Graduate by Hilton Berkeley

Hotel · Southside

Graduate by Hilton Berkeley

Hotel · Southside

3

2600 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

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Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null
Graduate by Hilton Berkeley by null

Highlights

Retro college vibe, close to campus, comfortable beds  

Featured on Michelin
Featured in Eater

2600 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 Get directions

hilton.com

$$$

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2600 Durant Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704 Get directions

+1 510 845 8981
hilton.com

$$$

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Last updated

Aug 16, 2025

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@michelinguide

California's Historic Hotel Architecture

"This one, a block from the University of California’s Berkeley campus, has plenty of fun with its concept, though; the fictional archaeologist Indiana Jones was a professor as well, and the Graduate Berkeley imagines what he might have done with a 1928-vintage, 144-room hotel designed by W.H. Weeks in Spanish Colonial style." - Mark Fedeli

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/travel/california-historic-hotel-architecture-tablet-hotels
View Postcard for Graduate Berkeley
@eater

Tartine Bakery Plans Berkeley Location in the Graduate Hotel - Eater SF

"The cafe will share food and beverage duties with Henry’s, the longtime pub that received a major change in direction when chef Chris Kronner (Kronnerburger) took over operations in 2018, adding a menu of dry-aged burgers, salads, and cocktails. (Cal alums may remember it as a notorious campus watering hole.)" - Ellen Fort

https://sf.eater.com/2019/6/26/18759217/tartine-bakery-berkeley-graduate-hotel-east-bay
View Postcard for Graduate Berkeley
@eater

Henry’s menu is getting a major upgrade when it reopens next week - Eater SF

"Henry’s, the Berkeley institution within the Graduate Hotel (née Hotel Durant), is poised to reopen under the guidance of chef Chris Kronner on April 12. Chefs Jeffrey Hayden and Justin Hoffman are serving as co-executive chefs of the project, bringing their respective experiences together to create a menu of dishes that are extremely California, and a distinct change from Henry’s previous pub-like fare." - Ellen Fort

https://sf.eater.com/2018/4/6/17204498/henrys-menu-kronner-durant-cal-restaurant-berkeley
View Postcard for Graduate Berkeley

Krissy L

Google
Let’s start with the good: the hotel is undeniably cute, and the front desk staff were incredibly kind and helpful. The attached restaurant has a great aesthetic and was a nice bonus. But now for the reality — and it’s hard to overlook. The location is borderline sketchy. It’s right on the edge of a decent area, and several times I saw people clearly under the influence or sleeping on the sidewalk right outside. It made me feel uncomfortable and unsafe, especially walking in at night. And here’s the biggest issue: NO hot water. Not just once — multiple times, over several days, at all hours. I don’t care how cute the place is — if you can’t even guarantee basic necessities like hot water, that’s a serious problem. Also, the rooms are tiny. That would’ve been fine if it were communicated clearly up front, but it’s not, and guests should know what to expect. This place could be great, but right now, it’s not worth the hassle.

Monica Reyna

Google
The room was so nice. The decor was so cool! I loved the location Everything was right around the corner and the view from my room was fabulous! The beds were super comfy, and the rooms were Very clean! The staff were amazing! Shout out to The chief engineer Victor!! He was very helpful and nice. Overall, my stay Was one of the best experiences!

claire

Google
We stayed here for our daughter's graduation. The location was perfect and walking distance to the campus. This is a very old hotel and there's a charm about it. If you're used to staying at modern hotels, this is not it. There's 2 small elevators. The staff was very nice and helpful. Parking was conveniently located behind the hotel.

OneMooreWeld Garage

Google
Location is GREAT! Staff are very friendly and attentive, the bar area has great food and a nice morning breakfast and coffee selection. The hotel and room have a really cool vibe. I love the architectural craftman details you rarely see anymore. Highly recommend

LaurenEx8201

Google
I love staying at Graduate hotels and was excited to stay here when we brought our kids to see my husband's alma mater. We knew that this was not a new hotel, but a rebrand of the Hotel Durant. Hilton did little more than paint the walls when they took over this hotel. It is old, has a feeling of staying in the dorms. The staff was nice. The food at Henry's leaves much to be desired, but since you are just off campus and within walking distance of anything you need, you have options.

