Their cleanliness, the room smells like piss and shit. There were yellow stains on the bottom of the pillows some sort of residue on the mirrors there were bugs, crawling around on the sheets covers. The air conditioner was dirty There were frequent visits of hoes in the middle of the night. I couldn't get any sleep altogether truly terrible experience. read more

I stayed at this hotel on July 7, 2022. I checked in with a woman around 9:30pm after a long day on the road. The first room they gave me seemed decent enough at $99 until I was lying on the bed and started feeling like I was being bitten. I saw a small bug and smashed it into the sheet it was walking on. Then I was going to bed and pulled the sheets back to find this bigger bug crawling through my sheets! I took a video and went to the front office now after midnight and rang the bell. A man answered and he came to my room to look at the evidence of the bugs, took his own pictures. I wanted to leave the hotel but it was too late to try to find another one in Oakland at that hour. He made no offer of refunding the room. He was not horrified or sincerely apologetic and it was as if he knew the rooms had bedbugs. He moved me to a room a few doors down which I did go to because it was so late and I was already in my pajamas, but I slept fitfully feeling the crawlies all night long. read more

Highlander Motel - Bedbug in room 105 July 7, 2022 - Hotels Near Me - Oakland, California

I was here on a trip recently. From the outside, it is pretty dated! But on the inside it looks like it was renovated very recently! We came here for the price. I think we paid $80 per night ish! The outside is your typical 60's motel. Lobby is very modern. Staff is super friendly. My room was really nice surprisingly! All the reviews are correct. Nice hardwood floors, new beds, fresh paint smell! Lol! If you are going to the Oakland area, and need to stay on a budget, this is your place! Outside gets a 3 for being dated, but clean! Inside gets a 5 for being surprisingly amazing! Staff and service gets a 5 also. read more

I was Extremely surprised about the expectations of this Motel. My BF took me to their motel and said it had good reviews. I didn't quite believe him at first. Outside looks like it needs to be much taken care of; a bit dirty, new paint job needed. Small looking. But boy did I learn not to "judge a book by it's cover" Just as we opened the door I got a big surprise; Room was Very clean, and modern. Amenities include mini fridge, microwave, New LG Tv with cable/HBO, iron and ironing board on the wall, hair dryer, coffee and snacks- famous Amos cookies and bag of Doritos. My only suggestion, is to have 2 extra towels & a box of tissue. Other than that, staff was helpful and a great experience for a decent price in San Francisco. read more

See all

This motel earned its five stars solely on the idea that "you get what you pay for". It literally was the 3rd lowest room rate in my expedia search. One cannot expect the NEWEST of amenities in a hotel room for its price. In spite of the age of the refrigerator and the microwave, they were functioning, and clean. I didn't see any stains or evidence of neglect on the bedsheets, however the sheers in the window appeared to have small burn holes in them. Many of the complaints I read about this establishment in prior Yelp reviews would be warranted if staying in a Hotel - outdated furniture, dilapidated exterior, or not so professional staff. However, the Highlander sugar coats nothing in the name alone. At the end of the day, it is the Highlander MOTEL. They provide secure and well lit roadside lodging. The staff is friendly, and attentive. I would highly recommend this establishment for the solo traveler, who is looking to get the most bang for buck. Don't expect nice, but you can count on functional. read more

This motel is a basic roadside motel. The rooms were decently cleaned, but looked better in the photos. I didn't appreciate having my door knocked at 10:30am telling me to check out, when check out is 11am. That is not cool staffmembers of the Highlander. They take a $50 deposit that you are not aware of when you book. So know that also. 3 stars. read more

My husband and I checked into this dump for three days through Expedia..the photo posted was not the room provided. The rude manager Bobby and the non English speaking female were rude and debated with me my complaint the room was not cleaned and there is no toilet paper provided. If your option are to sleep on the street check in otherwise pass this place by. At the time of this review we have purchased our own toilet paper and hope this post helps anyone who feels your room rental includes daily cleaning and a toilet that flushes. Maybe not providing toilet paper is something normal for the foreigner running this place but it doesn't sit well with us and most decent people. PASS THIS PLACE... read more

My boyfriend and I needed a place to stay for a funeral up in Oakland, so we decided to stay at this motel because it was conveniently located by the funeral location. Probably the worst experience I've ever had. First off, the room was gross, the towels had stains on them, the bathroom sink didn't drain, and there were stains on everything. In addition, when we were checking out, one of the housekeeping ladies ran up to the front desk screaming some nonsense, and proceeded to accuse us of smoking pot in the room (which we did not). The worst experience I've had! Stay away from this place. read more

