Graduate by Hilton Berkeley

I liked the room’s comfort and decor, and the staff made me feel welcome. The restaurant is good depending on what you order, and I especially enjoyed the burger. Parking can be tricky, though I found free street parking both nights. I’ll stay here again.

The manager was sympathetic and refunded the cost of the night, and the staff have been hospitable, helpful, and empathetic on our previous visits too. But our latest stay was intolerable. We paid for a large king room on the top floor and barely slept. A fan or compressor in the ceiling over room #607 rattled and whined all night. The connector door to the room next door was so thin we heard every little sound, from paper rustling and toilets flushing to quiet whispering. When we called, the receptionist apologized but said there was nothing they could do because the hotel was full. We’ve stayed at this Graduate location several times and usually had a good, if imperfect, experience. Earlier visits had tiny, noisy rooms, but the convenience and kind staff made up for a lot. Now the hotel feels neglected and a bit sad, with cheap, minimal walls and infrastructure. It’s a shame, since the location is great and the staff are trying hard.

The early check-in was a real help after we drove from Washington state and needed a break. Our room was good, had a lovely view, and the bathroom was clean. My husband and I enjoyed the atmosphere and the chance to be around local people. The hotel is over 100 years old and has a quirky, distinctive feel, though it’s best if you don’t plan to spend much time there beyond sleeping and dining. The meal was mediocre. My Caesar salad was gritty like sand, but I ate it after one of the line cooks came out and gave me a mean look. The waitress seemed overworked and spoke very softly. Aside from the kitchen crew, though, the staff and customer service were phenomenal. For the atmosphere and experience, A+! Go explore the local spots and enjoy what Berkley has to offer.

Henry’s restaurant served good food, and the room was a decent size. There are lots of places to eat within walking distance, especially ones catering to college students. But the bathroom was in poor shape and needed repairs: the shower barely trickled, there was no counter space, and the lighting was bad. The hotel also lacked other amenities like room service, a market, or ordering ahead from the restaurant. I wouldn’t stay here again.