We stayed at the Shattuck Plaza for a second time in order to attend an event at the university. The previous stay was two years ago. This time, the room was not as well-tended as before. The carpet was lumpy, creating a tripping hazard. It should be re-stretched. The bathroom had virtually no counter space, yet there was an entirely unused and rather large area in the bathroom that could have been used to install some shelves or a small vanity to accommodate travelers. Also, a hallway door opposite our room's door had a plaque (even in Braille) indicating that it was a stairway down. In fact, when we opened it to descend to the lobby, we discovered that the stairway only went to higher floors! What a savety hazard To the hotel's potential credit, it sent us a questionnaire asking us to provide comments regarding our stay. However, we did so right away, particularly emphasizing the hazards of carpet and stairway sign, as well as service, etc. We received no comment or reply. The reception staff were pleasant enough, but didn't seem as sincerely interested in being helpful as before.

We also ate at the hotel restaurant, FIVE, which is generally highly acclaimed. Afternoon bar food and service were just fine. Dinner for four was less so. It was a chore to get service to order food and wine. Our main server was best at serving up some attitude. Nobody checked re food preparation once put on the table, when we could have reported that some shrimp were undercooked while others were overlooked. There seemed to be a lack of training and a clear idea of efficiency.

All in all, this Shattuck Plaza experience was a bit disappointing as to room, service and dining. That's a shame because the location is great, and because our previous experience tells that all could be well again. However, attention to detail and training have fallen off. We'll have to rethink our hotel choice for our next Berkeley visit.

We stayed in the Hotel Shattuck Plaza for a week in September, and were very glad we chose this hotel (mostly because of the good reviews on Tripadvisor). The room was clean and had all the amenities we could ask for, including coffee machine, free wi-fi and a free bottle of water every day (a very nice touch!). Anything we asked for was delivered very promptly (iron & ironing board, extra blanket) and with a smile. The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom has the kind of light that goes on automatically when you enter the room, which is also a nice feature to have at night! The only problem was some noise from the street (no fault of the hotel), but it didn't bother us that much.
We ate breakfast in the hotel restaurant twice and enjoyed it both times: good food and excellent service. There are also many many good restaurants in the center of Berkeley within walking distance of the hotel, and we were also able to walk to the "Gourmet Ghetto" in North Berkeley (about 20-30 minutes walking).
Also within walking distance of the hotel is the Berkeley Repertory Theater, where we saw an interesting play, and of course the U. of Cal campus which is 2 blocks away.
All in all we would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a good place to stay in Berkeley.

I recently stayed in the Shattuck on business, and have to say I was very satisfied. From the moment I booked, until I checked out, everything was perfect, with one small exception. Will get back to that.

The people at the front desk were very friendly, and helped me out with all questions I had during my stay. A bit "layed-back", but that is possibly the liberal Berkeley charm? I have to commend the guys at the bar; very professional, knowledgeable and entertaining. If you're not a guest of the hotel, be sure to stop by for a drink when in town. Rooms are great, if a bit on the small side, and the beds/pillows were just wonderful. I have never slept so well in a hotel, even being jet-lagged from my flight from Europe. The room was spotless too! Be sure to request a quiet room facing the back of the hotel, or on the top (5th) floor.

Only downside; inadequate water pressure in the shower, something my business partners experienced as well.

I will certainly use the Shattuck Plaza next time I am in Berkeley!

We asked for a quiet room. Got on over the physical plant. Moved to a room over Berkeley's main street. We specifically asked if it was quiet. Yes, we were told. No street life after 11 pm. This was as false as can be as troops of homeless camp out in front of the hotel, making noise at all hours. In addition, nearby subway entrance directs train noise directly to front of hotel. Stay away.