40Berkeley


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40Berkeley descritpion


In Boston’s hip South End, 40 Berkeley is 650 feet from the Charles Playhouse. It features a billiards table, a living room with a fireplace and a movie room.
Each bright room at the 40 Berkeley includes a ceiling fan and a desk. The private rooms have access to 2 large shared community bathrooms on each floor, 1 male and 1 female, with private shower closets.
The Berkeley 40 is in a restored historic building. The common rooms have computers.
This property provides free towels, free Wi-Fi, free luggage storage services, and 24-hour front desk assistance. The property has a tour desk, a laundry room and a garden patio.
Copley Square and Boston Common are less than a 20-minute walk from the 40 Berkeley Hostel. Northeastern University, Berklee College of Music, and Boston University are all less than 2 miles away.

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They speak 5 languages——40Berkeley's staff speaks:Chinese,Indonesian,French,Spanish,English
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Facilities of 40Berkeley

Outdoors :Grounds | Terrace

Pets :Pets are not allowed.

Activities :Pool Table

Internet :Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking :No parking available.

Services :Vending Machine (drinks) | Vending Machine (snacks) | 24-Hour Front Desk | Baggage Storage | ATM on site | Shared Lounge/TV Area | Laundry | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Business Center

General :Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Languages Spoken :Chinese | Indonesian | French | Spanish | English

Reviews for 40Berkeley

Review 1:The room was awful, small bed and nothing inside , no tv ,no air conditioning but the worst was the small bed , not good for a couple

Review 2:The staff was really friendly

Review 3:The wifi was intermittent and frustrating. The hotel is old fashioned and grungy, and the rooms tiny. Would not stay there again or recommend to anyone else.

Review 4:Location not bad

Review 5:The room was very hot!!! We left he window all day opened, because there wasn´t any option to control the heating!! The neigborhood was nice, but we had to walk at least 10 minutes to any bus/metro stops.

Review 6:There were many couches and chairs with table in the common area. Free water and popcorn in the hall.

Review 7:The staff were not very helpful. Also, it seemed like a retirement village - a lot of old people living there - i think permanently. The bathrooms only had one shower and one toilet, both old and not working properly and the beds and rooms made us feel like we were in a prison.

Review 8:Staff were very abrupt. The beds were incredibly uncomfortable. Not enough bathroom facilities.

Review 9:It was in a good location in a nice suburb. However, the facilities were a detriment to the locality - so much potential.

Review 10:- Noisy (because of cars) - Only one restroom for each floor - TOO warm (we had to open the windows to sleep, in january!)

Review 11:- Great lounge - Clean - They kept our luggages, even after check out - Free popcorn :)

Review 12:We couldn't control the heating in our room, and it was way too hot. One shower ont the 3rd floor wasn't working well. The odor in the hallway on the 3rd floor. No small lamp in the room, only one big light, which made it difficult not to go to bed at the same time without waking up the other person.

Review 13:The kitchen corner and the free pool and popcorn. The small fridge available for the customers. Very well located.

Review 14:The radiator was running so high we needed the fan going and window open the whole time to regulate temperature in the room. So very dry n uncomfortable. Very noisy next to bathroom. People talking on phones in hall late at night.

Review 15:The common area facilities were impressive. Theatre n lounge room. Friendly and helpful staff.

Review 16:The staff overbooked my room. I reserved a room a month ago, but they said my room was taken by other guests when I arrived! Ridiculous! Also, the room temperature is way too high!!! It was like in an oven!

Review 17:Personally, I think it was expensive for what it was, but probably affordable for the very convenient lication. Also how there was no flat rate for the room. I asked for a quiet room but there was a lot going on outside my room. I wasn't too phased as I was only there for one night, but it was annoying.

Review 18:Very clean and convenient location. No surprises from what I booked

Review 19:One elevator's buttons weren't working well (didn't light up when pushed). Bathroom shower's water temperature wasn't always consistent (jumps between hot and cold, and stays mainly cold- I stayed on the third floor). Room radiator doesn't work.

