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Summary of reviewsThe Berkeley City Club Hotel, located in the vibrant heart of Berkeley, offers guests an unparalleled blend of historical charm, exceptional service, and strategic proximity to key attractions such as the University of California, Berkeley. The hotel's proximity to the campus, the Greek Theater, Zellerbach Hall, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops on Shattuck Avenue, make it a prime choice for those attending events or exploring the city.
Renowned for its classic architecture designed by Julia Morgan, the hotel provides a journey back in time with its vintage 1920s ambiance yet maintains modern cleanliness and comfort. Guests regularly praise the hotel for its immaculate condition and attentive staff, who are celebrated for their warmth and professionalism, enhancing the overall experience of staying in such a historical setting.
Dining at the hotel is a standout feature, with Julia's restaurant offering first-class service and delightful farm-to-table cuisine that is both delicious and affordable. Breakfast in the elegant dining room consistently impresses with its quality and variety, becoming a highlight for many guests.
The rooms, while described as quaint and cozy rather than spacious, offer comfort and cleanliness with spectacular views, comfortable beds, and charming period decor. The lack of modern gadgets like TVs and air conditioning does not detract from the authentic, historic experience that attracts many visitors.
Additional amenities include a celebrated indoor swimming pool, an Art Deco masterpiece ideal for laps, that consistently leaves guests in awe. Though the fitness center is compact, it serves guests well, and the pool remains a cherished aspect of the hotel experience.
While WiFi access can vary in quality, particularly in rooms, its strong performance in other hotel areas allows guests to stay connected effectively. The hotel’s historic significance, combined with its beautiful grounds and well-preserved facilities, supports its reputation as a hidden gem perfect for those seeking both relaxation and historical beauty in Berkeley. Show more
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Categories
Hotel for Honeymoon
This historic hotel features unique architecture and a charming atmosphere. The hotel's design and central location in Berkeley make it a memorable and convenient option for honeymooners.
4-Star Hotel
Berkeley City Club Hotel features historic architecture and a unique ambiance, providing a charming and memorable experience. Its distinctive character and central location make it a notable choice.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel features a Julia Morgan-designed heated indoor swimming pool, offering a unique and architecturally significant swimming experience for guests.
Boutique-style Hotel
Luxury Hotel
Historic Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Standard Queen RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe and heating. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a wardrobe and heating. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Queen RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, heating and city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Double RoomProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, heating and city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Nestled comfortably in the heart of Berkeley, the Berkeley City Club Hotel offers a stellar location for visitors looking to explore the vibrant area surrounding the University of California, Berkeley. Its proximity to the campus, just a block away, makes it an ideal choice for those attending workshops, events, or simply visiting the historic institution. The hotel’s position is further enhanced by its convenient access to the Greek Theater and Zellerbach Hall, renowned venues for arts and entertainment.
The central location also places guests within walking distance to Shattuck Avenue, home to a plethora of restaurants, shops, and a BART station, providing easy access to San Francisco and other surrounding areas. The hotel's location ensures guests enjoy the historic charm of Berkeley while being close to modern conveniences. Reviews consistently highlight the easy access to local attractions and the excellent public transportation links.
The Berkeley City Club Hotel itself contributes to the charm with its grand architecture and vintage 1920s ambiance, designed by the esteemed Julia Morgan. Guests appreciate the hotel's historic character and the lovely environment it provides. Whether one is visiting for educational pursuits or leisure activities, the Berkeley City Club Hotel offers unparalleled access and a distinctive, welcoming atmosphere.
Breakfast
Berkeley City Club Hotel offers a breakfast experience that has been widely praised by guests for its quality and presentation. Nestled within a splendid dining room that exudes elegance, the continental breakfast transcends typical expectations with offerings such as mini crustless quiche, fresh fruit, and delightful pastries. Many guests highlight the scrumptious nature of the breakfast and commend its variety, featuring French pastries and two types of quiche that stand out as particular favorites. The breakfast achieves an exceptional standard with generous offerings elegantly presented alongside complimentary drinks. The quiet and formal atmosphere in the dining room adds to the appeal, making breakfast not just a meal but a pleasant experience each morning. Despite some remarks on its repetitiveness or limited choices, the overall consensus celebrates it as a great, delicious, and enjoyable start to the day. With fresh squeezed orange juice, boiled eggs, and homemade pastries, the Continental breakfast provides a sophisticated yet cozy start for hotel guests, consistently surpassing mere adequacy and earning high praise as an outstanding part of their stay.
Dinner
Nestled in the heart of the Berkeley City Club Hotel, Julia's restaurant offers a dining experience that consistently earns high praise from guests. Visitors describe the restaurant as first-class, with a combination of cozy, comfortable, and historic ambiance that adds to the overall allure of the dining experience. The elegant setting of the dining room creates a picturesque backdrop for a memorable meal.
