Attendants were all nice; unlike how they were described online; they were kind and courteous. I was pleasantly surprised. When I got to my room it was clean; the bed comfortable and all amenities were as shown online. My room smelled fresh. The only reason I give the ok rating is because as someone described the parking lot issue online, parking was a problem. The parking lot surface is uneven. You have to watch your steps carefully. I fell and left with an injured hand. Nothing serious to fuss about, but I got injured. I read about the uneven parking lot surface prior to going there; so, I will not claim not to have been aware. The motel does not have adequate parking for their clients. You can easily park on the streets when all spaces are taken. I must say, I will go there again if I do NOT find any cheaper place to rest. I still paid $109.00 for my one night stay. You can imagine how much higher the other motels were that night. It was a Tuesday night! ... in summary: the Attendants were wonderful; my room clean and comfortable with all amenities as described online.
- 3/5
It doesn't matter if you put in for early check-in they can accommodate it at any time. The price is decent if you get it as part of a Rewards program or part of a cash back. They were no obvious drug environment. Place was clean and the owner and service was decent
- 5/5
It was a really big nice room for a decent price. Clean,didn't smell definitely not a lot of parking in lot ,but street parking. We were pleased 😊
- 4/5
Very basic, but pleasant. Good price. The man at the front desk was wonderful
- 3/5
The place is sketchy, went on a tuesday night & there was no parking. Had to park on the street. Room was decent size. Toilet n sink were clogged. But staff was nice
- 4/5
Good location close to Laurel area. Thank you......
- 5/5
Overall a very nice motel. Although this is an older motel, my room had been remodeled and was very nice. Quiet stay with no disturbance from other guests or noise from the street.
- 1/5
My towel had dust from the fan and the chairs has stains that is did not look like someone could sit down bevause of how dirty they looked.
- 1/5
Front desk lady was extremely rude. Tried to convince me to take a room without a functioning lock. She wanted me to call her to have her unlock the door anytime I would need to enter the room. room was also dirty, hair on the bed, dirty floors, etc. And she came banging on the door an hour before checkout.
- 2/5
AC doesn’t work
- 1/5
We didn't stay and cancelled reservation. The outside was sketchy.
- 2/5
There was a creep door to the fire escape. It felt unsafe and my mom was freaking out. Also there was a large dirty hand print in the shower. It was so large and obvious that it seemed unclean. Again that freaked my mom out.
- 1/5
Two visitors only shampoo for one and no new one each day , no daily maid service, sheets did not fit bed. Very noisy due to street traffic, poor quality Tv , very slow internet could not stream movies, never got hand towels as requested had to ask for clean towels daily shower curtain was not real good, location was convenient to Fruitvale Station. Parking was a concern one evening upon return.
- 4/5
I liked the location not far from places when walking but I didn’t like that there wasn’t many places to get delivery
- 4/5
There in the process of fixing it up. But they’re very nice and accommodating.
- 5/5
I was so tired my card wasn’t working and the lady Miss Nancy told me to come on in rather than canceling my booking and I came in with my family and she said I already took care of it she said now you could get into your room and she’s so nice I appreciate her kindness the room was nice and clean and upgraded and in East Oakland what Better can you ask for and I had a wonderful night feel like 45 nights and I shall come back this is a great motel no arguing no fussing no fighting just resting Amen
- 3/5
The website shows coffee in the room however there wasn’t a coffee pot in my room. No wash cloths. Very noisy from the traffic. Carpet very dirty and room had an old smokey smell to it.
- 3/5
Check in was difficult, room was ok. No desk, poor toiletries, thin towels, no breakfast or coffee, etc.. Thankfully my expectations were pretty low, but in no way we're they exceeded.
- 1/5
I was having some difficulty checking in. (Miscommunication) I wasn’t aware of the $50 deposit. The lady was very rude and inconsiderate. She Cancelled my reservation which ultimately led me to missing my concert that I was supposed to attend that evening.
