Americas Best Value Inn Golden Bear Inn - Berkeley

I came for a UC Berkeley-related event and stayed for three nights. The location is far from the university by Berkeley standards, but in reality, it's not far at all. The 52 AC transit bus stops right at the corner and goes to the university. You can also walk down a few blocks to University Ave and catch the 51B, which also goes to the university. […] The hotel is about a 10 minute (leisurely) walk to the North Berkeley BART station, and just a few streets away from the Berkeley Amtrak station. So public transportation-wise, it's conveniently-situated. It's also close to the Marina and the Fourth Street shops and restaurants. The hotel was fairly clean. It's not a luxury high rise obviously, but everything was satisfactory and in order. It was cleaned lightly daily while I was out (taking out the trash, restocking towels, making the bed, etc.). The staff was friendly, though I had little contact, and the patrons seemed to be mostly families of students. I don't have very high standards for hotels (I don't need to be waited on, etc.), but I care about basic cleanliness and order, and I had no complaints. Oh, and there is a Japanese restaurant on the premises. I didn't eat there, so I can't comment on the food. Good luck. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Close to near by cafes, bars, and public transit. And a short walk/run to the Berkeley Marina which is a must see, with beautiful views of the bay.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The location of the hotel is pretty far away from the BART station, and the room key always doesn't work. The hotel room are all located on the first floor, so it's a bit noisy and you could hear other people talking outside the room.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room was out of date and the door was difficult to open with a key card. If you're looking for a place to just crash, I recommend it. But if ambiance is imperative for you look elsewhere. I actually would stay here again however because of it's central location and staff friendliness.

Genuine Expedia guest review

Clean, great location, old fashioned, but totally comfortable with everything anyone needs. Great price and so convenient for me.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I spent two periods here, both in the one story building. It was like stepping back in time. Made me think of the motels of the '50's. Cleaned daily, except when I asked them not to. New flat screen TV's in both rooms. Quiet rooms even though they faced the parking lot. Unfortunately the first room didn't seem to get warm enough - mornings were low […] 30's - but the second room was plenty warm. The lack of conveniences nearby made it less than optimal. I used public transportation to go to the laundramat, to Walgreens, and also to downtown Berkeley and across to San Francisco. The neighboring room had a dog who barked occassionally, but was not a true disturbance. The room(s) had one queen bed, a small alcove to hang clothing and a small bathroom with only a shower. The microwave and refrigerator worked well. The bonus is that they are across the street from Acme Bakery - which almost always has a line outside for their wonderful offerings. Computer in office is an Apple, which took a little getting used to, but allowed me to stay in touch with home. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This place may be a little older, but it's clean, quaint, and perfectly situated for business and outings in the Berkeley area; it's right next to a bus stop, too. Just as importantly, at least for me, their service was impeccable. Both front-office guys were very kind and even willing to help me with my bags to and from the taxi. You just don't see […] that kind of service from "value" hotels anymore. Thanks again, fellas! Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I was alarmed at behaviors of people in adjoining room, appeared to be long term residents, screaming at each other first night of stay, boxes of debris on sidewalk in front of room next night, quieter afterwords remainder of stay. The staff was very professional, and the thug-like behavior of the guests was no reflection on them.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The room (including the bathroom) was small, but included everything that one may need. There is no AC, but there is essentially no need of it (I have been in Berkeley for an year and never seen a temperature higher than 74 F during the day). Even in august, during the night one may actually need more the heating than the AC. The main desk had limited […] operation hours. We planned to arrive late, so the manager made arrangements to let us retrieve the key at night. Overall the staff was very friendly and helpful, the room was not the most comfortable I can think of, but was decent. The price was good and the location perfect for our needs. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

It was bad. We stayed their and the people upstairs were having having a domestic violence party with a young child up there. We complained to the management as did other guests. The hote knocked on the door told them to keep it down that didnot work either. The bed spread had blood on it and they tried to cover it with a blaket on top of of the bed. […] But I did see it. Oh and the smell of grass the tentants were smoking was another down side. The people seemed to be there on drugs dirty, unkept. If your a woman DONT stay alone. RUN RUN RUN Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

It's really nice and clean,all appliances thats in there are working good too.Overall we had a good experience in Americas Best Value Inn Golden Bear Inn...:-)

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Curtain lining worn out allowing sunlight thru tears. Heater focusses heat on on side of room and leaves other cold. The toilet didn't flush properly.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The only problem we found with this location was the thinness of the walls. Luckily we had considerate people surrounding us, so we were able to sleep ok except for one door slam and a barking dog (only for a short time).

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Great location for walking to campus. Safe area and very bike friendly~ Staff very informative and willing to assist with questions reguarding travel around the Bay area

Genuine Expedia guest review

Booked this when looking for a place to sleep after attending the Jason Mraz concert at the Greek. Very charming. Great staff.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I stayed at the Golden Bear because it was the cheapest I could find that didnt have terrible ratings. I was in the Bay Area to see a concert and go to a museum, and wasn't planning on spending a lot of time at the Hotel, so I didn't need anything fancy. The hotel is small, with painted ivy crawling the support beams and a red tile roof. On-site parking […] is free, as is rather slow in-room wireless internet. There's a big neon sign in the courtyard parking area that says "Quiet_Please", and for the most part it was. It did not feel like a motel in the middle of a large city. The room itself was simple but clean. It didn't have a/c, having a large fan instead, and I was broiling the first night there, but after it cooled down the next day it was very pleasant. I did have to turn off the in-room mini-fridge, because the hum sounded like a small plane trying to land, and the in-room TV set had a red vertical line down the middle of the screen, but other than that it was very nice. The location was very convenient for getting across to San Francisco, needing only two turns to get on the freeway. The neighborhood is a bit run-down, but pretty, with large trees in the street's divider rising over the motel. The Japanese restaurant also on the property was quite good , although it had a limited menu. It also provides room service for the hotel. I would definitely consider staying there again next time I'm traveling to the Bay Area. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

bed was squeaky and hard this is a very basic hotel not for rthe light sleeper walls are thin and the ice maker outside was loud. refrig in room was so noisy I turned it off.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Close to fire station and railroad. The frequent sirens and train sound might bother you if you really mind quietness. Other than that, this hotel is simple, safe, and yet reasonable price. convenient for dining and shopping (close to Costco and Target). walking distance to BART station. good for a simple person like me.

