This hotel is beautiful. They've preserved the historic feel and ambiance of this place. I half expected to see folks walking around in aristocratic 1930s attire. There are lots of different areas to explore (garden courtyard, library/study, coffee/game area, dining room, pool, historic records, etc.) You will be surrounded by historic elegance. It was all so fancy and extravagant. The swimming pool is so impressive. The bottom is all small tiles forming the decorative patterns. Lots of extras - like in the locker room/changing area next to the pool, there is a machine that spins the water out of your swimming suit - and they provide q-tips to get the water out of your ears. We were fortunate that they had a special deal going at the time that we stayed, so we got a great price. Our room was right next to a balcony with a great view. The free breakfast had a decent variety to choose from. Service was good. And it's within walking distance to multiple restaurants, including Herbivore.

I stayed here using a Living Social deal, so making the reservation wasn't easy (they were full for weeks). It is such a neat building, every window and arch are so pretty. We wandered around after hours and saw the library, the dinig room and they looked so serene and beautiful. We found several outside "patios" with views. The rooms are not big, but comfortable. We had a view of bay bridge and a cute neighborhood. The bathtub is great. The swimming pool is just stunning, although it was cold. Parking was not a problem outside, although we had to remember to put $ in meter in the morning. It was quiet in our room but there is definitely lots of activity going on on ohter floors ( a party, a theater rehearsal). It just feels like a special, old place that people have enjoyed for years and it's fun to imagine what it was like.

As a member of the City Club, I frequently send my guests there and have stayed there myself.
It is the only Julia Morgan designed hotel in Berkeley, and an architectural jewel. (Julia Morgan restored the Fairmont Hotel in SF after the earthquake and designed the Hearst Castle on Highway 1). Nowhere else in Berkeley can you live architectural history. Hope you get a room there!

Got a steal of a deal on Living Social and stayed for an anniversary getaway. Enjoyed our 3-night stay very much! Staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. We spent most of our time exploring San Francisco during the day and I was initially concerned about the travel back and forth from Berkeley, but the amazing public transportation system was a close walk, it was no hassle at all. It was very quiet at night in the hotel and we even had a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from our room! Would definitely stay here again!