Coral Reef Inn & Suites — Hotel in Alameda

The grounds appear to be a converted apartment complex. The pool is clean and fenced. The foot path around the pool was uplifted and broken by the roots of a tree that is unkept and overgrown. The concrete is a tripping hazard and blocks the second pool gate from opening. Other than this, the grounds are reasonably maintained. The grass is mostly crabgrass and dandelion but do not cross the grass if you want your shoes to be clean - the grass was really mushy from either a broken sprinkler pipe or overwatering.||We booked a suite with a lagoon view. The room was relatively outdated but clean. The couch and recliner had torn and worn out fabric. The couch folds out to a bed (which my best friend used) and the bottom part of the mattress pokes through some broken springs and rests on the floor. The sliding glass door to the balcony needs the wheels cleaned and lubricated, as it takes nearly hurculean strength to slide open and closed. The locks used to secure the door were loose and about to fall off.||The bed in the bedroom had a worn out mattress that left both our back's sore each morning. The dresser drawers weren't on their tracks and I had to be careful not to pull the drawer out completely. I actually use the drawers in hotel rooms when staying for multiple days. The room, though, has loads of closet space. Enough for someone to live there - makes me wonder if this is a residential hotel.||The bathroom was outdated but functional. Great water pressure in the shower and quality shower head. THe toilet had a slow leak on the tank. I reported it after discovering it. The lady at the counter looked frustrated and stated that maintenance wouldn't be available until the next day, then to just put a towel on the floor to prevent pooling. Sure, whatever.||The kitchen is fully featured with a stove/oven, microwave, and full sized apartment fridge. Guests are able to borrow pans and pots from the office which is a plus. We didn't plan on cooking food during our visit, but future trips may be different.||Sure, the place is a bit rundown and outdated, but it is REALLY quiet. The lagoon view is relaxing and helps with anxiety. The location next to the beach is the best in...

Main points: you might get a room straight out of a horror movie, and do not be fooled by the free breakfast.

My mom stayed here for one night. It was a ROUGH experience, at least at first. I chose this hotel for her because of its location by the water and the “lagoon view” room option.

The first room (I believe it was unit 238) was HORRIBLE. Straight out of a horror movie. As soon as we opened the door, we were hit with a horrible mix of cigarette smoke, must, and just general OLDness, even though the door clearly said “no smoking.” Inside, things only got worse. The furniture was extremely old and FILTHY, you wouldn’t even want to stand near the chairs and couch, let alone sit on them. The room looked like it hadn’t been updated or properly maintained in decades, like we were in an apocalyptic movie. The lights also didn't work!

We asked to switch rooms, and thankfully, the second one was SO much better. It actually smelled clean, and while the furniture still had some stains, it felt WAY more acceptable and comfortable. If this had been our original room, I probably wouldn’t be writing this review.

The “free continental breakfast” was another letdown. It was nothing but packaged pastries, not worth advertising, and not something anyone should be eating for breakfast.

On a positive note, the receptionist was nice and helpful. I also don’t blame the cleaning staff. The first room was BEYOND help. The real issue here is obviously poor management and a lack of care for guest experience. The fact that rooms like the first one even EXIST in this hotel is unacceptable, especially considering the price they’re charging. Ridiculous.

Would not recommend this place to anyone since there may be a chance you get a room like the first one we got. I’m honestly...

Fantastic. I would live here. Apartments converted to a hotel. Great location across the street from shopping, including a grocery store, which makes cooking and eating in super convenient. Stove, fridge, microwave, cookware provided (ask for it at the front desk). Sushi restaurant down the street is excellent also.

For convenient entertainment, there is a bowling alley next door, with a bar, and food, music and other amenities. It's noisy/lively, if your into that, very it just want something to do, or somewhere to go. No driving necessary!

Only thing missing is a closer gym (my kind of entertainment), but there is a 24 Hour Fitness and an Anytime Fitness within driving distance. They had passes to a local gym (if you inquire about gym access), but that gym had long been closed down, so double check before going, if they do have passes available. Hopefully, they will find another gym to partner with.

Room could be a bit cleaner.

At the time the phone system was out. Had been down for many months. They said they will be fixing it, but given how long it's been it, I'm not so sure. So if this is important for you, do inquire geometry booking. Fortunately cell phones make this less necessary. Note you cannot contact the front desk or get a wake up call. Not a big deal, but they should have put a note in the room, it at least stated so at check in, so I did not waste time/effort trying to contact them from my room.

Overall enjoyed my stay. The apartment-like feel was comfortable and a refreshing change from chain hotels. Walkability to stores (including grocery) was also welcomed.

I would...