Berkeley City Club Hotel
Berkeley City Club Hotel descritpion
Located a 5-minute walk to University of California Berkeley, this historic Berkeley, California hotel is elegantly designed. An indoor swimming pool with high ceilings and big windows is featured.
Select rooms and suites feature views of San Francisco, University of California Berkeley and Berkeley Hills. Each room at Berkeley City Club Hotel includes free toiletries and a private bathroom.
After a day walking around the theaters, restaurants and galleries of downtown Berkeley, guests can walk through a garden at Hotel Berkeley City Club. A 24-hour front desk and laundromat are provided. Public areas have free Wi-Fi.
Fresh fruit, pastries, tea and coffee are just some of the free breakfast items provided daily. The on-site restaurant, Julia’s at the Berkeley City Club, features lunch Tuesday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations are required.
San Francisco International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the Berkeley City Club Hotel. Oakland International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.
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Facilities of Berkeley City Club Hotel
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Activities ：Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Indoor Pool (all year)
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 20 per day.
Services ：24-Hour Front Desk | Baggage Storage | Laundry | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Hair/Beauty Salon
General ：Safe | Non-smoking Rooms | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for Berkeley City Club Hotel
Review 1：Noise at night until 1200 midnight, pool water too cold. Continential breakfast overripe fruit, no attendants help until they dropped off tickets for tips. Tea, coffee and microwave on each floor. Priced for luxury hotel without the basic offerings.
Review 2：Historic Building
Review 3：- Quality of breakfast: not even one hot meal, dull menu (after a couple of days you are sick of the "variety" of breakfast options); - the attitude of the kitchen staff;
Review 4：Great location, swimming pool and very helpful staff at the reception desk and the hotel management, the hotel building historic atmosphere; -lack of TV
Review 5：In the dining hall was quite disappointed in the hostess; inattentive to me, not to others. Another woman, who said she was "tangentially employed there" saw my dismay at the lack of a waiter, (after a decent wait) and went into the kitchen to alert one. The hostess? She'd done nothing. I saved my copy of the SF Chron. business page from the day before and had it in hand when I checked out. Got a little tap on the wrist, so to speak, for taking BCC's paper away! Staff has to watch the snippiness. Could not access the internet despite using the code word. That's key for me as my personal writing project required sending documents on-line. I'm sure staff would have been willing to help me, but I was in my room late at night, and was averse to leaving my warm room at the time.
Review 6：The spaciousness and old world decor bring me a feeling of serenity, comfort and boost my ability to focus on the project I came to work on. The complimentary breakfast was relaxing and satisfying.
Review 7：Little bit of a rough area, heat worked-but too well. Consistently about 90 degrees in room. No tv.
Review 8：Absolutely gorgeous hotel, amazing breakfast, felt transported to another time. Pool amazing.
Review 9：The pool is the most gorgeous pool I have ever been blessed to swim in. It is like swimming in a cathedral, with the beautiful gothic windows, the arched ceiling, and the tile floor so beautifully crafted. I also loved my room, which was quiet and beautiful, and beautifully appointed. Julia Morgan was a gifted architect, and one of the first women to have an impact on the use of space, and the design of living space for beauty and comfort. This entire building does not disappoint, but especially her gorgeous swimming pool, and the private lovely changing rooms.
Review 10：tiny room, noisy, small bathroom no place for toiletries, hot water sporadic, shades were dirty. They say historic and vintage. More like old and outdated.
Review 11：location
Review 12：Not surprisingly the decor is somewhat dated and there is a musty smell in the bedrooms.
Review 13：Interesting building, based on a medieval castle with plenty of reception rooms to explore.
Review 14：Very small room, without fridge, without tv. Two single beds instead of the queen-size bed.
Review 15：During the first night we had some problems with the girl at the desk, who basically chased out us from the laundromat because she had to clean it up. After the director was informed about this fact, they made us pay only for one night instead of two. We really appreciated that somebody cared for us. Location is charming, in a central position. Rich breakfast. Private parking (but not free).
