MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

California, USA

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Choices

  • Hostels

    For budget-conscious travelers, hostels present dorm beds or basic private rooms. Berkeley itself holds limited dedicated hostels, so consider nearby Oakland or San Francisco with BART access. They present a cost-effective way to stay in the Bay Area and create opportunities to meet other travelers.

  • Hotels

    Berkeley features a range of hotels, from basic motels to full-service hotels with amenities like restaurants and fitness centers. These can be found in Downtown Berkeley, near the university, and on the city's outskirts. They present traditional hotel comfort and reliability.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Several boutique hotels present unique decor, personalized service, and a distinct atmosphere. These properties often emphasize local character and design, presenting a more intimate and stylish stay. They typically occur in central locations or charming neighborhoods.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Berkeley is a selection of quaint, often historic, B&Bs. These properties present a more personal stay, typically in converted Victorian homes, and include breakfast. They create a cozy, home-like atmosphere and opportunities for interaction with hosts.

Extended Stay & Outdoor Options

  • Unique Local Accommodation

    Many of Berkeley's hotels and B&Bs reflect the city's eclectic, intellectual, and artistic vibe through their design, art collections, and emphasis on local sourcing. The architecture of some B&Bs, often historic homes, delivers a specific local flavor.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options

    Widely available through platforms like Vrbo, vacation rentals are a popular choice. They feature more space, kitchen facilities, making self-catering possible. Staying in a residential neighborhood delivers a more authentic immersion into local life. Good for families or those seeking a home-away-from-home feel.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism Opportunities

    Less formal than typical hotel stays, some programs or individual hosts might present homestays. These are common for students or researchers visiting UC Berkeley, delivering a cultural exchange experience. For general tourists, this might involve renting a room in a local's home via vacation rental platforms.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    No direct camping facilities appear within Berkeley city limits. For those seeking an outdoor experience, nearby Tilden Regional Park features environmental camps mainly for groups. Public and private campgrounds are available further afield in the East Bay hills or Marin County, requiring a short drive.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area is a distinct character, benefits, and drawbacks, influencing your closeness to attractions, public transit, and local ambiance.

Downtown Berkeley

Benefits
  • City's central, bustling urban core.
  • Transit hub with BART and bus lines.
  • Theaters, wide array of restaurants, shops.
  • Close walking distance of UC Berkeley campus.
Drawbacks
  • Can be noisy due to urban activity.
  • Parking challenging and expensive.
  • Sometimes feels less residential, more commercial.
  • Petty crime can occur.

Southside UC Berkeley

Benefits
  • Student-centric, lively, and often bohemian.
  • Home to Telegraph Avenue, People's Park.
  • Mix of historic structures, budget-friendly shops.
  • Diverse cafes and eateries.
Drawbacks
  • Can be very student-focused and crowded.
  • Parking is difficult.
  • Can be noisy.
  • Petty crime (like phone theft) can occur.

North Berkeley / Gourmet Ghetto

Benefits
  • Upscale, food-focused, and charming.
  • Tree-lined streets, more residential feel.
  • Birthplace of California Cuisine, pioneering restaurants.
  • Artisanal food shops, independent boutiques.
Drawbacks
  • Less direct BART access.
  • Accommodation prices can be higher.
  • Further from main nightlife hubs.
  • Fewer budget dining choices.

Additional Neighborhood Insights

Elmwood / Rockridge (Oakland Border)

Quaint, historic, and family-friendly. This area features charming independent shops, local cafes, and a neighborhood movie theater. It seamlessly connects to Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood.

West Berkeley / Fourth Street

An area transforming from an industrial past into an upscale design and retail district. It hosts unique home goods stores, art galleries, modern restaurants, and is a contemporary feel. It sits closer to the Berkeley Marina and the Bay.

Booking Strategies

Clever booking methods secure your preferred lodging at competitive rates, notably in a popular destination like Berkeley.

Seasonal Booking Timelines

  • High Season (Summer: June-August; Fall: late September-October): Book accommodation 3-6 months in advance. Prices are highest during this period.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May; November): Booking 1-3 months in advance yields a better selection of rooms and potentially more favorable rates than in peak season.
  • Low Season (December-March, excluding holidays): You often find good deals a few weeks or even days in advance during this period, as tourist numbers are lower.
  • However, popular or unique options may still fill up, so booking at least a month ahead delivers certainty.

