Sather Berkeley, SureStay Collection by Best Western

I was charged an extra $200 for my room, then told it would take three days to get my own money back, even though it was money I needed for my trip. And the breakfast was another issue. This place is supposed to be part of Best Western, but it shouldn't be. Best Western should take responsibility for letting it join their collection. Just stay away and don't give them your business.

The rooms are clean, functional, and everything works, though there's nothing special about them. The hotel is conveniently located right on University, a few blocks from Berkeley. Its small parking lot can fill up, but street parking is available too.

On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, I got back to my room at 1:55 a.m. and my key wouldn't work. No one was in the office or reachable by phone, so I was locked out. By 4:01 a.m. I still couldn't get into the room, couldn't reach anyone, and was sitting in a cold car in the hotel parking lot. At 5:40 I got out of my daughter's car to follow up with the office. The inside door, which had been open on my first two attempts, was now closed. I could see fruit and pastries set out for the 7:00 a.m. guests. Earlier I had seen what looked like a staff break room behind the check-in counter, but no fruit or pastries. Someone may have been inside both times I knocked, rang the bell, and called, but no one answered. I'm a woman alone at that hour and was ignored. Why couldn't I get help? I couldn't email Saturly directly, so I'll contact Best Western and the Better Business Bureau and seek reimbursement. I'm livid. I've had problems throughout my stay because the hotel clerks don't communicate. There was repeated arguing from a nearby room in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. My room was only partly cleaned, and it was so crowded with furniture there was barely room to walk without bumping into it or safely set up the ironing board. I want a full night's refund or another night's stay.

The central location was great, about a mile from UC Berkeley, with places to eat within walking distance and a nice neighborhood to stroll around. Staff were kind and accommodating, which was the best part. The breakfast was grab and go, with toast, oatmeal, yogurt, and coffee. The room was fine for sleeping overnight, but it's a basic, dated motel room in need of some TLC. There was chipped paint and a loose light fixture, and it didn't feel like a typical Best Western. I'm guessing Best Western bought it recently, and hope upgrades are coming.