GFLP

Google
We stayed here during a recent trip and really enjoyed the quirky charm and thoughtful design touches. The décor felt very collegiate and retro in the best way, rich colors, and a vintage-academic vibe that fits right into the Berkeley atmosphere. Rooms were clean and cozy, with comfortable beds and great water pressure in the shower. The lobby had a fun, energetic feel. Staff was friendly, and parking was straightforward but don’t arrive too late bcz the parking lot stalls are very tight. A solid pick for staying in Berkeley, great location near campus and local coffee shops!

nailahglover

Google
This hotel had such a nice charm! The hotel staff were so kind. Especially Eric at the front desk, he was so nice and was extremely helpful when I was checking in. Cynthia at the front desk was also extremely helpful and went out of her way to help me with my reservations when I was having issues making them. Thank you to the other Cynthia (manager) as well. The hotel is more on the older side, but the rooms and bathrooms were cleaned nicely. The hotel bar Henry's has this sourdough bread with butter appetizer option that was so tasty! I would definitely come back, the front desk was so welcoming.

Aidos B

Google
Good hotel, location is perfect for those who is visiting Berkeley National Laboratory/UC Berkeley. Walking distance to Downtown Berkeley. N 51B can reach to Marina bay, by bus and BART can reach both big shopping malls. Rooms are clean, service is good. Breakfast served relatively fast. One thing I could mention there is no laundry, for me was inconvenient. If I would be again in Berkeley I would chose it again.
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Gladys L.

Yelp
We stayed here during a recent trip and really enjoyed the quirky charm and thoughtful design touches. The décor felt very collegiate and retro in the best way, rich colors, and a vintage-academic vibe that fits right into the Berkeley atmosphere. Rooms were clean and cozy, with comfortable beds and great water pressure in the shower. The lobby had a fun, energetic feel. Staff was friendly, and parking was straightforward but don't arrive too late bcz the parking lot stalls are very tight. A solid pick for staying in Berkeley, great location near campus and local coffee shops!
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Iris X.

Yelp
Terrible, Terrible never going back there, we got there and the beds sheets wasn't charged from the previous visitors and then we got moved to a different room that the garbage never got removed and the TV wasn't working. I was supposed to stay for two nights but I decided to leave next morning. And they decided not to give me a refund for the second nights. This kind of business is going down hill.
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Melissa S.

Yelp
What a nice hotel that we could experience from the lobby. We came for the bar, but they don't open till 4 on Saturdays with no games happening. It was before 3 p.m. when we arrived. We spent maybe 20 minutes in their lobby enjoying some people watching. It appears that lots of parents were coming with their children for a campus tour. While on campus there was a parents table so it must be a big weekend. The decor is fun. The furniture is all miss matched, and a little worn. The mural above the check in desk is creative. It appears that they have 100's of National Geographic Magazines behind the check in/out desk. They will hold your luggage for you before or after check out. The bathrooms are very clean and well maintained.
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Danielle M.

