We just got back from staying at this hotel. We had read some reviews and were a little leary. When we tired to check into our room, it was not ready. We had read in past reviews this happened to other people. Within 10 minutes another room was found for us (not the king size bed we requested but 2 doubles). We thought oh no, the reviews were right. Pleasantly we were very happy with our room and the surroundings. The renovations were still going on but only to the little gift shop and some awnings were being added, but it appeared all the rooms were completed. The bathroom was great. The hotel staff were all pleasant and courteous, There is a van that will take you anywhere in Berkeley, which is a big plus. The restaurant has a good breakfast buffet, a little pricey, but with the nice view and friendly staff it was well worth it. Looking at other hotels in the area, this is going to be our hotel of choice. I highly recommend this hotel. The only bad thing is the fog chime that goes off about every 10 seconds, but after awhile you tend to ignore it.

It's difficult to know whether YOU will like this hotel or not. I do. I've stayed here a few times, often during multi-day visits to the SF Bay area. The hotel is undergoing renovation, but this has been going on for a while (and will likely continue for a while longer). Different parts of the hotel, nearly a “motel,” with its rambling low rise buildings placed on inconsistently landscaped grounds. Mostly, I like the location – right at the Berkeley Marina. I also like the price. The dining room faces the marina and the bay (glass walls with bright and pleasant views). Recreational facilities (two indoor pools) are sparse but seem adequate. The rooms range from too many coats of paint on too old of walls with old odd-fitting furniture to “standard hotel décor.” I like the older ones, with ill-fitting closet doors, uneven carpet, and more (really!). There is much more character here than in the cookie-cutter rooms of most modern inns. There are splashes of elegance, as well, throughout the hotel. Parking is free, as is the Internet in the public areas. Though on the “wrong side of the bay,” it’s reasonably close to downtown SF, as it is to Northern Marin County (different bridge). It’s in an area that is uncrowded, open, and spacious, compared to just about everything else this close to San Francisco.

In sum, I like the Double Tree Berkeley Marina, but I’m not sure you will. You might try it for a night and see what you think. The price is quite low, and it’s a sort of funky fun. The staff are pleasant and seem to try hard. When I’m in SF, I try to stay here at least one night (before moving to a more predictable, less funky, but less fun property).

Just back from a long weekend at this hotel. Was weary based on past reviews but chose this hotel because of the location (we used to live nearby and wanted to visit our old hood). We were very pleasantly surprised. We got a renovated junior suite....good amount of space. Furnishing totally decent but not decadent. New tv, comfy bed. The customer service was great and everyone there was totally friendly to our 3 and a half year old terror. Nice to have a "family Pool" and an "adults only" pool so that we don't feel like our kid is annoying all the other adults around. We would definitely go back another time. Two thumbs up.

After living in Berkeley for 10 years, we were happy to get this hotel for $75. Personally we love the location next to Cesaer Chavez Park (there is a great walking/running trail there that goes out along the Bay). Yes, the low price was because they are renovating and nothing was available. Berkeley is one of the great food towns in America; we wouldn't waste a minute eating there anyway!

We needed a comfortable room for a good night of sleep. The beds are amazingly comfortable and there were no noise issues. We would definitely stay there again!