California, USA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Each area is a distinct character, benefits, and drawbacks, influencing your closeness to attractions, public transit, and local ambiance.
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.
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.
Clever booking methods secure your preferred lodging at competitive rates, notably in a popular destination like Berkeley.
Expect prices to be highest during peak demand periods (summer, university events, major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's).
Prices are lower during the winter rainy season. Tourist numbers are lower during this time.
Events like UC Berkeley's graduation or major sports games cause local hotel prices to surge.
This section presents general suggestions across diverse categories to aid your selection.
The Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel
Hotel Shattuck Plaza, Graduate Berkeley, Residence Inn Berkeley
Berkeley Inn, Travelodge by Wyndham Berkeley, various Motels in Oakland/El Cerrito with BART access
Airbnb/Vrbo properties in North Berkeley, Elmwood, or specific neighborhoods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As an extended-stay hotel, it is designed for longer visits, featuring kitchenettes and amenities that support extended living.
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.
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.
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.
A view of the iconic Claremont Club & Spa, nestled in the Berkeley Hills.
The elegant exterior of Hotel Shattuck Plaza in Downtown Berkeley.