Joining Nutty in the hate olives, love their oil camp.
Question for the hivemind - my work colleague and I are looking for a nice, little, not necessarily fancy hotel in downtown Oakland, walking distance from Preservation Park, for the dates of 9/1 - 9/3. We both go for funky/comfy over schwank. Price under $140 pretax each per night preferred. The conference website recommended the downtown Marriot and Courtyard by Marriot and the Washington Inn. I have an email in to the visitor's center but I trust the hivemind more!
Somewhat topic-y, since I'm hoping to meet up w/ SF-istas on this trip. I should know what evenings I'll be around for dinner soon. I also have the possibility of staying another night, but that may depend on a host as work wouldn't pay for the hotel that night.
Muchas gracias.