A downtown hotel stay in Oakland can be expensive, Helen's apartment/condo downtown is a more economical alternative. Based in bustling Chinatown, but located on the fifth floor of a large residential building, the apartment is decently equipped and feels private and removed from the clamor of the city, with plenty of space and a seating area on the balcony. We had dinner at two of Chinatown's best restaurants, a few blocks walk from our stay, and the waterfront bars and cafes of Jack London Square are also in easy walking distance. The upshot is Helen's place is a great location and a good value and we would gladly stay again.