Review 20:A laundry room, a lounge for people to hang out there, and rocking chairs! Staff were helpful when we requested to borrow an office stationery. Room furniture and color were really pretty, and has a closet with hangers.

Review 21:It was like a run down dorm. Rooms were actually scary to stay in, weleft after 10 minutes because we could not stay there, it didn'tfeel safe. Nothing like the pictures. Even after only being there for 10minutes and checking out, they wouldn't give a refund.

Review 22:Nothing.

Review 23:Rooms are very simple and old, heater was noisy all night. No breakfast. Guests are somewhat interesting: a mix of homeless looking people, older people and average younger ones.

Review 24:Location is great; lobby is nice looking with free coffee and popcorn, pool tables and tv

Review 25:Worse customer service, is not a clean hotel, the private rooms are cozy but not comfortable at all, the only good thing about this hotel is the location

Review 26:I have stayed at several hostels. This allows us to meet local people. Due to the fact this is a reasonable place to stay there are, I believe, residents also. Everyone was friendly and considerate. We had a good visit.

Review 27:depressing, not good for long stay, too expensive for such a depressing low quality place.

Review 28:clean, close to the train station, friendly staff, shared bathroom not in a bad condition but can be better

Review 29:extremely depressing depressing depressing, as if ur in one of those hotels showing in horror movies. The room is so dark because the lights don't work properly. nothing in the room but a bed. If ur there just to get back drunk and sleep right away then get out as soon soon as you can then it will work for you but other then that !! I would say that place feels more like a mental asylum.

Review 30:location was very good, extreemly friendly staff , very helpful, clean, bathroom not in a bad condition. 7Eleven right infant of the hotel

Review 31:This place is where lots of homeless people are put into,it's overpriced at 100$ per night,you can get a better else where,

Review 32:There's not one thing I liked about this hotel/hostel

Review 33:The shower room was not too dirty but it wasn't clean looking either. I with they put sandals or clean rubber mat in the shower room and something to hang clothes. The temperature of the shower was warm but not enough hot for me. Probably most people wouldn't feel that temperature is hot in winter. There was a small fan in the bedroom but no air conditioning. The blanket was too thin and pillow was not comfortable.

Review 34:Cheap price and friendly staffs. Relatively fast wifi compared to other hotels I've ever stayed. It's a good hostel especially for students who need somewhere to study during their stay.

Review 35:tHE BEDS WERE VERY HARD THE CARPETS VERY OLD AND LOOKS LIKE DIRTY I WOULD LIKE BATHS INSIDE ROOM

Review 36:THE ATENTION OF STAFF WAS VERY GOOD THE VIEW FROM THE HOTEL IS GOOD GOOD LOCATION

Review 37:I didn't like the fact that during the later hours (1 am) a lot of other guests were noisy - running up and down the halls, shouting, laughing etc. Also the showers smelt like puke.

Review 38:I really liked its affordability and location. It was very comfortable and was walking distance to the T.

Review 39:it was decent accommodation to a hostel. I got one of the 'family' room which included bathroom and small kitchen. stuff was great and helpful.

Review 40:The bed was incredibly hard and uncomfortable, and by the time I left my skin was covered in some sort of rash. I guess I got what I paid for. I personally had a difficult finding the location and the parking they recommend is over a mile away (not a fun walk for someone from VT at 10:30 pm).

Review 41:It was inexpensive. The area it was located in was not too sketchy and there was good food within walking distance.

Review 42:I'm not really a fan of sharing a bathroom, just because it's awkward and annoying, especially if you need to get up in the middle of the night, but, this was our choice and we knew the bathroom was shared so can't really complain about that. It was clean and well looked after. The room is very small and basic, and it's pretty expensive for what you get. Mind you everything else is way more expensive so you just need to weigh up your priorities: cost vs comfort. Location is fine so that's not an issue.

Review 43:I liked the location, and it's a safe area. Staff were lovely and helpful.