Booking Platforms and Policies

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda are reliable for hotels and some vacation rentals. They present a wide selection and often competitive prices, plus user reviews.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo are the platforms for apartment, house, or room rentals. They present a more local experience and often better value for families or longer stays.
  • Direct Booking: Often, booking directly through the hotel's official website results in the best rates or additional perks (e.g., free breakfast, parking discounts). For B&Bs, direct booking is often the preferred method.
  • Negotiation Customs for Walk-in Rates: Negotiation for walk-in rates is not common in the U.S. For established hotels. Prices are generally fixed and non-negotiable.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Review Policies
  • Policies vary significantly by property and booking platform.
  • Always review the deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your reservation.
  • Non-refundable rates are usually cheaper but carry more risk.
Flexible Options
  • Many hotels feature "free cancellation" options.
  • Often up to 24-48 hours before check-in.
  • This delivers flexibility if your plans change.

Seasonal Price Variations

Peak Demand

Expect prices to be highest during peak demand periods (summer, university events, major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's).

Lower Rates

Prices are lower during the winter rainy season. Tourist numbers are lower during this time.

Event Impact

Events like UC Berkeley's graduation or major sports games cause local hotel prices to surge.

Accommodation Recommendations

This section presents general suggestions across diverse categories to aid your selection.

Diverse Stays

Luxury

The Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel

  • Historic landmark, stunning views, full-service spa, pools, fine dining.
  • High cost, requires car/taxi for most trips.
  • Some distance from BART.
Mid-Range

Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Graduate Berkeley, Residence Inn Berkeley

  • Central location, walkable to BART/campus/dining.
  • Modern amenities, comfortable.
  • Can be busy, parking extra, some noise from downtown.

Specific Traveler Needs

Budget

Berkeley Inn, Travelodge by Wyndham Berkeley, various Motels in Oakland/El Cerrito with BART access

  • More affordable, basic amenities, good for short stays.
  • Fewer amenities, can be further from main attractions.
  • May require more travel time.
Vacation Rental

Airbnb/Vrbo properties in North Berkeley, Elmwood, or specific neighborhoods.

  • More space, kitchen access, local feel, good for groups/families.
  • Variable quality, less service than a hotel, potential cleaning fees.
  • Booking through third-party platforms.

Recommended for Families and Solo Travelers

  • Residence Inn Berkeley (Family-Friendly)

    Features spacious suites with kitchen facilities, making it easy for families to prepare meals or have separate sleeping areas. It sits centrally with good access to attractions.

  • Vacation Rentals (Family-Friendly)

    These are ideal for families, delivering more space, multiple bedrooms, and full kitchens, which can be budget-friendly for extended stays. Look for properties in quieter residential neighborhoods.

  • Hotel Shattuck Plaza (Solo Traveler)

    Its central location in Downtown Berkeley delivers security and easy access to BART, the university, dining, and nightlife, making it a simple base for solo exploration.

  • Budget Motels/Hotels (Solo Traveler)

    For a solo traveler on a budget, options like the Travelodge by Wyndham Berkeley present practical, no-frills accommodation. Consider a private room in a hostel if you seek a more social environment.

Extended Visits and Unique Properties

  • Residence Inn Berkeley (Long-Stay)

    As an extended-stay hotel, it is designed for longer visits, featuring kitchenettes and amenities that support extended living.

  • Vacation Rentals (Long-Stay)

    These are often the best choice for stays of a week or more, delivering a home-like environment, full kitchens, and a greater sense of local immersion.

  • The Claremont Club & Spa (Historic Significance)

    This iconic resort, perched in the Berkeley Hills, is a historic landmark with stunning architecture, dating back to 1915. It presents a luxurious experience steeped in Bay Area history.

  • Graduate Berkeley (Historic Significance)

    Located directly across from the UC Berkeley campus, this hotel often reflects the university's academic and artistic heritage in its design and atmosphere, making it a good choice for those wanting to feel connected to the campus spirit.

Visual Insights on Accommodation

The Claremont Club & Spa

A view of the iconic Claremont Club & Spa, nestled in the Berkeley Hills.

Hotel Shattuck Plaza

The elegant exterior of Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Downtown Berkeley.