The hotel, which has easy access to Highway 880 along with a40-slip boat marina and boardwalk, will open October 2001. The citycontributed $1 million to the project with financing from theDepartment of Housing and Urban Development. The HUD loan for thehotel is part of Mayor Jerry Brown's plan to continue Oakland'sdevelopment as a regional business hub and make downtown JackLondon Square into a tourist-friendly area.

"The Homewood Suites appeal to business travelers that stay fora few nights or more, families vacationing with children andvisitors seeking a weekend get-away retreat," says Adam Dubroff, asource at Oakland Hospitality LLC. The hotel offers a distinctstyle of rooms and services that are suited for extended stayguests. Each residential-style suite includes a fully equippedkitchen and separate sleeping and living areas. The Homewood Suiteswill have a hospitality center, an executive center, exercisefacilities, and a 24-hour convenience store.