Review 44:The shared bathrooms. Although it was kinda going back to college it is difficult for them to keep a spotless place with so many people using the services at a given time. Still, not a bad effort in the end.

Review 45:Staff was always helpful, attentive and nice people, great customer service. The location, just steps away from Boylston St and the Back Bay, is just unbeatable

Review 46:A desk in my room would have been really helpful, as I was not too keen to use the public study area.( It had a nice location on the mezzanine floor, but I was jet lagged and wanted to do my work in my PJs in my room.)

Review 47:The staff and location were superb. The shared bathrooms were kept meticulously clean. The vibe of the building is fantastic as it is embedded in the local community. Locals stay there for various reasons, such as hospice services (I imagine as there are great hospitals nearby). There were local people of all ages, including elders. A local church also gathers there occasionally, bringing in a fun, young crowd. The connections to the local community and diversity of people in the building make it more authentic than other hotels. I also felt safer for this reason. Also the shared services like pool tables, TV room, free popcorn stand, rocking chairs, study area and garden added character and value. The rooms are basic, but clean. For someone wanting basic, no frills accommodation in a blue chip historic neighbourhood with great cafes and restaurants, this place is great. The view from my room was amazing (see photo).

Review 48:Weekends are nasty time for shared bathrooms, need I say more?

Review 49:Good location, friendly staff & reasonably priced parking arrangements relatively close by. Rooms are on the smaller side but decently equipped. Good budget option, would not go as far as calling it good value though. Stayed one night with a friend, so that worked. Many things to do and see nearby.

Review 50:The bed was ok. Mattress was basic. I would like another pillow and comforter on bed. Some pictures on the wall would make it better.

Review 51:We were touring and had a place to sleep. Access to a computer. Movie theater.

Review 52:The worst hotel I've ever stayed. Feels like it's a nursing home with the last floor dedicated to hotel. Rooms are awful, dirty and small. We've booked a room for 2 persons but the bed was standard for 1 person. We paid almost $130 / night and hotel completely doesn't worth it.

Review 53:Staff was helpful and friendly. Location is nice. Inner hotel space is a good motivator to go out.

Review 54:May be considered expensive for hostel but hotels and hostels are expensive in downtown Boston. Good safe location. Might get hotel for similar price but that won't be in good location. I opt for location and safety. Might be considered a bit of a 15min walk to main tourist areas but taxis are cheap. Not sure if there is a social room.

Review 55:Free water cooler, free wifi, free luggage storage. Nice outdoor seating area. Seven Eleven across street. Single rooms quite large. Quiet place to stay on Sat night even though hostel was fully booked. Staff seemed helpful to people looking to do tours etc. Myers and Chang restaurant not too far away.

Review 56:Heating could not be turned off and kept blowing hot air all night. While it was November, it felt like a hot summer day in our room.

Review 57:Location is good. Nice neighbourhood.

Review 58:The rooms are very simplistic and worn down (at least the one I stayed in). Same goes for the shared bathroom.

Review 59:The Location is great and it's quite affordable for Boston. Internet was okay.

Review 60:No free breakfast, No longer serving food in cafeteria, bathroom had reduced shower heads that made it difficult to rinse soap from hair.

Review 61:Price reasonable, bed ok, close to Back Bay T stop, just a short walk.

Review 62:It is like a prison. Basic basic basic conditions. Iron is cheap, ironing board broke, spiders on the floor, shower didn't work.

Review 63:Good area of Boston

Review 64:Staying here was like staying in run down Dormitory in 1970's. Clumps of hair in the shower. A forgotten used maxipad wrapped in the stall. Hearing the toileting noises of neighbors in the stall. Yeah you get what you pay for. But I was willing to do just that. Staying here kept me in my budget!

Review 65:Attending a conference nearby. Just couldn't justify the high cost of the conference hotels that ran nearly $400 dollars a night. Yeah I can write it off, but paying upfront for all of that would take a toll on the budget. Luckily taking a cab to the conference site was less than $10. Better was taking advantage of free conference transportation by just walking to the nearby hotels.

