The iconic hotel is the latest business to close after crime in the neighborhood got out of control and staff were left “heartbroken”

Due to rampant crime in the area, a legendary hotel recently had to close.

Employees of the Oakland Hilton Hotel in California were heartbroken to learn of the company’s sudden closure, as many of their employees had worked there for decades.

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The Hilton location on Hegenberger Road, which leads to Oakland International Airport, was in operation for 56 years.

Officially the hotel closed on Wednesday – but Sunday was the last day of business.

“We are all heartbroken right now, all heartbroken,” bellboy and guest services employee Egigu Lemma told local CBS affiliate KPIX-TV.

“I’ve spent more time here than in my house, so the emotional impact is very high.”

Lemma told the outlet that he worked at the hotel for 35 years.

He said about 150 people worked at the hotel and were surprised to learn of the closure.

No reason was given for the closure, but Lemma said staff believed the hotel could be closed due to Oakland’s crime rate.

“Crime is high,” he said.

“Many of our customers’ vehicles have been broken into. Hotel buses have been stolen, catalytic converters have been stolen.”

The employee also said that the company’s closure could also be due to fewer sports fans staying at the hotel.

The Los Angeles Raiders left Oakland for Las Vegas in 2020. Additionally, the NBA’s Golden State Warriors moved to San Francisco in 2018.

Officials at the Port of Oakland first announced the hotel’s closure in a statement to local media outlet San Francisco Chronicle.

“We understand that the hospitality sector will continue to be negatively impacted by larger economic trends even after the pandemic,” officials said in a statement.

They added that they would examine “the best future use of this property.”

Although no official reason was given for the closure, other businesses on the street have also recently had to close due to crime.

GHOST TOWN STREET

Several restaurants along the Hegenberger Corridor, including Denny’s and In-N-Out, have ceased operations this year.

In March, the In-N-Out location was closed because the restaurant’s COO stated that “our customers and employees are regularly victims of car break-ins, property damage, thefts and armed robberies.”

Previously, customers were shocked to find a sign on the door announcing that Denny’s had closed its doors.

“Closing a restaurant location is never an easy decision and is not taken lightly,” the statement said.

“However, the safety and well-being of Denny’s team members and valued guests is our top priority.”

MAYOR’S PROMISE

In February, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao promised to make the city safer – but the closures continued.

“The increase in crime and violence we are seeing on our streets is completely unacceptable,” Said Thao.

“The City of Oakland is working hard to turn the tide – increasing police investigations, hiring more police officers and investing in community violence intervention efforts.”

The US Sun has asked Hilton for comment.