The Hilton hotel near Oakland Airport has closed its doors after 56 years, marking a significant change driven by rising crime and economic challenges.
At a Glance
- The Hilton Oakland Airport hotel, a landmark in hospitality for 56 years, has closed permanently.
- The final guest checked out on August 28, leading to job losses for over 150 employees.
- Employees expressed emotional farewells, some having spent decades at the hotel.
- Crime in the area has led to the closure of other businesses, including Denny’s, In-N-Out, and Starbucks.
- The Port of Oakland owns the property and will decide its future use.
End of an Era
The Hilton Oakland Airport hotel has been a mainstay in the community for 56 years, offering 360 guest rooms, spanning 20 acres, and featuring 15,000 square feet of event space. Closing its doors on August 28, the property cited rising crime and its economic repercussions as the reasons behind this decision. More than 150 workers are now displaced as a result of this closure.
The final guest departed on August 28, bringing an end to the hotel’s long history. Employees like Egigu Lemma, who dedicated 35 years to the establishment as a bellman and guest service agent, felt an overwhelming sense of loss. The emotional farewells that followed highlight the deep connections formed over decades of service.
The Hilton Oakland Airport hotel is set to close after 56 years: https://t.co/MPMxCshAZI
— KRON4 News (@kron4news) June 26, 2024
Impact of Rising Crime
Employees believe this closure reflects the economic hit from COVID-19 and ongoing crime issues. Incidents like vehicle break-ins, stolen hotel buses, and catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in the area. These events are part of a broader trend that has also seen other businesses in the region shuttered.
“This is my last day today. We’re all heartbroken right now. I spend more time here than my house, so the emotional effect is very high,” said one employee.
Nearby, Denny’s, In-N-Out, and several Starbucks locations have also closed. In January 2024, Denny’s shut its doors after 54 years, prioritizing the safety of its team and guests. Meanwhile, In-N-Out ceased operations at its only Oakland location in March 2024 due to frequent crime incidents, and Starbucks has closed two of its stores in the Hegenberger area during the past year.
Uncertain Future for the Hilton Property
The Port of Oakland owns the Hilton property and will ultimately decide its future use. Concerns are mounting regarding potential issues such as homelessness encroaching on the now-vacant property. Efforts will be made to assist the affected employees by offering transfers to other Hilton locations in the Bay Area.
“We deeply regret the impact this closure will have on our dedicated employees and their families,” Hilton stated in a letter.
The broader economic effects on Oakland can’t be overstated. The closure arrives at a time when Oakland faces a significant budget deficit and a leadership crisis, following an FBI raid on Mayor Sheng Thao’s home. From 2019 to 2023, four businesses along the corridor reported 2,773 criminal incidents, which underscores the severity of the area’s crime issues.
