The Berkeley center point is about the area of Berkeley Repertory Theater and the area of Downtown Berkeley.
Berkeley experiences a cooler Mediterranean climate. Daily temperatures throughout the year range from 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The city sits directly opposite the Golden Gate, the strait that connects the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Due to its location, Berkeley is more often blanketed in fog than its neighboring cities.
Upwelling ocean currents along the coast contribute to the cool and foggy nights and mornings. Warm water El Niño episodes in the Pacific produce years with heavy rainfall, whereas cold Pacific La Niña episodes are associated with dry years.
After the fog clears in the morning, summers in Berkeley are dry, sunny, and warm. The driest and warmest months are June through September. The usually hot mid-summer months of July and August are actually cooler here due to sea breezes and fog. If you're planning a trip with hot weather activities, then plan on booking a hotel in September.
Winters in Berkeley can be rainy but also have long stretches of clear sunny days and cold nights. January is the month with the most precipitation. It doesn't usually snow in Berkeley, but the Berkeley Hills that lie beyond the city sometimes get a dusting of snow.
If you're a member of the military or traveling for government business, book a stay at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Berkeley and receive specially discounted room rates. Discounts are also offered at this hotel to groups and senior adults. Close to the university, major corporations, and the North Berkeley train station, the Holiday Inn Express provides a practical and comfortable stay. Other perks of booking a room at this hotel include a free breakfast bar, 24-hour fitness center, and free internet access.
The Courtyard by Marriott Emeryville is located on the bay, at the edge of South Berkeley. With easy access to Interstates 580, 880, and 80, the Courtyard has an excellent location. If you're a member of AAA/CAA, a senior 62 or older, military, or government employee, check for discounts at this hotel. Corporate and leisure groups can also receive discounts for booking blocks of rooms. The most expensive times to book here for individuals and groups is in February and September. If possible, try a stay in April to enjoy the best rates and mild spring weather.
The Knights Inn Berkeley is a great value hotel located at the city's center on University Avenue. With clean, affordable rooms and close access to public transportation, staying at the Knights Inn is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy Berkeley on a budget. The hotel is minutes from the university, local dining, and shopping. Save even more by parking on-site for free and starting each day with a complimentary breakfast. Take advantage of discounted rates if your group will be booking multiple rooms.
La Quinta Inn Berkeley is another hotel that offers a good value for the price you pay. Easily park on site for free, swim in the large outdoor pool, and start each day with a free breakfast. This 100 percent non-smoking hotel is a good home base for a Bay Area visit. Choose a room featuring two queen beds or one king bed, plus a work desk area. For an extended stay, consider upgrading to a suite with living room and kitchen area. Free Wi-Fi, local calls, and cable TV all add to the value of your stay.
The Bay Area offers so many opportunities for recreation, sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Berkeley enjoys a worldwide reputation for being a city focused on activism, education, and the arts. Tour the UC Berkeley campus, catch a show in the Downtown Arts District, or experience the visual art at the Berkeley Art Museum. Be sure to take a stroll down Telegraph Avenue and explore what many consider to be the soul of Berkeley. It's a district filled with local shops, restaurants, and the distinctive Berkeley vibe.
Top things to do when visiting with kids include the Adventure Playground, Lawrence Hall of Science, Tilden Park, and the Habitot Children's Discovery Museum. Local farmers' markets, festivals, and annual community events all add to your Berkeley experience. Travel across the Bay at least one day to explore the city of San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and National Park. Other must-see attractions include Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and the famous Painted Ladies of Alamo Square.
Whether you're looking to explore the Bay Area on a budget or in luxury, Berkeley has a hotel to suits your needs. Rates tend to rise in the area starting in May when the weather is turning warmer. Prices will stay high throughout September and then usually begin to drop through the fall and winter at most hotel properties. Book a visit to Berkeley just outside of peak times, plus take advantage of all available discounts, and you'll be sure to enjoy the most affordable stay in the city that is friendly and welcoming to all.
Named after the famous 18th Century philosopher and bishop George Berkeley, Berkeley is a major US city located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, California. At its south, the city is bordered by Oakland & Emeryville while in the north, Berkeley is surrounded by Kensington & Albany. The Californian city is famous for hosting the oldest university of California campus. It's one among the highly politically-liberal cities across the United States.