Review 66:A bit dirty, worn, small room. Shared bathroom (but cleaning there was fine). The worst part was the heat - we couldnt turn off the heater but had the window wide open (in end of October) to compensate for it. Which of course meant more noise from outside instead. And the bathroom! I am not kidding, in the morning it was about 30 degrees celsius in there

Review 67:The place is way too expensive, but still the cheapest we could find which made it on okay deal. The location is good - close to metro and many nice restaurants and you can walk into the city center

Review 68:Inadequate no of bathrooms for no of rooms; bathrooms very poorly designed. Room was boiling hot (no a/c) on one occasion and freezing another time. Insufficient bedding to keep warm. Very very spartan. Grimy window. Dingy.

Review 69:Location

Review 70:The staff was very helpful, room was okay. Great price-quality ratio. It was also nice to get some popcorn in the evening and coffee in the morning. If I come to Boston again, I will stay in 40 Berkeley.

Review 71:Local resident Gustapo telling me to lower my voice at 2am in the locker room-ish bathroom. My bad but Boston serves mighty good pints!

Review 72:The concierge staff were delightful. Kind, knowledgable, efficient. They all had great sense of humor and charm with a definite pride for the history of the building and what it offers the guest of Boston. It's a very humble place but who really needs more than what they provide so gracefully.

Review 73:The staff can be a little indifferent.

Review 74:The hostel is basic, but in an excellent location which is, perhaps, the most important thing to consider during a short stay in Boston! Staff seem to be on top of keeping the shared bathroom facilities clean.

Review 75:Very, very, very basic accommodations. Yes, it is less expensive thanmost Boston hotels, but way, way overpriced for what you get. With tax,I paid nearly $140 for a twin bed, no reading lamp, no a/c, onepillow, flimsy towel and sheets, and a shared bath. All this would befine if the price were say, a more reasonable $75 (inclusive of tax) pernight. But at $140 a night I felt ripped off, even though the locationwas convenient. It is simply overpriced.

Review 76:Fast, easy, free wi-fi. Nice courtyard. Free coffee. Good location.

Review 77:Finding some accommodation in Boston at a reasonable price is difficult but The Berkeley filled the bill. It was well situated. The room was basic but clean and comfortable. The shared bathrooms did not worry us and the downstairs facilities were good, especially for the younger people. Good Ethiopian restaurant in Trenton Street. Good for short stay rather than a long term stay. Convenient to get taxi to South Station, even at 5.30 am...staff very helpful.

Review 78:there is just nothing in the room as two very very simple beds! not a chair or a shelf to put something on, not lights that could be used from the bed directly nor something useful to block out the light from outside. every normal Youth Hostel is better equiped! we left a day earlier than what it was paid for... sorry it's just not worth the money and the employee at the desk didn't even care to ask why... very dissapointing

Review 79:well, it was clean...

Review 80:The smell in the hall way was almost unbearable. Most of staff was very friendly a few were not.

Review 81:Location was awesome. Could walk downtown in under 15 minutes. Felt safe there.

Review 82:I just realized that place was a RESIDENCE too when I arrived! A lot of homeless or kind of live there!!!! The towels was like a sponge. The restrooms are divided for the HOLE FLOOR, and not with "2 or 3 rooms". There s no soap or shampoo... Uau!!!! Could I list "N NOTES TO NEVER STAY THERE!!!!"

Review 83:Location, JUST!!!

Review 84:No bad experiences to report. Comfort and facilities were not at starred hotel levels, but we didn't expect them to be. Comfort and facilities are good enough and 40 Berkeley is a very satisfactory option for people not prepared to pay unrealistically high hotel costs.

Review 85:The location of 40 Berkeley is very good for visitors wanting to explore downtown Boston. Helpful and friendly staff.

Review 86:Nothing really, the room was very basic, but can't really complain as it was one of the cheapest hostels in Boston that I could find.

Review 87:Close to subway station, it's very basic but still comfortable and clean. Heating.

