I stayed at the Berkeley YMCA when I arrived in Berkeley as a temporary solution until I found a room to rent. It is an affordable place considering the high prices of housing in Berkeley. Moreover you can use the gym and pool facilities in the building (probably useful if you stay for some weeks). The rooms are private (not... More

I visited some friends in San Francisco and needed an affordable place to stay. I don't like the bay area because everything is so expensive. And to a german guy the amount of homeless and drug-addicted people is really shocking. I did not want to pay 100 bucks per night, that' s why I chose the YMCA. The neighbourhood seems... More

The next best price I could find for a Berkeley Hotel was $100 more, so we went with the Y. It's too bad that sickness and time prevented us from making use of the great exercise facilities and pool because then the cost may really have been worth it. But, be prepared for mismatched furniture and bed coverings, bathrooms off... More

close to bart, and everything important to me... frree day pass to the ymca..

I chose this hotel for its price and location to the BART. I was disappointed. The hallways are a maze and very hard to navigate. They charged my credit card three times instead of once. It was later resolved, but still a hassle. There were people living here longterm that were down on their luck. Bathrooms are shared and while... More

We stayed on a weekend in May 2011. The room was clean, airy, quiet (a weekend but a graduation one!) and not shabby as others noted earlier. There was only one of the old group of streetpersons in evidence. She was unobtrusive and quiet and seemed to have an arrangement to spend the night in a small common space. The... More

The location - a short walk from the BART station and downtown Berkeley's restaurant row - was perfect. I had one of the private rooms with a twin bed which was shabby but clean and well secured - place had a very secure feel. Bed had a hard mattress which I prefer to one that is soft and caving in.... More

I needed a cheap option for a recent trip to Berkeley, and the YMCA turned out to be a perfect choice. It's spartan, but has reasonable amenities for hostel or dormitory type lodging. Just don't expect luxury or style, and you'll be fine. Rooms are private, single or double. Individual, locking bathrooms (with hairdryers!) and showers are down the hall.... More

If your objective is to save $ but not camp on the streets- this is a great option. Don't think holiday inn but nice flea bag and you'll be fine. At times it felt like a homeless shelter as they did have at one times an assisted living program that they discontinued five years ago. Thing is- they can't kick... More