If you are in search of cheap hotels in the city, Super 8 Berkeley would be a grand choice for you. This no-nonsense budget hotel is closer to university of California & North Berkeley Station and speaks of quality at affordable rates. All the rooms here include standard amenities such as iPod docks, AC, flat-screen cable TVs. A great continental complimentary breakfast is one of the major highlights of this hotel.
Berkeley Inn is another top pick for travelers looking for cheap hotels in the city. It-s a 3-story hotel which invites you with modest rooms that further opens to nice exterior walkways. All the rooms are equipped with en suite bath, minifridges, satellite TV, coffeemakers & microwaves. You will enjoy a free of charge parking here. Both the Berkeley hotels assure complimentary Wi-Fi.
If you are planning a plush stay in the city, Claremont Club & Spa is one of the most recommended among luxe hotels in Berkeley. Overlooking the scenic San Francisco Bay, this gorgeous setup assures sophisticated service, accommodation & amenities. The century-old esteemed hotel boats of classy rooms along with all state of the art amenities. Onsite attractions include saline whirlpool, relaxing massages, rejuvenating facials, acupuncture, fitness centers, sprawling gardens, heated pool, kids' pool & tennis courts.
Hotel Shattuck Plaza is another top pick for best luxury hotels in Berkeley. This smoke-free hotel encompasses as many as 200 rooms completely equipped with all convenient amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen cable TV, premium bedding, hair dryer and so on. The onsite amenities are equally amazing and include a sumptuous restaurant, bar/lounge, cafe, fitness center, meeting room & 24/7 business center.
Set in 1928, the esteemed Hotel Durant is an unmatched choice for boutique Berkeley hotels. Located near the famous UC Berkeley & Botanical Garden- this hotel boasts of collegiate-themed rooms with pillow-top beds, flat-screen TVs, pillow-top beds, minibus, iPod docks. The great campus overlooks the magnificent San Francisco Bay. There are executive rooms with special accession to private lounge that comes with complimentary continental breakfast, wine receptions in the evenings & PlayStation with 56 wide flat-screen TV.
Bancroft Hotel is another fitting choice for the best boutique hotels in the city. This eco-friendly retreat is set in a vintage Craftsman-style building and features cozy rooms with custom furnishing. The in-home amenities are all green starting from recycled curtains, organic bedding to organic soaps. All the rooms have used non-VOC paint to ensure a safe, green ambience all around. The hotel also features an event space & business center.
Below are reviews of the city of Berkeley, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Berkeley is cosmopolitan, diverse, has excellent cuisine, and is politically progressive.
I am a retired City of Berkeley employee. It's a interesting city.
Came to watch granddaughter play volleyball for Berkeley
Rose Cafe Pizzeria, Chez Panisse, Cheese Board, East Bay Spice Club and Renton electric bikes and seeing the neighborhoods.
Good food options!
Was there for a graduation! Liked what I saw of the cuty
The staff is always friendly. Rooms are always clean and comfortable. I lived in Berkeley many years after graduating and I love all the cafés, restaurants shops and certainly The Cheese Board!
A perfect place to stay in Berkeley for family activities.
A charming city with great character.
Vibrant area with beautiful views of San Francisco Bay. Easy drive to Oakland, Danville and San Ramon.
The city of Berkeley has so many amazing options for dining and unique settings for any size group or vibe you are looking for.
So much to do in Berkeley - whatever your interests. Museums, theater and awesome food! Don't miss a chance to visit.
Good!
The hospitality was excellent!
We were here to visit family who live nearby. We did get a chance to go to the Berkeley Marina to the Boathouse Restaurant. Easy city to get around in.
Visited Berkeley University campus.
I love small shops, stores and restaurants thus I really enjoyed my time near the campus.
Hotel was close to the University.
The food!
The hotel was clean, and the room were clean and comfortable. Rose garden, food choices, walkability, recycling, no emission buses, friendly folks, neighborhood gardens and shops.
My wife's old town, so she had lots of friends. Funky and interesting neighborhood around the hotel.
Didn't go out into the city of Berkely. Just enjoyed the hotel.
Perfect location for sightseeing!
Very convenient location.
The weather was cooler than the outer bay area. You can see the bay from the hotel. It's close to a lot of restaurants.
The hotel was close to so many things. I liked the closeness of shops.
Friendly people. Nice scenery. Good coffee.
I love Berkeley and the neighboring park was beautiful.
Berkeley is unique. The feeling of being here is matchless. There are so many cuisines and interesting products available to the explorer! And, of course, it's the home of the incomparable Cal!
Funkie people, very eclectic unique characters. Lots of personality.