Review 88:First impression was the rude front desk staff member who had. It been notified of payment being taken for my first night and was insistent point blank on taking payment without looking into the matter, until another helpful member of the team intervened and sorted the problem. Lobby had a terrible smell, is very old and outdated. Room was awful, and certainly not value for money, even for the budget price. Not very clean or comfortable. I had very little sleep from the doors being slammed shut and groups hanging out and talking loudly in the corridors, this went on until maybe 4am.

Review 89:The location.

Review 90:Hostel-experience at hotel-rate. Hostel-style rooms (very basic), beds (worn out), corridors (noisy), and staff (uninterested).

Review 91:Interesting guests (apparently suffering from health conditions) in sympathetic former YWCA-building at an excellent location.

Review 92:Really run down place. Room is tiny and smells weird. Ridiculously expensive for the value. They know they can charge this and in fact they could probably charge same if it was even worse. The market allows them. However, very poor value for what you get.

Review 93:Location is fine. Staff were efficient and provided zero hassle.

Review 94:no parking outside hotel, hotel was really noisy at night just people coming and going, Room was really hot even with the fan on.

Review 95:That they had a movie theater and plenty of place to relax outside your room

Review 96:The hallways stank like a public toilet and it appeared to have people living there also who were either homeless or other wise in need which was a little intimadating at times.

Review 97:The room was clean but in need of some new furniture and paint. Staff were very helpful and friendly.

Review 98:The facilities are pretty barebones, and there's a faint smell of smokers long ago.

Review 99:Basically clean and comfortable. Good bed and linens. Quiet enough. Great, convenient location.

Review 100:Room was very very basic (I guess it's to be expected for the price) but clean. You will want to wear shoes when walking to the bathroom and if a young woman (like me) maybe take a mate because it's pretty spooky in there on your own at night (scream movie springs to mind). With only 2 showers on the floor expect to queue. We were only there for one night but I wouldn't have stayed a second. Although probably fine, we didn't feel safe and we saw police arriving on 2 separate occasions.

Review 101:The staff were the best thing about this place. Really friendly and helpful. Everything was clean

Review 102:For the price (not being that near city centre) not what I expected. Was more like a youth hostel in style and furnishings, only I didn't have to share the room itself! No tv, no phone in room.

Review 103:The staff were helpful and polite.

Review 104:Shared bath. Dorm life. No fridge. No soap. No hair dryer.

Review 105:The location was great and a twenty minute walk to Hynes Convention center. The Price was the lowest I could find on the Internet. I guess Boston is just Very expensive since I can get a very nice Hyatt room for this price in Phoenix! The Front desk friendly. Microwave and drink machines on lobby level. The Bed was adequate but just one small flat pillow. One towel no cloth no toiletries. Loud at night but warm and dry. $538 for single room shared bath down the hall for four nights. I Appreciated the 7-11 across the street. The Conference room rate at Boston Sheraton was $260 per night so I think it was worth it.

Review 106:As all the restrooms are shared, the number of bathing positions is to small.

Review 107:The place is best as it is inside the downtown of Boston. The security around the hotel is good and the train station is now far away.

Review 108:Looks like old dormitory with all facilities outside the room. Very noisy - room had windows to the street and in additions somebosy was partying untill 2 am. I just did not expect it to be like this.

Review 109:Helpfull personnel. Location is quite OK

Review 110:Rooms very basic, cold rooms, looks like a monastic stay. But popcorn for free

Review 111:Nice location. Sometimes homeless people sneak inside just to have free drinks, staff tolerant and welcoming.

Review 112:Price for what you get. Do not get me wrong. I was not expecting to geta deluxe hotel treatment. It is not that... But with taxes, paying usd160.00 (no tv, no restroom) is for them to give us something better.. Iasked if they had a room with tv, and yes, but that would cost usd350.00 for a single night... Are you kidding me? That is the price for areally nice hotel in town... So, these people may be crazy... Have noclue what competition is and they should be more realistic. Again, I wasnot expecting a de luxe hotel for that price, but come on, it is expensefor what they offer...

