Best Hotels near University of California--Berkeley

Simply put, the Claremont Club & Spa is gorgeous. Set near the University of California-Berkeley campus, this AccorHotels outpost boasts enviable views of the San Francisco Bay and a relaxed atmosphere. Recent guests were delighted by the Claremont's Old World ambiance (as seen in accommodations' chandeliers, dark wood furniture and textured fabrics) and its luxury amenities, such as tennis courts and a full-service spa. Guest rooms here also feature flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers and minibars. Meanwhile, the Claremont's in-house eateries also earn praise from previous diners for their relaxed settings and scrumptious cuisine. Meritage specializes in small plates and wine tastings, and the Bayview Café serves up casual fare poolside. The customer service staff members also earn a thumbs-up for their friendly demeanor. However, travelers note that staying at this property will require a sizable chunk of your vacation budget.

Just steps away from the University of California and the Downtown Berkeley BART transit stop, the Hotel Shattuck Plaza's location is ideal for travelers looking to pop into San Francisco or visit the University of California Berkeley campus. This hotel has been welcoming guests since the early 20th century, and many of today's visitors love the hotel's character – a recent renovation has preserved the property's historic integrity while transforming it into a trendy boutique outpost. However, there is one aspect of the Hotel Shattuck Plaza's past that guests wish had been remedied with the remodel: the guest rooms here are rather small. With that said, accommodations do come equipped with creature comforts such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and complimentary internet access. The hotel also houses a fitness center and a 24-hour business center, and travelers are quick to compliment the modern American cuisine served at the in-house restaurant, FIVE.