Highlander Motel - Stains on bath towels - Hotels Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Ok, this is not the best neighborhood. Sketchy people around, dilapidated exterior, and an uncomfortable check-in process that involved the attendant sliding your room key out from behind a thick plexiglass wall. Clearly this isn't the nicest part of Oakland. I was hesitant to even go inside. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised to walk in and see a really nice, clean, modern room. The counters and end tables were granite. The bed was large, clean, and comfortable with a nice solid headboard. Bathroom was very clean with a nice shower. There were several small things that were much nicer than I expected (such as the bath mat, which was a thick memory foam). Complex had strict rules (such as no guests period) to combat any potential illicit activity. I felt safe all night. Definitely worth the price we paid, and is a great place to crash for a night on a budget. read more

The rooms are cozy and in great condition! Mini-fridge, television, hair drier, air-conditioning, and microwave included. The motel is a friendly family owned business. I recommended this motel to any travelers going to San Francisco. read more

As soon as we walked in the room it smelled & looked clean.. I'd definitely come back. (Non) smoking rooms are the newer rooms btw.. read more

See all

Not a good experience I had a two day stay. When the room was cleaned some of my toiletries were thrown away. I returned to my room well into the a.m.'s and the front desk was not available upon check out in the morning I informed the front desk that items were thrown away she said she would check in the storage area to see if they were put aside of course they were not recovered so in addition to an expensive rate for a very unimpressive motel I lost money in addition to paying to stay there. read more

I stayed here last week for work from Mon-Friday. I had to park on the street 3 out of the 4 nights. The sheets were not changed from my bedding throughout the entire stay. I know because I was eating a burger and spilled ketchup and the stain remained from day 1 until checkout. The internet was terrible. The check-in was smooth. The guy in the window told me very strictly there was no guests allowed in the hotel room which means my brother who lives in Oakland couldn't come play video games with me which is what we usually do when I stay out here. 3rd night in, there appeared to be a party next to my door. Rapping, drinking and the strong smell of cigarettes was too much. The front desk was very quick to shut them down but I still don't think I'll come back. FYI, the inside was recently remodeled... The microwave was old and had a strong smell of curry. And yes, there appears to be long-term tenants and the owners of the establishment do take over at least 4 of the parking spots. I was not happy to park in the streets and the owner came out to move a car for one of the guests so they can park but she didn't do it for me. My Nissan Leaf was a more expensive car than this guy's old truck. read more

This hotel is a hidden find!!!!! It looks similar to any super budget hotel on the outside. It is clean but aging looking. When I opened my room I was very surprised to see a newly remodeled room with wood floors and custom tiles and counters in the bathroom a big flatscreen and comfortable beds and bedding!!! The owners are amazingly nice and take pride in keeping this property safe and comfortable for its guests!! They easily accommodate my service dog with no hassle. We will be coming back to stay here again for sure! read more

My guy travels for work, alot. He has been staying on and off at this hotel for three months. We discussed needing a Long Term rental, four or five days at a time over multiple weeks. They gave us a flat rate, a discount off the average current season rate, and have been incredibly accomodating. They always made room for him, even last minute. The rooms were pleasantly appointed, clean and seem to have been remodeled. Nice tvs, refrigerators and microwaves. We will be back. Don't be fooled by the funky hotel appearance across the street. This hotel has, i love this rule, No Visitors that are not registered. It keeps the partiers away and makes for a goodnights rest. read more

This is a sleeper of a hotel, outside she's like any other 2 cent hotel, off the side of the road but inside WOW. Don't let the outside appearance fool you this hotel was great inside. (Check the other photos of reviewers) comfy bed, remodeled fancy bathroom, big TV with HBO and pretty close to anywhere you need to get in the city (we took UBER). No complaints with the Highlander Hotel and would love to be back by here again next time we're visiting the city. read more

Really great motel. The outside doesn't look the best..... but the inside is very very nice. Flat screen TV, microwave, mini fridge, nice big king size bed, nice wood floors. It was a very nice hotel and I would not mind staying there again. Great price as well. read more

Stayed there last weekend and was impressed with the recently updated rooms, the room was clean ,the bathroom was completely renovated. We were visiting Mills college and wanted to stay fairly close to campus, the out side of the motel looked pretty sketchy and we weren't sure we would stay but we decided to check out the room. We were pleasantly surprised. Over the weekend the were putting a new roof on and upgrading several more rooms. New lighting around the courtyard was installed. Would definitely recommend the Highland. It's not posh but it was very comfortable and clean, we will return next time we're in Oakland read more

this place allows prostitutes to operate from their rooms. they know this and allow it anyway. i witnessed one girl operating from here and she turned about twenty tricks in the space of 24 hours, also the oaks motel across the street is in on it too. if you have a family don't stay at either of these run down dilapidated overpriced places not to mention they can't make a bed, and their carpets are so filthy your feet will get dirty if you take one step across them absolutely horrible. what's so bad is that they want to charge you sixty plus dollars for these rooms what a joke i guess they forgot they were in oakland not vegas read more

