Berkeley City Club

I wasn't expecting much more than a hotel that had a little bit of history attached to it. What I got was an experience. The Berkeley City Club was designed by Julia Morgan who had other small achievements like the Hurst castle! She built this building in 11 months and it opened in 1930 (she worked on Hurst castle for 1919 to 1947). I got the experience of staying in a building very similar in design to the Hurst castle; Beautiful Gothic Revival influences. The complimentary Continental breakfast served in Julia's Restaurant (Farm to table French restaurant) was one of the best I've had. Fresh juices, pastries, a selection of fresh fruits including pears and plums (hell, I'm lucky if the hotel has apples). They had these incredible individual eggs souffle...delicious! My room was small but very airy, thanks to being on the corner. Overall, i had a wonderful stay. I will definitely be staying here in the future if I'm working in the area.One more thing to add: the first two floors are completely open to explore and wander around. All rooms are available to check out including the event rooms, sitting areas, restaurants, patios etc.

Protect the city club at all costs! This venue is a hidden gem close to UC Berkeley. Yes, it is old. Yes, it is drafty but it is an architectural gem. Continental Breakfast in the restaurant is good and swimming in the pool is even better. Bring a swim cap

The Berkeley City Club is truly one of my favorite places for weddings in the Bay Area. I do makeup and hair, and over the years have had many clients that have had weddings here. It is so beautiful and special. Thank you for having me on your preferred vendor list. - Shana, Fox & Doll Makeup & Hair

We have tried the restaurant. The food is great. Parking is not the best. We did not book a room there. The ambiance to us is superb.

a lovely old-fashioned hotel with comgortsble beds and beautiful public spaces. the rooms are old but quite nice and the plaster walls and picture moldings are reminiscent of the 1920s. The breakfast is excellent and varied with attentive service. The restaurant and bar are delightful and quiet

Berkeley city club hotel has a rich history, being designed by Julia Morgan, a woman who was truly a pioneer of American architecture in the late 1920's. This hotel was coined the, "Little Castle", and from here began Julia's vision, particularly for women, who needed a place to unite and gather for social, cultural, recreational, and family related connections, in the East Bay. She called it the Berkeley women's city club, and it garnered over 4,000 female only members in 1930 for 33 years, until opening up to men as well in 1963, which then was renamed the Berkeley City Club. I provide the cursory history to validate my 5-star rating, as I'm in awe of this rich history. Would I normally choose the Berkeley City Club Hotel for my 5-night iconic milestone wedding anniversary with my husband? No way! Why? Well there are a litany of reasons, so let me provide the condensed version: no room service during stay (maybe towels if you ask nicely), need to be quiet as a mouse (unless you want a potential $500+ party disturbance fee, drafty as heck, paper thin walls, and that's just the tip of the iceberg! But, if you want to have a piece of history and really appreciate how well preserved and most recognized hotel that Berkeley has, then you've arrived at the right place. And truth be told, I'm honored and thrilled to be staying here.

This architectural gem is within walking distance of Berkeley college, which is why we chose it. The interiors are spectacular, a bit reminiscent of Hogwarts. Some areas could use an update, as the place feels a little odd. However, the beautiful details, staircases, windows and courtyard make up for it. The rooms are tidy but not luxurious. The service is just ok. Front desk checkin is also odd, not terribly welcoming. The only place to store luggage was self serve and felt less than secure. I can't say I recommend leaving any valuables there. If you want something out of the ordinary and need to be near Cal, this hotel might be for you.

Stayed here for my birthday weekend with the dear husband and I'm in love with this place. I felt like I was a cast in the Harry Potter's series! Room is dated but with a nice feel to it. Just how I liken I love how quaint it is and the view is fabulous! it's overlooking the bay, UC Berkeley campus and the hills! Bed is comfy! A little bit of fascinating history was this was designed by a woman architect, Julia Morgan! Super plus! +++Staff was friendly, he was especially friendly when we were checking in. It came with a scrumptious continental breakast: quiche, hard boiled eggs, pastries, yogurt, and a slew of more goodness, but most especially, they have Peet's coffee! Indeed, I had a happy birthday! There is also an olympic pool, however between 9AM-12noon you have to make reservations and after noon, it's open for all. I would totally recommend and if given a chance, would absolutely stay here again!

I took swimming lessons from Boris here when I was just 4 years old. I can still remember him. He was such a great teacher. He really taught me how to be a great swimmer because ten years later I was ranked first place in the USA for my event. He would reward me with a quarter if I did a good job. I thought that was a lot of money. With inflation that would be $2.75 today, because that was 1952. I'm glad to see that after 70 years that beautiful pool is still here. This is a beautiful club with great traditions.wish I lived closer to enjoy it once again.

Totally overrated. The accommodations were anything but comfortable and getting a good night sleep was impossible. There was no air conditioning so you had to sleep with the windows open which doesn't sound to bad until you realize the entire neighborhood was having a repaving project done all night. Constant construction noise. I really can't blame the hotel for this but they could have informed us and made some sort of accommodation. The only reason I gave it two stars was the continental breakfast was top notch