I had the pleasure of staying at the Downtown Berkeley Inn during a visit to Berkeley in February. The rooms were lovely and spotless, the location is very convenient and Sudha is very attentive host, who makes you feel like family. I am delighted to have made her acquaintance and look forward to coming back to this well run and lovely Inn.

This motel is a very good choice when visiting the campus. It is clean and newly refurbished, and located a short walk from the BART and the campus (about two or three blocks to either). A car was not necessary if you are using BART. The owners were very nice and helpful, and seemed eager to make the stay pleasant. While it is a bit different from the big chain hotels, I was still very pleased and would stay there again if I return.

The Downtown Berkeley Inn is a bit of a misnomer for this place - more of a glorified motel, but sans the negative connotation of a motel. I stayed here for a weekend on business, and was pleasantly surprised by everything.

On first blush, the place is not luxurious or comforting. There is no real waiting area, the building is spartan in terms of design, and the small parking area wasn't exactly beckoning me in. When I went in the room the first time, I expected something much nicer from the advertised pictures on their website and such a high trip advisor rating. It's a pretty plain room, nice bed, very clean but again, spartan overall. The only wall decoration was the 42" flat screen TV.

In terms of my stay, with my hopes lowered, I had a pleasant experience. The location is stellar, one block from Downtown Berkeley, bars, movie theaters (I saw "There Will Be Blood" and was home 4 minutes from leaving the theater on foot), and good food. A gym down the street, the best comic book store on the west coast (Comic Relief), and a half dozen cafes within 5 min walking distance, what's not to love?

The staff was friendly, they were efficient cleaning my space and it was private enough for me. The TV was large and in charge, but DirecTV is a pain in the ... well, in my opinion anyway.

This hotel opened in 2007 (as I understand), and looks like it's brand new still. In 2 years when the grime's started building up, I don't think I'd stay here. For the time, it's definitely one of the best deals, best bang for you $, in Berkeley! As long as you don't expect luxury, this place won't disappoint.

The Downtown Berkeley Inn is not only well-appointed and very comfortable, but the attentiveness and personal touch of the staff is unsurpassed. As someone who has been on the road 100% for the better part of 7 years, I have stayed in many fine hotels, but I have not stayed at many properties that are better suited to my needs as a business traveler - a clean room, a comfortable bed, a comfortable, effective shower, a nice television and internet access. I plan to stay here for the entire two-year duration of my project.