We traveled to Berkeley for Homecoming / Parent's Weekend and choose to stay at the Rose Garden Inn. We booked a Junior Suite for two nights. It was spacious but the floorplan & furnishings left lots to be desired. When entering the room you were met head-on with a large queen bed - literally right when entering the room. There was a half bath - tub & toilet. The sink was in the bedroom area. The furnishings were lacking - in front of the two queen beds there was a coffee table with two desk chairs on either side of the coffee table (no sofa or love-seat). The internet connection was on the night stand between two queen beds. The desk was across the room from the beds and no where near the internet connection. The room did have a vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, fireplace, small refrig and microwave. The room did not have enough lighting - it felt very dark and a bit dingy. The floral landscaping on the property was nice but the concrete work throughout was very amateurish with uneven stairs, awkward handicap ramps, juvenile murals on concrete block walls. The entire property had a "thrown together" type look. The property has so much potential with 5 unique homes it is a shame that it does not come together. We did enjoy the hot breakfast and the staff was helpful. We will not be returning to the Rose Garden Inn on our next visit to Cal.

I had read some of the other reviews and was somewhat concerned. But a friend highly recommended the hotel, so I gave it a try. I would say I'm glad I did. The hotel grounds are very pretty. When I entered the hotel, I was warmly greeted by the staff. There is a definite warm and cozy feeling throughout the hotel. My room was very nice. The breakfast was excellent with lots of different choices and hugely appreciated by me during my busy trip. The hotel is centrally located and is walking distance to UC Berkeley where I needed to go each day.
I would definitely return to stay here.

The price is high for a small hotel like this. The rooms were ok, clean but kind of worn. Breakfasts were decent. Service was ok. If it were priced lower it would be fine, but at the current rates the hotels in Emeryville are actually better and they aren't that hot.

It is really hard to find a place to stay in oakland/berkeley. I spent the first few days of my trip in san francisco and then needed to be in the east bay for four nights. I booked RGI from the web site. The price was 169.00 for king bed, fireplace etc. Additionally, there is a $20 room tax. I am used to getting better prices but this not a corporate hotel so I suppose it is good to support the small business owner. The hotel itself is a little bit, "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane," with some freaky gothic touches and grandma aesthetic. The room was comfortable and placed in the back of the hotel so it was very quiet. I would like to see an upgrade in the quality of the bedding. It is basically old style hotel plastic blankets and spreads. The location however cannot be beat and as there is no where else to stay in berkeley (except the claremont ..which I HATE!!)
I will most definitely stay here again.