With UC Berkeley being the pride and joy of Berkeley, it’s only right that Berkeley opens a hotel that epitomize academia. The hotel is called Graduate Berkeley and is a 5 minute walk from Cal Berkeley. It is also 1 block away from the popular shops and restaurants on Telegraph Avenue. It ‘s a great hub for scholars visiting their future campus, traveling professors, or locals wanting to dine at their on-site restaurant, Henry’s.
I got to stay at Graduate Berkeley for a weekend stay and I was so impressed by the hotel. The hotel is the perfect eclectic blend of the old and the new. The hotel maintains its 1920s Spanish Colonial architecture from when it was the historic Hotel Durant. But the interior is entirely renovated.
Walking towards the foyer, the gold lined glass double doors opens up for you. But don’t forget to look down–the tiled entryway reminds you where you are. Inside the ‘living room’ the walls are lined with retro fabric and the communal area is furnished with bohemian chairs and leather lounges. Among the many artwork, the hotel pays ode to the academia with pieces representing Cal Berkeley. GO BEARS!
The main highlight for me was the check-in desk. Behind the check-in desk are wall shelves stocking over 9,000 National Geographic Magazines with the word ‘Graduate’ painted on them.
My room was clean and pristine, and had all the amenities that I needed. I’m a sucker for themed hotels, so I paid attention to the details. My hotel keys were college IDs and the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign was a school pennant. These small details enhanced my experience in a big way.
During my stay, I made sure to check out the on-site restaurant, Henry’s. It serves Californian fare for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, and has a bar serving cocktails until late-night hours.
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