Bancroft Hotel, Berkeley

I more or less agree with the general thrust of other reviews. The location just can't be beat -- walk across the street to campus, or a block or two to all sorts of restaurants, music stores, coffee houses. Friendly front desk. Decent breakfast in pleasant room (great coffee). Rooms are small, and far from luxurious; bath is very small and utilitarian. I had no trouble with noise (Thurs and Fri nights). I am not fussy, and I liked the place -- I prefer it to the cookie-cutter Holiday Inns or Marriotts. But it's not going to suit everyone. On the other hand, Berkeley doesn't really have a cookie-cutter alternative.

The location was great for our weekend get away. The front desk staff was courteous and helpful. The amenities in the room were lacking, small plastic cups, no water pitcher, tiny bathrooms, no shelves to put your dopp or make-up bag. They had a new flat screen TV, but it was in an awkward place, the "bookcase" in front of the bed would have been a better location. The old entertainment center (cabinet) was a useless piece of furniture taking up much needed space in the tiny room. The room was far from quiet, noise from adjacent rooms, the cafe next door, the street below... made it difficult to sleep. The windows had great views but, were old and didn't keep the noise out from the cafe next door. The rooms need some serious help, smells (mentioned in other reviews) was not of character for the price, Motel 6 or "no tell motel" maybe... The style and furnishings are O.K. and fit with the history... The hotel just needs a lot of attention to the details of the room(s) to merit the price charged. (The InterContinental and the Mark Hopkins in S.F. charge the same amount per night!) If the Bancroft Hotel charged half that amount and included free parking, we might stay there again. If you don't care about the noise, the small, meager rooms, want a place close to Campus & Frat/Sorority Row location and don't care about the high price for value, then this is the place!

Staff is helpful and friendly. Hotel is old and needs upgraded. It can be loud. Rooms are small. Rooms have a musty smell. Rooms are tiny. If you want to stay close to the university and you have low expectations it will work.

this was the best hotel i have ever stayed in! I can't wait to go back! the service was excellent, the stlye of the hotel was charming, and the location was convenient. it was by plenty of restuaunts and an elegant cafe. If you know you are going to be staying in Berklely then i recomend trying to make reservations at the Bancroft Hotel!

If you are traveling to the UC Berkeley Campus, this hotel is directly across from the University. The rooms are very small but for a quick night it will do. About 4 blocks from the Bart Station.

The Bancroft is a beautiful hotel. The architecture reminds me of Europe and also some of the arts & crafts movement here. There is a lot of dark wood and old-world charm. The room that we stayed in was a reasonable size, facing Bancroft with a shared balcony. The only downside was the bathroom. It was very small, with a tiny tub - not big enough to take a bath. It took a while to get hot water, but it was plentiful when it did come. Linens and towels were clean, as were the carpets and drapes, etc. Again, it's charming but not luxurious. Perfect for visiting someone who's a student at Berkeley or a place to stay while seeing a Bears game. It was a bit noisy after football games as Bancroft is a main thoroughfare to get down from the stadium. Breakfast was well-stocked and very fresh, and the granola was fantastic. The staff are very friendly and willing to help out with whatever you need, and the location is central to plenty of restaurants and a brisk walk to BART. This is the first hotel we try to book whenever we know we're going to Berkeley.

This is a small hotel in a great location. The staff was friendly and eager to be of service. Not plush, just a nice warm feeling of home.

While it is true that the rooms are on the smaller side, it is more than made up for by the outstanding service at the front desk. Plus, its location makes it very conveient because I did not have to rent a car for my visit to Berkeley campus. Cant wait to stay there again.

Above average room quality, The staff service was friendly and professional.Housekeeping was the best! Orange county loves you! This hotel rocks! Everything was wonderful.The granola was to die for We'll be back!

The staff were very helpful and the granola wonderful. Last stay was at the faculty club and found this to have above average room furnishings with excellent hotel decor.