My sister and I stayed here because of the lively neighborhood in which it is located. The earlier reviews were a little scary, but it seems the hotel has been more recently renovated. It's not luxurious, but perfectly comfortable, clean and safe. Actually its more like a small pension in France as the name suggests. We had one of the... more

The French Hotel has been a mainstay of North Berkeley for quite a while now, and I've used it since 1990. In 1990 it was quite the place to stay for the price; I suspect ownership has changed several times since then. However: 1). It is walking distance to U. C. Berkeley 2). Chez Panisse is across the street from... more

I understood full well going in to the French Hotel what it was. I lived in Berkeley for 2 years approx 2 blocks from the hotel, so it wasn't a mystery to me. That said, you get what you pay for. The Good: The neighborhood. Best in Berkeley by far. Next to Andronico's market (an amazing, though expensive, organic lovers... more

I have stayed at the French hotel twice. Once for business and once on a personal stay. And I'm about to book a room for next weekend. This is not a hotel for those who are happy with nothing less than an expensive chain with lots of overstuffed pillows and marble bathrooms. This hotel is reasonably priced for the neighborhood.... more

My review isn't anywhere near as bad as some on this site. It was a little funky - definitely older carpet, some dated furnishings, etc. But my space was clean, the fridge, TV, and free wireless internet worked well, and the bed was comfortable enough. Clean and well-supplied bathroom and good lighting. I stayed in room 201 - second floor,... more

My daughter attends Cal Berkeley and I LOVE the neighborhoods, and enjoy walking Shattock to the "historic" businesses. The French Hotel is off my list even for a quick cup of coffee. We stopped in one morning to have the coffee and I used the bathroom, which was SCARY!!! It was filthy, and I wondered how someone could stay in... more

I'm a Berkeley native and I love north Berkeley! I was in town visiting friends a couple of weeks ago and planned to stay at the French Hotel for two nights. I read reviews that the hotel is extremely run down, dirty carpets, stained furniture, burnt out bulbs, etc. But, because I love the area I decided to give the... more

Filthy and run down is not quaint. I was really disappointed. It bordered on being a flop-house. Security was also a problem with unlocked doors and people coming in and wandering down the halls in the middle of the night. This place was probably ok five year ago but it has really fallen on hard times. The owners should spend... more

I was shocked by the French Hotel. Having lived around the corner from the French Hotel some years ago, I figured it would be an acceptable place to stay while visiting. I am not at all picky about hotels, and my requirements are modest, but the Frech Hotel is absolutely the worst hotel I have ever stayed at. The hallways... more