We have visited Berkeley regularly for the last 10 years, and this has become our hotel of choice, given the excellent, friendly staff and service; large, clean rooms; and setback from the noises of the Main Street on which it is located. While the cost per night has risen over the years and can seem exorbitant for a Holiday Inn Express, it reflects the price of hotels in the Bay Area, and varies with the seasons, rising when the city is busier. This hotel remains the best value we have found for this room level because parking and breakfast are included. I was surprised to see the comments on the neighborhood. While sadly there is worsening homelessness everywhere in the Bay Area, including Berkeley, particularly downtown and along the highways, we have never encountered a problem around the hotel, including on our current visit, so I was surprised to see so many reviews mention it. I was also surprised to see someone mention difficulty getting dairy-free milk alternatives, as I use them here regularly. However, the coffee, which used to be excellent, could be better. …
We stayed there a week ago because of the power cut in Marin County. They charged us twice the rate they are advertising now. The current rate was advertised before the power cut, but I was waiting for proof so that I can report them.
I feel bad writing a negative review about this hotel because the staff was very friendly. My room was fine. But the hotel was surrounded by homeless people the night I stayed there. It was weird so see so many tents set up near the hotel. Later in the evening, I needed to go out to my rental car but was very apprehensive, and I did not feel comfortable. When traveling alone for business, my safety is number one priority. It's sad that this location has become less than desirable.
We got a good price on this fairly standard Holiday Inn Express, but we found this location to be a little depressing. The neighborhood is rundown, and a pair of folks were screaming and physically fighting each other on the sidewalk out front. I don’t know, maybe you just have to adjust your expectations in Berkeley.
Traveled solo in June and decided to stay here in Berkeley for 2 nites. Worked out great. Staff super friendly (front desk & housekeeping) and helpful if you need anything, free parking (plenty), room key access to hotel doors (front door in the evening), safe in room, comfortable bed, complimentary breakfast each day, price was reasonable as well. Returned w/ my wife in July and stayed for 3 nites. Same experience. Like the location - close to Bart and downtown Berkeley and freeway close. Not too far from campus if you need to get there. The only thing that I would like to see improved is some choices at the breakfast for those that eat a vegan diet - very limited (some fruit) but we purchased what we needed to make it work. Look forward to our next visit when we stay in the bay area.…
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