The menu features farm-to-table specialties that guests find not only delicious but reasonably priced, making it a standout choice in the city. Diners have been particularly impressed by the superior quality of the food, mentioning dishes like sea bass as noteworthy examples of culinary excellence. The Thursday dinner specials are highlighted as terrific and are a must-try for anyone visiting.
Service at Julia’s is consistently lauded as impeccable, ensuring that diners enjoy a smooth and enjoyable evening, whether they are savoring a meal in the restaurant or relaxing in the adjacent bar/lounge. Many guests make a point to visit the Morgan Room before and after their dinner, enhancing their experience with its charming atmosphere.
Overall, Julia’s continues to be a beacon of top-notch cuisine and service, leaving guests with fond memories and making it one of the finest dining spots in Berkeley.
Rooms
The Berkeley City Club Hotel exudes a historic charm that transports guests to an earlier era with its preserved period-style decor and unique design. While rooms are often described as small, they consistently receive praise for their cleanliness, comfort, and quaint ambiance. Many guests find the accommodations cozy, with some rooms offering spectacular views of landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Berkeley hills. Comfortable mattresses and roomy bathrooms with outstanding showers are frequently highlighted. Although the rooms may lack modern gadgets like TVs and air conditioning, their old-fashioned appeal contributes to an authentic experience that many guests appreciate. Despite occasional comments on the need for minor updates, the hotel maintains a balance of historical authenticity and comfort. The attentive staff, particularly at the reception, and unique public rooms add to the charm of this historic establishment, making it a memorable stay for those who appreciate a blend of history and hospitality.
Beds
At the Berkeley City Club Hotel, guests regularly appreciate the comfort offered by the beds, contributing to a restful stay. Many describe the beds as very comfortable, with a good mattress that supports a pleasant night's sleep. The linens and pillows are noted for their quality, adding a touch of luxury to the sleeping experience. Some guests have highlighted the soft nature of the beds, while others mention the firmness as friendly to their backs.
Although not all reviews unanimously praise the beds, with some mentioning a preference for king-sized beds and others finding the beds a bit narrow for two people, the general consensus remains positive. The beds strike a balance between comfort and support, making for an inviting retreat after exploring the charming, period-updated rooms and the lively areas nearby.
Despite occasional disturbances from students outside, the quietness afterward further enhances the bed's comfort, ensuring guests can unwind in peace. Overall, the Berkeley City Club Hotel provides a comfortable bed setup that promises unwinding nights, paired with clean rooms that round off a satisfying stay.
Cleanliness
Nestled in an impressive historic structure, the Berkeley City Club Hotel offers a delightful fusion of timeless charm and modern cleanliness. Many guests emphasized the immaculate condition of the hotel, consistently describing both public areas and private rooms as spotlessly clean and well-maintained. The beautiful architecture is complemented by attentive cleaning efforts, ensuring that every nook and cranny is carefully attended to by the diligent staff. Rooms, though sometimes described as small or dated, consistently received praise for their cleanliness and comfort, making them a quiet and safe retreat. The pool, though not universally lauded for its cleanliness, provides a pleasant addition to the hotel's offerings. While some aspects like breakfast may not meet all expectations, the overall experience is reinforced by the pristine environment and helpful atmosphere.
Staff
The Berkeley City Club Hotel consistently receives glowing praise for its exceptional staff, who are known for their warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness. Across various functions and services, guests laud the team for their friendliness, with adjectives such as "helpful," "kind," and "courteous" frequently appearing in reviews. The front desk staff, in particular, have been highlighted as welcoming, efficient, and unfailingly polite, leaving a positive first impression on guests. Whether it's engaging interactions at the bar or a delightful receptionist at check-in, the hotel's employees seem to effortlessly make guests feel at home. Noteworthy individuals, including Spencer and Alex, receive personal commendations for making visitors feel particularly welcome. With first-class service as a common theme, the team is celebrated for being accommodating and refreshingly thoughtful, contributing to an overall excellent stay at this charming hotel.
Wi-Fi
At Berkeley City Club Hotel, the WiFi experience varies significantly throughout the premises. While some guests found the WiFi reception in their rooms to be spotty, lagging, or even non-existent, others praised its performance, describing it as surprisingly good. In certain areas of the hotel, such as the quiet lounge downstairs, the WiFi connection is notably strong, allowing guests to enjoy a seamless internet experience. Notably, those who managed to find good reception were able to stream content easily on their devices. Overall, while the hotel's WiFi may require some improvements in room areas, it remains functional and up-to-date in many other parts of the facility.
