We returned from Homecoming/Parents' weekend at Cal and had extreme difficulty booking a stay anywhere for the Friday night (we had a reservation at the Hotel Durant for Sat. night). I was apprehensive actually finding a room anywhere a week before our arrival, but discovered the reason why this Inn (actually, a motor inn) had openings is because it just opened and hasn't been tried and tested. It's about 5 blocks away from Cal and is best suited for visitors with cars (plenty of free parking), but it wasn't a problem flying in, then taking BART and walking with luggage to the motel. It was clear the new owners took care in this refurbishment. The outside was freshly painted with new potted flowers and plants. The room we had (two double beds) was compact, but tastefully decorated in various tans and browns with black trim. Modern/contemporary furniture; extraordinary modern glass washing basin and tasteful marble tile in the small bathroom. A 32" flat screen t.v. with plenty of cable channels (unlike the Durant!); air conditioning (not needed this trip!) and heating; good size refrigerator; microwave and coffee maker. What I really liked were the details -- think boutique hotel in motel accommodations. Great bedding, thick, cozy linens, thick towels. Very classy for the motel. For the price ($132 plus tax) and morning coffee (excellent, actually) and free morning snacks (packaged pastries and fresh fruit), this is a great find and I suspect that following this review I will not be able to book it as easily in the future as I did last week.