- 2/5
When I arrived at this motel my heart sank. The outside is dirty and quite run down. I was in Oakland for an event so there was no time to find another place to stay. The room itself actually was nice, it looked like the photo; it had been refurbished and looked clean so I felt encouraged. But after my event when I got in bed, I could smell someone else's dirty head! So disgusting. I don't think that the sheets had been changed. The Lyft driver who brought me back told me that it was a bad area. :-(
- 5/5
Staff is great. Inside of room is nicely upgraded, clean and smoke free. The outside is still in need of work. I stayed for 3 days and would stay again.
- 4/5
It was a nice room it's just the bathtub was clogged up and sort of dirty
- 1/5
The room was disgustingly gross, stains in the carpet, bed skirt and walls. The shower head was broken and the customer service was horrendous. The bed was made up with flat sheets, not regular bed sheets. The maid was cleaning a room several doors down and placed replacement clean towels directly onto the ground next to the door.
- 5/5
Four five months the staff have been great. If I needed anything all I had to do was ask. Room was well appointed with microwave and mini fridge. Room cleaned on time and they remembered my preferences. The only thing I will say is a minus is neighborhood, it can be a little dicey at night. If you need a room in Oakland and don’t want to pay through the nose stay here.
- 1/5
The room is very dirty. The sink is clogged with hair, so gross. The carpet needs some cleaning. I wouldn’t recommend this place to a friend.
- 4/5
It was cool. Neighbors loud but staff was nice and friendly. Great price.
- 5/5
Nice place for a short stay.
- 3/5
Although I understand some past guests have caused issues, we should be able to have a visitor. We are grown people and should be able to assume responsibility for our actions, especially after paying a $100 deposit from our bank cards and be able to get that back upon checking out. I think a policy could be adopted so that the consumer is willing to assume responsibility for and issues regarding visitors. Some of us are not up to no good. Just saying.
- 5/5
Very good place to start visit San Francisco. Only 1 mile to train station. Parking only 3$, ticket to SF and back 5$. Friendly staff.
- 4/5
Although the facility as a whole is a little outdated and the parking lot is small, our room had been redone and was lovely, clean and comfortable. The staff is very helpful and nice. We were happy to come home after a day out and then enjoy the mornings there.
- 2/5
Smelled heavily of chemical cleaner and then pee after the cleaner smell went away. Blanket smelled like it hadn’t been washed in a long time. Found fleas. Parking nonexistent if you come back late.
- 4/5
Was decent. A little pricey for just one night, but decent for what you get.
- 4/5
The room was nicely decorated and the AC worked great.
- 1/5
Not good
- 4/5
Good value. Nice staff, clean comfortable bed. Good shower. I would go back.
- 4/5
Nice office staff. Bed was comfortable. Clean room. Small motel but worth the price.
- 4/5
The hotel was clean on the inside and comfortable. The outside is older and worn.
- 4/5
It was ok shower curtain was dirty, the sink drain was very slow but everything else was clean and conmfortable.
- 3/5
It was ok. WiFi password didn’t work. Heard the neighbor talking all night.
- 3/5
Hotel staff are really friendly. Hotel is not the cleanest. They try and conceal the smell of smoke with cleaning chemicals but doesn’t last. It’s loud at night. Very limited parking. If you don’t get in early you must park in the street. It’s more like an apartment than hotel.. not a great area. For the price it’s definitely not worth staying. Mold on shower curtain. No fire alarm. Doors and door handles filthy. Feels and sounds like you with fall through floor boards. Pay more get more.