Genuine Expedia guest review

. . . a wonderful hide-away, pleasant, clean, basic, great location. Thank you!

Genuine Expedia guest review

We "lived" here for about a week upon relocating to Berkeley. The staff was very helpful throughout our entire stay. The overall hotel interior is old, and so although it has new paint, clean furniture, excellent water pressure, etc. it still feels its age. The wifi and our laptop were not working well together but there is a Mac in the lobby. For the […] price, it can't be beat. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I was looking for a hotel on the cheaper side that was clean, had a TV, had a bathroom with shower, fridge, microwave, etc. I wasn't looking for anything extravagant or special, but I found this hotel to meet all of my criteria and it did have a nice charm to it. Also, it was in a nice location not too far from all of the things to do in Berkeley and […] there was plenty of free parking for each guest which seemed hard to find at the other hotels in the area. I would recommend this hotel for someone looking for a clean, simple experience in a nice place. Oh, and there was laundry service which was a nice bonus (do it yourself, but still a nice addition). Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We have 4 kids and got two rooms next to each other. There door connecting the room from the inside could not be open. Carpet seem dirty. Price was way too much for the quality we got.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

I arrived to see a sign on the door saying the clerk would return in 15 min. When I finally got to the room, it had had no A/C despite the room description clearly stating "climate control." However, there was a fan. The fridge was also leaking water, and the room had a musty smell. The manager didn't seem to care. I definitely will not return to this […] hotel/motel ever again. Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

They allow bringing pets and do not properly clean the rooms after the presence of the latter. Consequently, the first room we were provided with smelled horrible. The replacement room with equivalent interior strongly smelled with a disgusting air freshener -- probably, I way to conceal pet smells. Additionally, the motel attracts some categories of […] dwellers I would not like to have as my neighbors. If you are ready to spent $20-30/night more, save some nerve and find a cleaner place. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

It was a good hotel, but that was very loud in the evening... I think the wall was very thin, so I can hear the voices from all directions around my room. In addition, the window was not closed all the time!!! (Well, I tried to close it, but it was too OLD to close it...)

Genuine Expedia guest review

It was an ok hotel, definitely NOT worth what we paid for it. The carpet was FILTHY and the drapes had holes in them. We weren't in the room very much but it was worth about half of what we paid. I would not pay their asking price to stay there ever again.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Stayed in Berkeley, mostly went into San Francisco. Older type environment, small resturants and shops. Close to Freeway so that was good

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

No A/C, no Desk

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

rooms could use a little updating. Bigger trash bags in the trash bins would be nice as well. And a hook up for game consoles are a nice thing to have.

Genuine Expedia guest review

its a cute little place, close to stores and to the campus. microwave, small fridge, coffee and gallons of hot water! i would stay here again.

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel was clean and in excellent conditions. But the privacy of the rooms is not perfect. I could hear my neighbors snoring while in my room.

Genuine Expedia guest review

This property was very nice. Quaint would best describe. Well mainatained pre WWII Hote;/motel. Nice neighborhood within walking distance of stores and boutique restaurants.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

My room was located in the more " modern" two -story addition to the motel. The smell of mildew and years of use pervaded my room. The bathroom window was slightly open and I was not able to secure it. A great amount of street noise was evident. There was not an iron in the room. I felt increasing uneasy about the room and sat on the bed only to find […] it very hard and without any "give". At the point, I checked out of this motel within ten minutes of arriving. I paid for two comfortable nights at the La Quinta down the street. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

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Genuine Hotels.com guest review

We were traveling between Richmond and Emeryville primarily and this was a perfect location. Easily accessible from the highway or side streets. Very retro and cute place to stay. Tons of restaurants nearby.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

Hotel was fine. Close to Amtrak...

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

The hotel is very old, bad facilities. And ants - lots of them!! Details: at check-in the heater didn't work but the staff came and used lighter to give it a spark for the gas. Well, it started to function but with lots of noise/cracking which was very scary as it felt when it reaches the tempit owuld shut down and gas could go into the room. The noise/cracking […] was all the time. Near the bed the was ants path - lots of small/tiny ants at night were travelling somewhere,a couple were found in the bed in the morning -- probably lost their way and were looking for others. It's suprising how this hotel could get so good rating at Expedia. Read more

Genuine Expedia guest review

Love this place. Convenient location. Pet friendly. Small fridge and microwave in room. Free wi-fi. Nice people. Good price.

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

This place uses old school heaters which they place right by the bathroom so in the middle of the night when you stumble to use the restroom you get first and second degree burns from barely touching it as you walk by. the shower is disgusting and the place is very hard to find. the area is dangerous and slummy. The rooms look like they were mase in […] the 20s and the tvs are so small its not even worth watching Read more

Genuine Hotels.com guest review

its an old motor in style motel, where you can park in front of your room. the decor has been updated a bit, but not too much. it's still really old, but well taken care of, i'd say. The front desk person was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The place isn't perfect, but for the its great for the price. I will stay again.

Genuine Expedia guest review

The room was clean and I believe it is a good value for the price of the room. They allowed me to check in earlier and the staff was nice.

Genuine Expedia guest review