Yelp
At first glance this hotel seems kitschy and cute. The hotel room keys are adorable with old school movie stars and icons. Unfortunately, That's where the good review ends. The rooms are tiny, not very clean and extremely outdated. I get the motif is old school vibes but it goes beyond that to just not updating anything that needs it. The bathroom door is so old and painted that it will no longer shut closed. The bedding and upholstery is gross and not clean. We got charged a "destination fee" of $28 that was not told to us when booking the room over the phone. In return they gave us a $25 credit to their breakfast and coffee cafe. We ordered two sandwiches and one of them was wrong, no biggie, I asked for lettuce and I would just wipe off the sauce and they gave me a salad with dressing. :/ So the cashier asked the kitchen to remake the whole sandwich and they brought it to me incorrect again. The gal at the cash register was friendly and helpful but I saw two other people return their food for mistakes, while I was waiting for mine to be corrected. Yikes. The bar Henry's which is also where the cafe is located is only open from 4:30-10pm which is sucky since we came here for a concert at the Greek Theater and wanted a night cap after the concert. This hotel is only .3 miles from the venue and the closest "bar" if you can call it that. We also tried getting mimosas or a breakfast beer (hair of the dog) and they don't serve drinks until 4:30 even though you're in a full bar. The floor in the bar/cafe is so filthy (first thing in the morning) that my feet were legitimately sticking to the floor. The trash was so overflowing that the cashier had to make the line wait while she emptied it herself. The front desk people don't really know what's going on. We asked about parking and the guy said there's no spots left while the woman next to him charged a family who got there after us for a spot without checking. We asked about the street parking right out front and neither of them knew anything about it. When I went to check out, our room charges weren't added to the bill. When I asked about it the woman said she has to manually post them and couldn't give me a time frame on it. The elevators are filthy and feel unsafe. The floors are uneven in the whole hotel. The hotel serves its purpose of a place to sleep, but if you're looking for a good experience this isn't the place for you. Disappointing at the very least and frustrating at best.
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Holly S.

Yelp
Love the old school charm and the spin on college decor. Water pressure in showers less than ideal, water doesn't get very warm (showers), but does in the sink ‍ Enjoyed having a kettle vs traditional style instant coffee dispenser (I'm not a coffee drinker). The fitness center has some equipment, but it was like a sauna and smelled horrid, so I didn't use it. Plus it's TINY. Bed was comfy. Rooms are somewhat small. It's quiet at night even though it's located in a busy part of town. This location is VERY busy with people. Parking spaces are VERY limited and VERY TIGHT.
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Mike M.

Yelp
This hotel was alright. The hotel decor was interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the gym because everything worked and no one was in there when I was there. It wasn't the biggest gym with the most equipment but got the job done. The place could be cleaner but do not expect much from a college town hotel. The walls were quite thin and you could hear plenty of your neighbors, which was a bit annoying, but you got used to it unfortunately. Staff were nice, welcoming, and accommodating. Plus and minuses lead to a 3 star.

Sup M.

Yelp
Great Stay! Staff was friendly and restaurant great! Would definitely bring the family back the next time we're in Berkeley.

Indra

Yelp
We enjoy this hotel but we had a couple of issues on our last stay. Sounds come through, we heard the upstairs tenants moving around late at night- it was so loud ear plugs were necessary. Also an issue at the bar 'Henery's'. We ordered two cocktails which were served to us in plastic cups. I was not expecting to drink out of plastic at a Hilton, or any bar for that matter! When I complained the bar tender rudely said "fine, I will get in trouble but whatever". He said he was told that it would be a busy night and they didn't have time to keep up with glassware. We had maybe 8 people in the bar while we were there- not busy at all. Then another guest requested a glass and was handed one no problem. Not the way to treat your guests!
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Sara L.

Yelp
Reviewing their lobby hangout area, great spot to take a rest when in the neighborhood shopping whether staying at the hotel or not! The vibe is from another era. The staff emit happiness. Not a spec of dust in sight. The adjoining bar presents several options. During the day, it was quiet. Definitely recommend stopping in when nearby.
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Destinie Z.

Yelp
Stayed overnight for a concert with my bestfriend and we had an awesome stay at Graduate. Pricing was very affordable, staff was able to check us in to our room quickly. We were also given a pass for one free welcome drink at the bar and took advantage of that. Rooms are well kept but have an old school, historical charm to them. Check out was easy and we very much enjoyed our stay. Would gladly stay here again.
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Emily H.