Review 113:Location is good

Review 114:Maid left room door open so anyone could have come in. Luckily otherguests were decent so nothing was stolen. Bed is far too narrow for 2people, roughly 130cm wide. No bedside light. No curtains only blinds somorning light comes in. Communal bathrooms, not single use bathroomslike in other places with shared bathroom. Mirror in room cannot be usedby ladies sitting at desk as it is placed high up on the wall. Way tooexpensive for the level of facilities

Review 115:Cleanliness, heating in room, location is ok, 25minutes walk to centre

Review 116:I think a number of travellers wouldn't feel particularly safe. While there was a cinema room in the foyer it was frequently populated by drunks who seemed to just walk off the street. The shared bathroom facilities were limited

Review 117:The room itself was fine and the location was ideal

Review 118:It is impossible to pay a price like that for a place like that. The room I was in, was awful. The bed horrible. The bathroom was a mess and only one shower for the entire floor. do not go there.

Review 119:Nothing

Review 120:My room was several floors above a courtyard, at which eight people gathered slightly after midnight. They were extremely loud, obnoxious, vulgar, and entitled, and they carried on until 5 a.m. I asked them to consider those of us who were trying to sleep. The non-obscene part of their reply was that they came to this place to party. If you stay at 40Berkeley, try to get a room not overlooking the courtyard.

Review 121:This is one of the most accessible and best located hostels at which I've stayed.

Review 122:Very basic rooms with hard floor surface. No aircon. Old fashion showers/toilets, 2 showers per floor so long wait in morning. Basically an old and tired building that was formerly a YMCA. Females vulnerable in showers. No access control from street. Expensive.

Review 123:Loction,reception, staff

Review 124:1- Building rug was not clean 2-Bed sheets & towels were old and doesn't look clean 3- There was not bathroom in the hotel room According a good experience which I had in Italy at hostel, I choose you but I got disappointed.

Review 125:1- Living cost 2-Location 3- staff

Review 126:Very dated bathroom facilities and rooms. Bed had a metal attachment on the bottom which had no use but to bruise our shins daily!!

Review 127:Good location a short walk away from town. Close to train station.

Review 128:Only 1 bathroom for the whole floor. And 1 of the 2 showers was out of order. I was told it has been "out of order" Afro a long time.

Review 129:Very close to Back Bay and Amtrak station

Review 130:Room was quite hot despite fans in unusually warm September weather. Facilities and comfort only ok (though good for the money).

Review 131:Staff were friendly and helpful. We arrived late for check-in but that was no problem. Free coffee to go. Would recommend to those on a budget.

Review 132:WiFi connectivity problem especially during the night. At times there's noise made by the fire brigade vehicles that pass around the street.

Review 133:Staff availability and cleanliness of the place. The place is close to many amenities...

Review 134:A bit too hot without air con (but not as bad as the second time I stayed there when it was horrendous).

Review 135:Location was great and, well, I kinda like Boston :) hence the 8 nights. Popcorn maker and water cooler were very handy.

Review 136:Very dated, stains all over carpets, mattress old and too soft. Too hot in rooms, no air conditioning. Noisy in the mornings from the street.

Review 137:Cheapest place I could find that was central. Room on one of the top floors with good views. Nice outside courtyard and big communal area downstairs.

Review 138:room was dirty, smelled of mold, it was loud. Didn't entirely look as clean as pictures. Definitely overpriced. Much better to pay more for cleaner conditions.

Review 139:location is good

Review 140:The hostel does have residents, but it's not an aged care facility like the other reviews suggest, just residents who obviously require a lil extra care to live partially independently. They were all very friendly and happy to have a chat.

Review 141:Staff were really helpful and facility was spotless. Very clean.

Review 142:No AC so the room was scorching... we didn't sleep at all night. The bed was really short as well so my feet were sticking out. I also noticed that the elevators should have been inspected over a year ago which raises questions about security.

Review 143:The staff was nice and the location was fantastic.

The Fine Print

Upon check-in, photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Please note that this property does not offer air conditioning.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.