Review 16：Wifi only works in public places on the 1st and 2nd floors - rather inconvenient not to have wifi in the rooms, particularly if we need it at night!
Review 17：Lovely architecture, loved the feel of a club rather than a hotel.
Review 18：Mmm, could happen to anyone, but um, yogurt problem...
Review 19：Pleasant surroundings, nice tea and coffee in the lobby, garden is lovely, & we very much appreciate the fresh fruit and great variety at breakfast.
Review 20：Staff were very helpful, and parking next to the hotel was very convenient. Free coffee, tea and water was a plus, and the rooms were very individual and characterful.
Review 21：No Air Conditioning or Fan to keep cool during the month of early September with a Heat Wave Double Bedroom was stifling and Un-Comfortable to sleep. Double Bed Room has only One Chair for two people sit. Friday Nights and Saturday Nights near by University students are having all night Loud party's at their Dormitory's *No Sleep until they quieten down. No Tea in the Room for British Tea Drinkers or English Breakfast in the Morning.
Review 22：Staff were went the extra mile in accommodating us as our reservation not come through on-line at it was all OK next morning with the management. Its with in a walking distance of about 12minutes to Bart's Underground station
Review 23：very dated guest rooms and guest bathroom, no TV in room, no air conditioning in rooms, worn carpeting and paint in guest rooms
Review 24：Beautiful historic building, beautiful public spaces. amazing indoor pool, great location near campus with on site parking (though for a fee)
Review 25：The receptionist was not very welcoming when we presented ourselves at the reception desk. We called three times at three different times before we arrived to alert the hotel that we will arrive late and were asked to leave a message each time.
Review 26：The architecture is fabulous. The hotel is built like a Riad in Marrakech.
Review 27：Very nice and everyone was very helpful getting us settled and a taxi to the Amtrak Station the next morning. The Breakfast was wonderful. It would be more convent to eat at 6.00 AM due to having to get to the station in time.A leisure breakfast would have been better then rushing.
Review 28：The reservation said there would be AIR CONDITIONING ...but the room we had didn't. It was very noisy at night with motors going for the building. We paid for more than what we got. Was very stuffy & uncomfortable. We were disappointed.
Review 29：Close to the Medical Offices where we needed to be.
Review 30：My room very small and antiquated, no desk, no AC, only 1 visible/accessible power socket, no TV (could also be a good thing). There is no bellman, so you have to carry your bags yourself through the few stairs at the entrance. Baggage storage is basically a closet with a door that unlocks with a code they'll just tell you (so you DIY). Since everyone knows the code it's not safe (I had no problems though). Wifi is free but slow and doesn't have good signal in the rooms. Staff not very friendly.
Review 31：Good location, free breakfast, historic building, clean.
Review 32：There is no hot breakfast. Only cereal and bagels. I was expecting bacon or at least hot oatmeal.
Review 33：The pool was beautiful. Although it is centrally located the facilities could be updated. Wifi should be available in each room. Breakfast could be vastly improved.
Review 34：The building is beautiful, designed by Julia Morgan, a famous California architect. It is 2 blocks from the UC Berkeley campus, and the staff was friendly and helpful.
Review 35：Comfort level exceeded expectations -- water, tea, coffee available in lobby -- ultra cleanliness throughout public rooms and in guest room -- choice of toiletry items superior -- staff friendly and knowledgeable -- safety of location and parking area
Review 36：Just because it's historic doesn't mean it has to be run down. This could be a beautiful hotel, but it has been left behind by the times both in service and standard. The pool isn't nearly as impressive as it looks in pictures, it's very loud from running ventilation. The rooms were small and not particularly nice. The bathroom smelled of chlorine and felt worn. The shower didn't work properly.
Review 37：A beautiful historic building
Review 38：Room was a bit small.