Yelp
This is a 4 star hotel on Google but I truly did not have a 4 star experience. Main struggles being: 1. The showers did not have hot water. The water temperature was always inconsistent and ranged from lukewarm to ice cold. This is never acceptable but particularly in the middle of January when hot water is essential. 2. There's no place in the hotel to get water. There are no water fountains or water bottle filling stations. Each room gets 2 cans of water per day but that's only if housekeeping actually visits your room, which is not always a daily occurrence. 3. The hotel walls are extremely thin and we could hear our neighbors' every sound. 4. The hotel gym is extremely small and not what I would expect of a four star hotel. Every morning the gym was at full capacity with four occupants. All things considered, the hotel is fine but definitely confused as to why Google has this classified as a 4-star hotel.
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Julie P.

Yelp
The parking is a must add on. The location is great as it is walking distance to the college, eateries, and Walgreens. The rooms were cute and clean and the beds were comfortable. The person at the front desk was friendly and helpful. The whole place had a lot of character. We were on the 5th floor and had a nice view of the clock tower. We would stay here again.
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Abba W.

Yelp
This is a great boutique hotel within walking distance of UC Berkeley Law School. It is a cute old hotel full of charm, and I really enjoyed my quick stay. Upon checking in, I had a beet salad at the bar with a glass of wine, and it was just perfect. The vibe is very relaxed and comfortable. I am returning soon for another short visit to UC Berkeley, and I am looking forward to my stay!
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Ang P.

Yelp
Quick stay for a UC Berkeley hosted Arts event. Nice bed. Fun decor. Older building renovated for a fun spin on the movie "The Graduate".. Nice bar and cafe ( great service) in house called "Henry's" The decor is fun.Quirky... green hallways and velvet walls .. Very clean. Fabulous bed and bedding which I am very picky about. Tiny bathroom. Small bed rooms. No full length mirrors and little closet drawer space. Desk is the old school library desks from the 50's. Great location if attending on campus events. The hotel is close to the main entrance of Berkeley so expect many homeless and those in need in the neighborhood as well as minor incidents requiring fire and police intervention. We left a toiletry kit and are waiting to hear back about this item we left behind. My invisilign is in the case ... ugh .. worried I hope I hear back from the hotel! Eric from reception just called and he searched high and low! He found our toiletry bag and is sending it back by fed ex. We are so grateful! Now that is service! Great above and beyond service is so hard to find. Thank you Eric! You made our day ! So just because of you we are rating Graduate Hotel a five. (as if it were your hotel)
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Rosi A.

Yelp
Oh the memories (and the old dorm charm)... Came back to Berkeley for business, and decided to stay at the Graduate for old times' sake. The place is strategically close to the campus, especially if you are headed to the business school side of it. It's quirky and has a lot of character. The amenities though fully reflect the charming dorm spirit, so don't expect much despite the price tag. That said, while you might not enjoy the highly creative configurations (toy-sized sink in the walk-in closet or across from your bed, anyone?), or the rather thin walls (undoubtedly to foster the community spirit ), the beds are comfortable, Henry's is a landmark institution in the Berkeley bar scene, and for me, it will always be the Haas "home away from home".
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Cathie W.

Yelp
Worst night of my history of hotel stays. The noise pollution is off the charts! It's like sleeping next to a NASCAR race track. Loud car engines blasting intermittently throughout the night. It's 2:30 am as I am writing this review. It was a Saturday and it's summer in Berkeley and a block away from IC Berkeley and it's summer, I get it ! But from a business standpoint, this is disastrous! The staff is friendly, hence the 2 stars. But sorry I will not stay here again. For another $200 more it would have worth it to stay at the Claremont.

Flack F.

Yelp
Looking for a hotel in the Berkeley/Bay area? Dropping your child off at University of California Berkeley? Welcome to the Graduate Berkeley hotel, a charming blend of nostalgia and modern comforts nestled in the heart of Berkeley, CA. Join us for an insider's look at this historic landmark, originally opened in 1928, and now meticulously restored to reflect its collegiate roots, local flair, and Tower of Terror Vibes! For more info on this hotel and the Berkeley area go to: https://youtu.be/OqEFgvAr2-c
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S U.

