Rodeway Inn

I was pleasantly surprised by the rooms, which are nicer than you'd expect, and it looks like some are still being upgraded. My room had no working phone and no closet or place to hang clothes, though. Breakfast could use more attention: the choices changed from morning to morning and there were fewer options on some days. They could at least add cream cheese, and offer fresh local pastries instead of the wrapped factory ones. Still, really good overall.

For the price, this place is decent, and it's within walking distance of handy Berkeley spots, including late-night food. The rooms are clean, though small and a little dated. Parking is limited, and some rude people may park you in. While I was there, smokers stood outside the door of the non-smoking rooms I was in, and their smoke came into the rooms.

The staff were helpful, and there's a vending machine for snacks in front of reception. Breakfast runs from 6:30 to 10 in the morning, with a basic spread of cereal, milk, bread, and coffee. My queen room was decently sized, though not very big, and had a large wall mounted TV with cable, microwave, small refrigerator, closet, iron, and ironing board. There was also a safe, which I didn't use. The hotel is on University Ave, around a seven-minute walk from the north Berkeley downtown station. There's a bus stop nearby for the Berkeley campus. Parking looked like there was more than enough, but I didn't need it.

The free parking and $90 price for one night made this a bargain compared with other area hotels, especially since I just needed somewhere to sleep. Despite some traffic noise, I slept through the whole night without waking up. The neighborhood looked run-down, but I felt safe and had no problems. The courtyard has potted flowers throughout, and my room was clean and nicely furnished. They provided good Neutrogena products, including shampoo, conditioner, face soap, bath soap, and a shower cap. Breakfast was complimentary, with Starbucks coffee, juice, milk, assorted pastries and cereals, frozen waffles, fresh fruit, and yogurt.