Orinda Vacations from $488

I never stayed. They told me that the county owns the property and they couldn't give me a room. I will be calling to speak with someone who's in charge

My husband and I visit Berkeley often since our daughter goes to college there. Usually, we stay somewhere convenient because our trips revolve around moving her in or out. This is her senior year, so for our last move-in, we decided to treat ourselves to 1 night at the Claremont. At check-in, we were told we had been upgraded to a Queen Suite bc the Deluxe Room w/ Bay View that I had booked was no longer available. We checked in after dark, so I didn’t see much that night. The next morning, I opened the windows and saw the beautiful view. Not. I really appreciate the history of the Claremont. Even before I looked it up, I told my husband it felt like a place that would have been the place to be in the 1930s. It definitely has that old-fashioned, grand-hotel feel, almost like stepping back in time. Unfortunately, the room felt more old than historic. Pros Gorgeous location Exceptional service Beautiful, spacious marble bathroom Great old-fashioned, historic atmosphere Cons Room was musty and had a stale cigarette smoke smell Thick, tired carpeting that could use a refresh Mildew in the corners of the shower Stained carpet in the check-in area The room we received was not the room I booked, the “upgrade” didn’t feel like one. Overall, I felt the hotel was overpriced for the condition of the room. I can see how grand this property WAS, and I really wanted to love it. Sadly, I left feeling that the Claremont has seen better days.

I would definitely stay here again. They were very helpful and attentive but not in the way. It's a very quiet place just off the main road that runs through town. I loved sitting on the porch in the mornings and drinking my coffee. Close to everything we wanted to see in the valley.