Review 39：Nice historic hotel. Quiet common areas and friendly staff. More of an adult type of property - not that good for children. Good location for doing business at UC. Very small off street parking lot. Overall, we liked it!
Review 40：Bed was only a full size bed, which is undersized for a mature couple. Either overlooked or didn't see that rooms were not air conditioned.
Review 41：Appreciated the indoor pool for lap swimming, but requested to log in and out, not so good. NO AC, but was provided a box fan. As a historic building, the architecture was impressive, almost felt like an old movie set.
Review 42：It's truly vintage, so there were no tv's in the rooms, the windows didn't have screens and the bathroom, although very clean, was very basic.
Review 43：The building, staff and bed were amazing!! Wifi was really good.
Review 44：We had two encounters that weren't very pleasant. The first right after check-in. We went to go see the pool and on our way we encountered a much older racist woman. She was not happy we were there and said some mean things and made awful faces at us. We thought she might be senile so we tried to ignore her but it left a very bad feeling. Then after checkout a similar thing happened with another older woman.
Review 45：It was in a great location for what we needed to do.
Review 46：The architectural beauty of the hotel, coupled with a gracious, helpful staff, and it's location to commercial areas (walking distance) make this a perfect place to rest after a busy day of vacationing. I would recommend this hotel to anyone wishing to enjoy a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.
Review 47：The staff were very helpful and the breakfast each morning offered a good variety. The architecture of the building and it's history made our stay interesting.
Review 48：Lack of a proper smoking area- should not be in parking lot- facilities needs a space in garden away from other guests- roof?
Review 49：Friendly staff- beautiful building & furniture
Review 50：Our room was close to the old fashioned elevator that was very noisy during operation.
Review 51：Architecture of the historic building and view of UC Berkeley. The service at the restaurant was nice, but was not very impressed with the food. I believe they have a new chef and the dishes were a bit of hit & miss.
Review 52：There was no luggage ramp to get into the lobby, No A/C so had to sleep with windows open which was noisy and there was no T/V. NOT A 4 STAR!
Review 53：?? Not sure
Review 54：Breakfast was an ok continental, with fruit and yogurt, pastries, but no hot food. Bathrooms were clean but old. Hard to find a plug to charge your phone. Wifi was a bit weak. All of these are not huge problems.
Review 55：Charming historic interiors, great place for a wedding! Don't miss the beautiful interior pool. This is a designated historic landmark by Julia Morgan, designer of Hearst Castle. There is also a small live theatre.
Review 56：The building is beautiful. The sense of old California architecture and design envelopes you when you walk in the door. You literally step into a different time. The rooms are small, charming, and very comfortable. The view out my window was of the SF Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. It doesn't get much better.
Review 57：Not a moment of a Bad Experience did we have, but a queen sized bed just isn't comfortable for us. We know the rooms are too small for a King, but perhaps some rooms w/ twin beds would be nice!A A graceful
Review 58：Our expectations were completely met. This hotel was not expected to be "up to the minute" and neither are we! We loved the beauty of Julia M's architecture and the calm tranquility and elegance of the public areas. I left a complete description at your desk
Review 59：Wifi is spotty.
Review 60：I love the historical aspect of the club designed by Julia Morgan. The architectural touches are beautiful. The staff is very helpful and I love access to the swimming pool for laps
Review 61：The lights in my room were too dim to read by--but t no big deal. If you want TV, you're out of luck.
Review 62：The enchanting architecture of Julia Morgan, the view of San Franisco, and the Marin headlands from my 6th floor window, the sense of Berkeley history & the clubs connected with it.
Review 63：Room was old, dirty and not functional. It smelled musty and needs a compete makeover specially the bathroom . I would not stay here again or recommend it to others. Very overprice for what you offer your guests in the room
Review 64：Dinner at Julia's was amazing. I enjoyed mushroom asparagus risotto with a beet salad. My husband had sole with a green salad. Everything was perfect!
