Downtown Berkeley Inn

The owner kept the hotel spotless and inviting, with care in all the little details. Her warmth and dedication made it feel like home away from home. We stayed six nights, and I’ve never felt so much like family at a hotel. Well before we arrived, she welcomed us kindly, and during the visit she, her adult daughter, and her daughter's friend checked in on us and went out of their way countless times to help. We were also happy to support a mom-and-pop place, and specifically a woman-owned business, instead of another big chain. The owner of the Downtown Berkeley Inn clearly takes pride in helping people and brightening their days. We’re grateful to her and the staff, look forward to coming back many times, and strongly recommend the Downtown Berkeley Inn to anyone looking for comfort and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere.

If you have business on the UC Berkeley campus, this is the affordable place to stay. A few things needed maintenance, but the important stuff worked. The room was spotless, the bed and pillows were comfortable, the water was hot, and the mini split AC worked perfectly. Staff were friendly, and the reservation and billing were flawless.

The room was clean and had the basics, including a bed, bathroom, dresser, and desk chair, and the short desk works well. But the bed was the worst I’ve experienced, better than sleeping on the floor, I guess, and the furniture generally feels like it hasn’t changed in twenty years. There’s no mini fridge or ice machine, and the internet didn’t work. It’s a weird place, and you should expect to spend extra time dealing with problems you didn’t plan for.

Getting around was easy from here, with UC Berkeley a short walk away, restaurants and cafes nearby, and the BART station just minutes off, making trips to downtown San Francisco and the airport simple. I was in town for a conference and had a great stay. The staff were friendly and accommodating, let me check in around noon, and held my luggage after checkout so I could collect it later. My room was spotless and the bed was comfortable. I only missed having a mini fridge, and I’d happily stay again.