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Some unexpected business came up in Berkeley California. The company our firm was working with wanted to host an early morning meeting at University of California, Berkeley. They asked our group to drive over from from Sacramento and in return they would put us up at the DoubleTree Berkeley Marina the evening before. We obliged.
Entry to the DoubleTree Berkeley Marina
I’ve stayed at this property on and off over the years. It use to be a Marriot, before becoming a Radisson, and then finally a DoubleTree by Hilton in the early 2000’s. There have been some updates over the years, including some recent ones to the rooms, but this property has been essentially the same since the early 1990’s. The hotel does feel a little dated, but the charm of being on the marina seems to overcome it’s aged handicap and has always made my stays here enjoyable.
Upon driving to the hotel I discovered there is one recent update, and that is an automated gate for entry and exit from the parking lot. Parking is no longer free and you need to plan on the $20 per night expense if you drive your own vehicle to this location. After parking the car and grabbing my luggage I walked to the front desk and waited behind one other guest to check-in. My American Express Platinum card gives me automatic Gold status in the Hilton HHonors program; and after adding my Hilton HHonors number to the reservation the associate asked me what area of the Hotel would I prefer to have my room located. I asked to be on the water and she was able to find a room that meet that request.
My room was originally 3231 and it is a bit of a walk to it’s location. This property is really spread out. Twice I couldn’t get my key to open the room door, and on my third visit to the reception desk the associate reassigned me to room 3233. Another person in our group had the same issue which made me wonder if they are having a problem with the manufacturer of their door locks.
Outdoor walk to building 3
Hallway to room
Room 3233
Entry way into the room
There is nothing special about the room, but I wouldn’t call it a budget space either. There is very comfortable bed with 4 pillows provided, a desk for getting some work done and chair to relax and watch TV. The internet worked well and the Hotel provides coffee for getting ready in the morning. Standard items that some properties could overlook. The room is designed in “modern hotel” and I had my complimentary warm cookie that DoubleTree is known for.
Upon entering the space you pass through a short entry with the closet on the right and the bathroom on the left. The room is a square space with balcony and slider door.
Room overview
Bed
TV Console and coffee
Desk
Sitting Chair, lamp didn’t work
DoubleTree cookie, yes I ate it
Floor map
The bathroom was small, but clean and functional. The shower had good hot water with plenty of pressure.
Entry closet
Bathroom
Sink
Shower worked well
Fancy Soaps
The highlight of the room and the property is it’s beautiful location on thee Berkeley Marina. The outside balcony takes advantage of this feature, as well as, the outside grounds which you can enjoy while walking around.
View in the morning
Full seating area
From the outdoor walk
It should be noted this is a full service hotel with restaurant, bar, conference facilities, pool and workout space. The nature of our business didn’t allow me to photograph those areas of the hotel.
In Summery:
This property feels like an old friend. It’s a little worn around the edges but the Marina and locaton make it a great place to stay in the town of Berkeley. Susan has also stayed here before and also always liked being next to the Marina. During this last visit it would have been nice to relax and soak up the place, but business didn’t permit. Maybe next time.