- 3/5
On the two nights I was there, someone has very loud music, I turned it off and then I learned it again
- 5/5
Very nice rooms and very nice management for a low price. Just make sure to get an upstairs room or else bring earplugs. Downstairs you'll hear lots of noise from the guests above you and people in the parking lot. The "Signature Room" is not big but just big enough, even if (like me) you have a lot of stuff, and is pretty and pkeasant - not gaudy like some cheap motels. Includes a fridge, microwave, wifi and a nice-looking full-length mirror. The people who run the place are sweethearts, which was such a refreshing change. You get a beautiful view of the Oakland hills and it's a nice, lively neighborhood with small shopping, Chinese restaurants, and laundromats within walking distance. ThVery nice rooms and very nice management for a low price. Just make sure to get an upstairs room or else bring earplugs. Downstairs you'll hear lots of noise from the guests above you and people in the parking lot. The "Signature Room" is not big but just big enough, even if (like me) you have a lot of stuff, and is pretty and pkeasant - not gaudy like some cheap motels. Includes a fridge, microwave, wifi and a nice-looking full-length mirror. The people who run the place are sweethearts, which was such a refreshing change. You get a beautiful view of the Oakland hills and it's a nice, lively neighborhood with small shopping, Chinese restaurants, and laundromats within walking distance.
- 5/5
Nice room, location isn't the best but the room is at a great price and good value. Room is comfy and clean and staff were very nice. No problems and would easily book again.
- 2/5
It is unacceptable to enter the room at 10:39 a.m. when I am sleeping and already told the staff that I do not need room service. This hotel does not care about your privacy. They enter the room without permission and refuse to get out even when told to get out. The staff will knock on the door multiple times in an hour, despite telling them that you have the room reserved for several days and do not need room service. I heard the house cleaning staff knocking on the room doors next to my room, as well. They don't care about your comfort, sleep, or privacy.
- 2/5
Very run down on the outside. Not in a good part of town at all. Inside the room was nice but dirty. Would not stay here again
- 1/5
The front desk person was not helpful at all did not understand. If I was in country one have learn to they're language effectively to be working on a job.
- 4/5
Have stayed at the Highlander previously. It's a great place, super-friendly folks and clean rooms for a fair price. It's not a five star joint and never intends to be. But it is clean and safe, and the Laurel neighborhood (just a couple of blocks away) is great. Definitely the closest hotel to Mills College that isn't super-sketchy.
- 4/5
The hotel was very clean TV was fine bed was fine shower everything was fine
- 1/5
There was no phone in the unit. They moved me there once they found out I was staying longer than one night. They said since I didn't have phone I didn't have to pay the phone fee. I have never heard of such a thing and it certainly wasn't on the website. Furthermore, there was a faulty lock, and whether I want it or not they made me leave the room and wait outside everyday while they made up the room. I've never heard of anyone not giving you a choice whether you want maid service. Steer clear of this place it was horrendous. The first night they give you the nice room, with the big TV, and they're super nice. It all goes out the window the following day.
- 1/5
Dirty tub and a broken phone. Then at 2:00am in the morning got a knock on my hotel door and a lady said you better not be smoking in there it’s a non smoking room and.
- 4/5
Great for its price. Everything is clean and staff is friendly.. no negative comments except that shower is not functional, but we have a pail with us, so not a problem.
- 5/5
I really enjoyed my stay. The room was up-to-date and the bed was very comfortable. I slept peaceful. I would recommend this location.
- 5/5
Very nice inside not so much out side but the inside feels comfy plus lots of eating choices walking distance from American Chinese Italian an the best Mexican 😜👍I’m only here for work but originally from Los Angeles Cali
- 4/5
The motel was clean and my recently renovated room was nice. The thing lacking was a table or desk of any kind. I asked if they had one that could be brought in. They said no and that all the rooms were like this. I was on a work trip and wanted to do some paperwork while I was there. Instead I had to go buy a table from an office supply store. Sadly, this motel does not suit my needs.
- 1/5
......... .... Period
- 3/5
Exterior looks not good, street noise busy traffic, NO CLOSETS NOR PLACE YO HAND CLOTHING. Place needs total facelift and lounge area tiny.
- 3/5
Don’t stay downstairs or you’ll hate life. Several people live upstairs and don’t care about keeping the stomping and yelling down.
- 4/5
I really enjoyed the size of the room but dislike that I couldn’t have visitors I thought that was kinda stupid cause, I was visiting and I was told I couldn’t have visitors. I was informed that if I had visitors I could be put out the room and wouldn’t be refunded,they didn’t have face towels which I thought was really nasty the way I looked it is cheap and needs to be corrected