Yelp
I would seriously give this place 6 stars if I could. Really friendly, hospitable, and helpful staff. GREAT location, a 5 minute walk to some really cool cafes/restaurants/shopping in Berkeley and also just 5 minutes to campus. We very much liked the vibe of the hotel, with its college dorm theme. They conveniently have a coffee/pastry shop open in the mornings and a restaurant open for lunch and dinner--though lots of great places to eat are also pretty close by. I left my AirPods in the room when I checked out and called them--no problem, they just shipped them back! Great experience and staff all around.

John S.

Yelp
The worst hotel I've ever stayed at, bar none. And I'm 60 and have traveled extensively, all over the world. And I'm predisposed to like it bc I love Berkeley. Not worth explaining all the ways that this dirty, unsafe, unfriendly hotel sucks. It's also massively over priced. Seriously, do yourself a favor and don't stay here. Ever. Even if it's the only hotel in the Bay Area with availability. (My situation). There's a reason it's available.

Claudia C.

Yelp
Nice location when visiting your student. Cute room and friendly service. I liked dining at Henry's. I thought the food was delicious!
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Liz B.

Yelp
We stayed here for the weekend while visiting Berkeley. The property is close to the Cal campus and many great restaurants and shops. What stood out to us was the friendliness of the staff. Tasha, at the front desk, helped us check in early and was very friendly. We will definitely stay here again.

M R.

Yelp
Fantastic Customer Service! The Graduate is a charming and unique hotel close to the UC Berkeley campus. We loved the community aspect of sitting in the lobby and restaurant, encouraged by the complimentary coffee and evening drinks, but what makes it truly stand out is the exceptional customer service, especially from Tia, the manager. It's our go-to hotel every time we are in Berkeley.
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Matt R.

Yelp
Stayed three nights while attending a class at UC. Pros - Very close to the school so you can walk to the campus, lots of places to eat just blocks away, very friendly and accommodating staff. Cons - Room was quite small, parking situation is interesting. Overall I was pleased and the convenience of the location is worth it.
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Jon M.

Yelp
Friendly & personable staff; quick check-in Only 1 ice machine & it's on the first floor. Average sized bathrooms with large towels but smaller than average sink + tub. Lovely decor, location, & theme. Double paned windows were a plus! Elevators are on the slower side & a bit tight. Modern smart TV (Samsung) but no Apps or chromecast/mirroring functionality. Sturdy & utilitous work station with fun lamp designs. The decorative/throw bedding could be cleaned more often (for those with dust/dander/environmental allergies). Overall enjoyable & would stay again in a larger configuration
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Eric W.

Yelp
This place was a great place to be at. The rooms are clean, large, and the service is good. Old building, but kept clean. Windows dont really work cause they're old. Big conference room to rent for $100 if you have such business need. Overall, would recommend staying here if you can.
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Cynthia G.

Yelp
Stayed here during a visit and a concert. All within walking distance to shops, campus and the Greek Theater. The hotel has its old charm. Decorated in a fun way. Yes things could be better like the size of the bathrooms or updating some of their hardware in the showers. But over all checking in was easy and staff was friendly. We loved all the quirky things about the hotel and we would stay again.
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Alex M.

Yelp
Love how this hotel has a sign on the door that says how "everyone is welcome here" :) Whoever decorated this hotel did an amazing job, this place is so beautiful compared to other hotels that are normally super boring and minimalistic. This place has so much personality and all of the staff are super nice! I also had the best experience at the attached cafe, best mocha I have ever had :))

Nalina C.

Yelp
not a healthy environment. rooms were dirty, drinks were watered down, my food was not seasoned or cooked all the way. only good part was the coffee shop area.

Simon S.

Yelp
Stay somewhere else! Do not trust this hotel. They hide charges for unused amenities in their bill.
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Sonia G.