Review 65：Bedroom lighting was dim; room was small and could use a desk, some paint, and some regretting of the bathroom floor. Lovely, though, that original window and door handles preserved. Very nice.
Review 66：Beautiful architecture, very pleasant surroundings, perfect location.
Review 67：The shower was hard to manage and to get in and out of---
Review 68：Loved the beautiful building and the great condition it is in also the gardens are very pretty
Review 69：The rooms are small, but what you would expect for the era in which it was built.
Review 70：The beautiful architecture and the history of the building make this an exceptional experience. Also, it is within easy walking distance of great restaurants.
Review 71：Rooms were smallish but clean, but then this is typical of hotel rooms from that era that provided safe stay to the hotels primary clientele, women.
Review 72：Excellent first class restaurant, the Julia, in this old but well maintained building. Felt like you were in an old abbey. This cool evening that we stayed, the room was heated by an old-style radiator which functioned properly. Quiet slept very well.
Review 73：+ Shower curtains took up too much space in tub because of the way they hang inside. + Could hear peoples' conversation clearly in room next door every time I opened closet door.
Review 74：+Fantastic architecture, beautiful décor, wonderful garden area. Thoroughly enjoyed the building. +Our room and bed were very comfortable.
Review 75：Initially there was a musty smell in the corridors that dissipated over a couple of days.
Review 76：The pool and the peace and quiet are the stand-out features. However also loved the intellectual caliber of other guests with whom I chatted and the members who would come to attend events in the hotel.
Review 77：The electrical wiring was also from another century, but the attendant firemen (!) were extremely attractive. I would stay again, despite these vicissitudes.
Review 78：Loved the ambiance and luxurious features from another century. A beautiful experience. I would definitely stay again.
Review 79：The homeless and drug addicted people lying in the sleep nearby The limited availability of a bar Expensive dinner same menu every day Unexciting breakfast- surely the hotel could buy some nicer bread at the very least and some cheese. It isn't complementary as the hotel advertise I paid a lot for my room.
Review 80：Lovely building. Its Quiet. The swimming pool is lovely Hot drinks are available all day and night. It's located near the station to go tomSan Francisco and is near the university campus.
Review 81：Badly painted concrete floor in rooms, dingy rug, retirement home smell in the halls, cheap out of character paintings , poorly fitting old doors.
Review 82：Common rooms are majestic, beautiful pool.
Review 83：Lighting in dining room depressingly dim. The heating system is antiquated and occasionally noisy.
Review 84：Spacious and elegant common spaces, pleasant breakfast, helpful service. A grand and impressive building with a splendid swimming pool.
Review 85：Very limited breakfast Unheated small bathrooms
Review 86：Gorgeous old building with nice and long swimming pool Friendly staff Nicely located in University area
Review 87：This was a wonderful experience; my room was extremely large and an easy walk to BART. I appreciated the light breakfast and the amazing swimming pool! I was on the third floor in the front and the WiFi connection was plenty strong, even for streaming.
Review 88：Well, it's old and a little weird, which we enjoyed. Great for an evening, probably not good for people expecting full hotel amenities.
Review 89：The amazing pool is not to be missed - swim and see the tile patterns on the bottom - amazing.
Review 90：Room is Filthy Beds are old, squeaks and creaks. Looked like clean sheets. Rugs are dirty Pool - access by signing up for a time slot only. Can't just go like in a normal hotel. Breakfast - I guess its a plus if you cereal and bagels. But its weak. Got luggage, prepare to walk it up the first flight of stairs into the front door. No easy side access door. Got a car? Well, time to walk down the street to the front entrance. Lame. I just wouldn't recommend this place to anyone.
Review 91：View of SF Berkeley is a nice own Short drive into SF
Review 92：Good place to stay. Convenient location for campus and downtown activities. Comfortable room. No view for us. Gorgeous historic building. Staff lovely.
