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History of the Lake Merritt Hotel

The Lake Merritt Hotel is an enchanting Mediterranean Art Deco building with magnificent views, which is now considered to be one of Oakland’s premier landmarks. The building has been renovated, restored and redecorated, and is beautiful and comfortable with up-to-date amenities. The walls are painted in a rich terra cotta color, and special lighting includes intricate wrought iron chandeliers. AgeSong has added life-safety enhancements, including accessibility improvements, new elevators, kitchens and baths, and many apartment home amenities.

Oakland’s Finest

First designed as an apartment hotel in 1927 by acclaimed architect William Weeks, the Lake Merritt Hotel was designed for living close to entertainment and other amenities of downtown. It was the place to stay and the place to take a date for a fabulous evening. The Art Deco ballroom which overlooks the lake is full of artistic splendor, and besides the view, it features a mural depicting scenic views of Lake Merritt painted by Oakland’s acclaimed muralist and sculptor Andre Boratko.

Saved!

In 1987, the hotel was up for sale and slated for demolition to make room for a high rise —until real estate investors Cheryl and Randall Berger came to the rescue. They purchased and transformed the building into a signature hotel known for its architectural heritage, wonderful location and superb service, with guest rooms and suites far larger than most. It features nine-foot ceilings with double-stacked moldings, walk-in closets, and much more. After the renovation, accolades poured it and it was hailed as a “Hot Hotel” by San Francisco Magazine, while Sunset Magazine deemed it one of the great places to stay in the Bay Area.

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