The Hilton hotel located next to the Oakland, California airport has permanently closed its doors after 56 years of operation. The closure comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing crime in the area, leading to the shutdown of several neighboring businesses and prompting residents to move away.
On August 28, the hotel bid farewell to its final guest, marking the end of an era for the establishment. Over 150 workers were left jobless as a result of the closure, with many expressing deep sadness over the sudden turn of events.
Former employees, such as Egigu Lemma, who dedicated over three decades to the hotel, shared their disappointment at the closure. Lemma recounted his fond memories of working at the Hilton, highlighting the impact the hotel had on his life.
While the reasons behind the closure were not explicitly stated by Hilton officials, former workers believe that the decision was influenced by the prevalent crime in the area. Incidents such as vehicle break-ins, thefts, and armed robberies have plagued the neighborhood, leading to a decline in business for the hotel.
The Hilton Oakland Airport, situated on 20 acres of land, boasted 360 guest rooms and 15,000 square feet of event space. The hotel was a prominent fixture in the community, known for its unique features such as a resident cat named Parris Hilton who greeted guests for over 16 years.
The closure of the Hilton follows a trend of businesses shutting down in the area due to safety concerns. Earlier this year, an In-N-Out Burger outlet and a Denny's restaurant closed their doors, citing similar issues of crime and security.
The rise in violent crime in Oakland, as reported by the Oakland Police Department, has prompted companies like Blue Shield and Clorox to enhance security measures for their employees. The alarming statistics have also led some residents to leave the city out of fear for their safety.
Despite the challenges posed by the closure of the Hilton, some former employees have managed to find new opportunities. However, the impact of the hotel's shutdown lingers, with many still reminiscing about the cherished memories associated with the iconic establishment.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the closure, the legacy of the Hilton Oakland Airport hotel, spanning over five decades, remains a bittersweet reminder of a bygone era.