Review 93：Only negative we experienced was one male staff member who had us wait over 10 minutes for the Internet password while he talked on the phone to a potential guest. I asked several times, and he continued to waive me off. Certainly current guests should be as important as a potential one. Needs some training in guest relations!
Review 94：Loved the architecture, public spaces, tea and coffee round the clock, free breakfast, beautiful courtyard.
Review 95：Some of the side patio rooms are dated.
Review 96：Julia Morgan, the first female architect, in California, designed this historical manor. The facility is close to public transportation and offers a visit to this historic building. Bring your bathing suit to take swim in the gorgeous pool.
Review 97：I request two single beds and they offer one small room with one bed the rooms were very small and the shower was not comfortable and the water was very cold . No luggage service. something strange in that place we could not stay for more than one night.
Review 98：Wifi wasn't powerful enough to hold connection. Parking fee
Review 99：Bedding and towels were beautiful. Continental breakfast served in an elegant dining room and plentiful with good coffee
Review 100：The hotel is really old, and not in a stylish way. E.g., the room door is old-style flimsy that doesn't fit right in the frame, so any vibration in the building causes the door to rattle. The bathroom is cold. The nightstands are small and power outlets are far. I don't mind old hotels, I've been in some pretty old-and-nice ones, but this one is just old.
Review 101：Has parking lot next door, I could see the car from the room window.
Review 102：room was very small. bed also rather small (double?). although not having a tv is in keeping with the vibe/ambience, it would be good to let people know there are no in-room tv's. but, even considering these above comments, want to be clear i thoroughly enjoyed the BCC Hotel
Review 103：love the building, restaurant, pool, lobby, patio, ballroom, etc, etc. feels like you're traveling back in time to a classic age. magical place. staff was very kind and considerate.
Review 104：I did not like that the rooms (or, my room) did not have TV or a mini-fridge - especially for people who may be staying longer than a day or two. In addition, for business travelers, the hotel did not have very good WiFi. I had to spend most of my time off premise in order to do any telecommuting.
Review 105：Loved the location relative to downtown Berkeley and BART access. The hotel is beautiful to walk around and look at. The pool is awesome. For the price, this hotel was sufficient.
Review 106：bed (very small with very soft mattress) Parking is not free - bit of a weird choice in the US where people take the car even to visit the house next door
Review 107：hotel style (college club, British style) and helpful stuff Restaurant serves really good food
Review 108：Antiseptic smell in corridors
Review 109：Beautiful decor and furnishings and excellent food in restaurant . Location superb for Bart transport restaurants and university
Review 110：Office staff attitude came across as provincial, sarcastic. We received incomplete answers to common questions (wi-fi availability, local restaurant locations).
Review 111：Loved the rooms -- simple and old-fashioned (in a good way). Events planner and all wait & cleaning staff were exceptionally competent, pleasant, and helpful. The restaurant staff was particularly accommodating.
Review 112：My husband missed the TV in the room
Review 113：The architecture and ambiance of the hotel are really remarkable. Pool and gardens add to an amazing building of living history
Review 114：many things 1 very expensive not worth it 2 lack of creativity to use an historical site into a great boutique hotel with all the amenities 3 no tv 4 no fitness 5 rest and bar close early 6 no parking garantee 7 no ramp for luggage 8 very bad internet very poor no routers to improve signal 9 it is combined with a club member which makes guest a second class feeling
Review 115：the location
Review 116：The historical flavor, however, is, to some extent, at the cost of comfort: my room was full of character, but the furniture was most museum-like. The radiator (which started to get hot in the middle of the night and could not be turned off) produced a hellish noise, as did the water pipes of the adjacent rooms and the historical elevator. All in all, a great experience, amazing architecture. However, the next time I will probably settle for something less charming and more on the convenient side.