Gym
Nestled within the historic architecture of the Berkeley City Club Hotel, the gym and pool facilities offer guests an unexpectedly delightful experience. Although the fitness center may be compact, it serves its purpose well for those looking to maintain their exercise routine while traveling. The true highlight, however, is the health club's stunning indoor pool, which is more than just a place to swim; it is a destination in itself. Designed by the renowned Julia Morgan, the pool boasts a gorgeous 25-yard Art Deco style and is ideal for laps, providing a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere for a refreshing swim. Guests frequently describe the pool as fabulous, amazing, and beautiful, making it a beloved feature of the hotel. Its charm is complemented by a lovely courtyard area, and it is a place where visitors enjoy spending time, particularly during the summer in the Atrium, contributing to the allure of returning once again to this unique retreat. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure access to these sought-after amenities, but those who do are rewarded with an exceptional relaxation experience.
Pool
Nestled within the historic Berkeley City Club Hotel, the swimming pool is a standout feature that elicits admiration and awe from visitors. Often described as a classic, Art Deco marvel, this indoor lap pool stretches an impressive 75 feet, or 25 yards, making it ideal for a refreshing swim or leisurely laps. The pool's design is a nod to the opulence of Hearst Castle, offering a unique experience that blends artistic beauty with leisure. Guests often feel they are swimming in a piece of art, thanks to the large, deco-tiled pool's inviting warmth and stunning aesthetics.
The ambiance of the hotel as a whole complements the pool's allure, with its historic architecture and touches from the small Julia Morgan museum enhancing the overall atmosphere. Although some may find access limited with midday openings and a requirement for swim caps, these factors do not seem to significantly detract from the pool's undeniable charm.
With accolades ranging from "fantastic" to "superb," the guest experiences at this pool are consistently positive. Visitors often express a desire to return, not only to enjoy the tranquil atrium but also to once more indulge in what many describe as potentially the best pool they've encountered. Whether for a morning swim or a quiet afternoon dip, the hotel’s indoor pool remains a cherished highlight that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
4 Star
Located in the heart of a bustling part of Berkeley, the Berkeley City Club Hotel stands out as a charming historic retreat that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This architectural masterpiece, designed by the renowned Julia Morgan and completed in 1929, is celebrated for its exceptional charm and unique design. Guests consistently praise the hotel's beautiful grounds and well-preserved facilities, which ensure a comfortable stay. The property is enriched with garden courtyards, grand staircases, a library, dining rooms, and a classic indoor swimming pool, providing a visual feast that delights lovers of classic architecture. With excellent service complementing its distinctive charm, the hotel is often described as a hidden gem, making it highly recommended for those seeking both relaxation and historical beauty.
Historic
Nestled in the heart of Berkeley, the Berkeley City Club Hotel stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of Julia Morgan, the pioneering female architect also known for her work on Hearst Castle. Constructed in 1929, this hotel exudes historic charm and elegance reminiscent of a bygone era. Guests are often captivated by its vintage atmosphere, a beautiful fusion of classic architecture and historic relevance.
The hotel, a recognized historic landmark, boasts a wonderfully preserved 1920s style, offering a peaceful retreat with quiet and pleasant rooms. The property invites exploration with its charming gardens, historic swimming pool, and architecturally stunning spaces that reflect the grand vision of its design.
Visitors frequently find themselves immersed in the Berkeley City Club’s rich history, appreciating its well-maintained condition and the seamless blend of historical significance with modern functionality. The unique appeal comes not only from the beautiful edifice itself but also from the sense of stepping back into a classically elegant time. Positioned in a great location, the hotel also offers lovely views of San Francisco, making it a delightful destination for those who appreciate the beauty of historic buildings with character and charm.
Boutique-Style
Nestled in a charming historic building, the Berkeley City Club Hotel captivates guests with its vintage elegance and classic architecture. This boutique hotel offers a unique and independent experience filled with charm and ambiance. Admired for its gorgeous and peaceful atmosphere, it serves as an ideal destination for those who appreciate historic properties rich in character. Guests often remark on the amazing architecture that transports them to a bygone era, making a stay at the Berkeley City Club Hotel akin to a journey into the past in the most delightful way.
Romantic
The Berkeley City Club Hotel is an ideal choice for those seeking a romantic getaway. Guests have praised its enchanting ambiance, highlighting the picturesque garden and enchanting outdoor courtyard, which offer a perfect setting for romantic moments. The hotel provides a charming backdrop for weddings, thanks to its historic charm and lovely venue spaces. Many found the setting magical, ideal for a serene and intimate stay, and enjoyed cozy activities like playing scrabble in the inviting sitting rooms. Overall, it is described as a lovely place to stay, whether for a special occasion or simply a charming evening away.
Yes, Berkeley City Club Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Berkeley City Club Hotel.
No, Berkeley City Club Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Berkeley City Club Hotel.