Not a great experience. They run prostitutes out of this hotel. So it's not the greatest place for families. They also go through your things when you aren't there. It would be nice if they told you about this ahead of time but they don't. I would pass this place up and find other accommodations. We stayed there in July. But there are other choices nearby. Our advice, look elsewhere. read more

HORRIBLE! When I got there and checked in, I had to go back to the office and ask, "Is it really necessary that I have to come back here to ASK for a roll of toilet paper?" And they asked, "You want some toilet paper?" It was noisy as hell until midnight when the buses stopped or something, there were puke green paint spots on the floor, the guy upstairs' incessant walking kept me up, the towels were coarse and scratchy, and at 1:30 AM I heard a drip that became a flow and I found a lot of water pouring from the bathroom light fixture onto the floor of my bathroom. I demanded my money back and they refused VIGOROUSLY, so I moved into another room and vowed a) never to come back, and b) to tell you about this place. Done and done, and I recommend that you AVOID THIS PLACE! read more

This skanky place......I can't even call it a motel.......THE WORST MOTEL EXPERIENCE I'VE EVER HAD!! Booked through Hotels.com......for 3 ugly nights!! Do not ever habitat or book a room here......I'm on the road about a dozen times a year......selling my jewelry wares at art and wine shows......and thought I'd seen it all until now!! All I really need is a bed and shower......do not need fancy......so I go to check in and they have to buzz me in.....not a good sign.....the man is behind a 1" thick piece of lexan (a form of plexiglass)....another bad sign! I thought of leaving and going somewhere else but I'd paid for 3 nights here and thought I'd better tough it out and not spend more money!! So.....I can't understand the man behind the lexan.....he has to write down the wifi password......I head to my room (#111).....and there is a guy cutting stone/granite/marble (they are under construction all over this motel).....there is stone dust flying everywhere...... this guy who is not wearing a mask.....I mention to him that he should be wearing a mask.....the stone dust will linger in his lungs forever.....he doesn't care!! I slide my key card in the door......step inside......there is his stone dust that has covered everything in the room.....because there in no window in the window opening......there is a screen but no window!! I go back to the lexan man to see if there is actually a window for my room......he says yes.....and a while later a window appears and is slid into my room!! I close the door and the dust is still coming in under my door......through a 1" gap......so I bring all my gear in.....there is no closet.....so I leave my hanging clothes in my van......I go into the bathroom and there is no where to lay out my cosmetics......just a toilet and sink.....so all that stuff goes in to the bed room area........there is nothing to lay my laptop on......no desk....nothing......so I go out to the garbage pile and find an old styrofoam cooler and bring it in and turn it upside down and proceed to try the wifi......comes on with their password.......an hour later......wifi is gone!! The man continues to keep cutting the stone until 9:30PM at night......still dust everywhere......had to lay a towel at the door to keep it out!! In their ad they say "free local calls"......not surprised at this........there is no phone in the room!! I finally retire after much soul searching and thinking this may be the Bates Motel and I may be doomed soon!! The clincher......was the handicapped shower (I did not ask for that type of room).....I was a contractor for 25 years.......have done all types of building......this place was a friggin' nightmare.......thanks for your patience here folks........I get up and head to the shower.....pull back the curtain........the rod and curtain fall to the floor......I try and adjust the rod and replace it......finally turn on the shower......complete my shower and use my own towel.....hate the horrible motel towels......pull the curtain back.....again it falls down.......and I see that the whole bathroom is seriously flooded........water everywhere.......headed to the bedroom area.....these folks did not angle the water drain properly and now I have a serious issue to deal with......using their towels I try and sop up the prolific water.....what a nightmare. I'm an easy guy but this horrible place should be condemned......and the next folks will see this crazy water issue day after day........every time there is a shower experience......I survived but barely.......so happy to leave this hole after 3 days.......do not ever ever book this motel......and I am now in the process to try and chargeback this terrible room on my VISA card......there is no way in hell that I will ever ever give these folks a penny of my hard earned money.......this is all true......my nightmare room from HELL!! Trust me........ROOM FROM HELL!! read more