Review 117：The building was erected for the Berkeley City Women’s Club by the Californian star architect Julia Morgan in 1929 and is now rated among the historical landmarks of American architecture. It provides wonderful halls and hallways as well as an amazing patio and a unique indoor swimming pool. It is quite conveniently located between the city center and the campus of UC Berkeley (a 10 minutes’ walk to the BART station, less than five minutes to the Sather Gate entrance of the campus). The complimentary (continental) breakfast was also a nice surprise.
Review 118：The room was a bit hot, and WIFI didn't work in the room
Review 119：Beautiful historic building, good breakfast, close to campus, nice area to work by garden and coffee station
Review 120：Breakfast was very basic, furnishings very dated, staff clearly had little hotel experience.
Review 121：Building is great but as a hotel, so much more could be done to make guests comfortable. Heavily underfunded.
Review 122：Because the hotel has no soundproofing and is so close to campus, the crazy partying on the weekend is impactful to sleep.
Review 123：You truly step into the 1920's....not only the architecture , but the ambience...soft, gentle, fabulous decor, no TV....I am excited to stay there again next visit.
Review 124：Noise, I was given room 601, it gets noise from the street, especially in the early morning due to trucks and traffic. Besides, the elevator is right besides the room and it does sounds a lot. Finally, if there is an even, you will not sleep until it is over around 11 pm, we were just arriving from a 10 hour flight and this was quite annoying
Review 125：Location and friendliness of staff, the decoration old but well maintained. It id quite close to campus and has a lot o do in the surroundings
Review 126：1. The room were small.2. There is no air conditioning of any sort. 3. The toilet seat was old scratched and repulsive. 4. I heard the toilet flushing of other rooms every 5 minutes in loud speakers which was awful! 5. No TV screen in the room like in dark ages!!!!!!!! Not acceptable at all. 6. A lot of noise in the corridors all night long!!! I couldn't sleep. 7. No refrigerator!!! 8. No Electric Kettle or Coffee Maker!!! 9. No Microwave! For God sake how do you charge $187 ($ 165+tax)/ night for that inconvenient room with very limited facilities?!!! Don't you compare yourself with other decent hotels? You should be honest enough to refund me at least half of the money you charged me ($372.9/2 nights) because you don't deserve even 1/4 of what I payed. I am waiting for your refund or I will spread the word among all my colleagues and friends in Berkeley and other cities in USA and abroad. Send a check to: Professor Azza M. Elleboudy 3 Osman Towers, Diplomat Street Nile Corniche, El-Maadi Post code 11431 Cairo, Egypt
Review 127：The front desk people were cooperative.
Review 128：A unique hotel located in a 1920-30s neo-gothic architectonic monument. Very different from the overly standardized type of US hotels. Recommendable to those who prefer historical authenticity over unnecessary comfort. - Short distance to the UCB campus. - Has views of the SF Bay from upper floors.
Review 129：Beds not too comfy and an exhaust fan that ran outside our bedroom window all night.
Review 130：Gorgeous architecture, close to UC Berkeley. Very friendly staff.
Review 131：- Extremely noisy heating elements (air removal mandatory) - No desk and chair - No outlets for charging - Restaurant closes at 8:30p - No place for anything in the bathroom
Review 132：Nothing
Review 133：Very nice breakfast but it would be nice to provide low fat options (yoghurt, milk, cheese etc). The suite was described as "queen" but the bed was "double" size. Typical of US hotels, shampoo, shower gel and body lotion still come in little disposable containers. Why can't they follow the European example and put these products in large refillable dispensers?
Review 134：Julia Morgan's architecture is beautiful creating a very relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. The hotel has been upgraded for comfort without spoiling the character of the original club. We were lucky to be upgraded to a suite on the top floor with a great view of San F Bay and plenty of space. The pool is fabulous (although the A/C is noisy) and I loved the quaint changing cubicles with private showers.
Review 135：I was lucky enough to get a free upgrade to a fabulous corner suite on the fifth floor. It was huge, beautiful and comfortable. The staff were great and the location was convenient. What a great old hotel.
The Fine Print
You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.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.