Yelp
Cute bohemian hotel next to UC Berkeley campus. I stayed here for a work conference event. Rooms are small and tidy- reminds me of SF or NYC. Upon arrival, the hotel directed me to the special hotel parking in the back (I believe it was $30 a night- parking fee). Customer Service was friendly. This hotel has a bar and lots of room space for folks to study, read or lounge. Next door is a hipster coffee shop. Going into our room, it immediately felt cold. We called the front desk for them to close the window seal- there was a gap. Cold air was coming in. They immediately came to our room and "fixed it"- before, there was a towel or something holding the window gap sealed. I thought they would recommend we change rooms but whatever the guy did, the seal was closed and we were able to feel the heat. Decent stay. Comfy beds. Uber ride away to theaters and/or restaurants.

Lisa M.

Yelp
The Graduate Berkeley is a renovated historic hotel with a retro college vibe and theme which is fun. Conveniently close to Berkeley campus. Comfortable bedding which is a must for me. Standard rooms a bit on the smaller side, but overall a nice stay and fun theme!
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C H.

Yelp
The hotel has been updated-ish. We had 2 adjoining rooms. One bathroom was fine, the other really needs to be redone. The tub was so chipped/grubby looking, we didn't use it. The hotel decor is cute and quirky but it also smells a bit funky, probably difficult to eliminate in an old building. Gym was tiny but had enough stuff we could get a workout in. My biggest reason for 1 star was that my husband left his AirPods in the room and even though he notified the staff the next day, they not only didn't ask the cleaning crew who cleaned our room but wouldn't go look to see if they were still there. We could literally see that they were still at the hotel and had been activated that morning on our "Find my phone" app. Still wouldn't do anything about it. A few days later I could see the employee's address where they took them on our app. I get it, his fault for being careless with an expensive item but you should be able to trust the cleaning crew to turn in items and management to hold the staff accountable. Really frustrating.
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Aidan B.

Yelp
I was fortunate enough to stay at The Graduate Berkeley as apart of an artist residency the past 3 months and all I can say is it's been an absolute pleasure. Ever since I arrived, the staff has been consistently warm and friendly, even just in passing. John is an absolute class act and the GM, Christine, always made sure I was taken care of if I needed anything. Within a two block radius you can find an abundance of different kinds of restraunt's and eateries to try. Some of my favorites being Artichoke Basille's, Dumpling Kitchen, Punjabi Dhana, Rolling Pin donuts, and so many more. As someone who spends a lot of time working out of their room I was very pleased to have fast WiFi, a variety of TV channels, hot showers, and one of the comfiest beds I've ever slept in at a hotel. Also huge shoutout to housekeeping for always keeping my towels and toiletries stocked! Overall, I fell in love with this old building the longer I stayed and will absolutely be back! Thank you Graduate Berkeley!
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Earl W.

Yelp
I stayed at the Graduate Berkeley at the recommendation of my daughter who liked the location. On their website there are glowing 5 star reviews alongside one star reviews for an average of 4 stars. I felt that the prices of over $250 a night is not bad for a four star rating. I was definitely wrong. This place is dated with poor decor, poor plumbing, and smelly rooms. Your first clue is how difficult it is to identify the location. There is no readable signage. I went around the block 3 times trying to find anything that said "hotel". I later saw an old sign that said "Hotel Durant" about 30 feet above ground level. The lobby is dark and dank that resembles an attorney's office except for the smell. The Graduate Hotel was a disappointment as the entire hotel struggles to keep up with a 2 star hotel. The rooms may be considered "quaint" if they were at least functional but alas they are not. The shower is an unregulated "trickle" that changes temperature whenever someone else uses their shower or flushes their toilet. The window doesn't work as the portable ac unit sits in the center and uses the window for it's exhaust. I couldn't open a window to air out the stale air smell. The paper thin walls allow you to hear other tenants at all hours. There are some similarities to 4 star hotels however: the $5 water, the taxes and surcharges and the $35/ day parking charges. I would gladly except these charges if the amenities were forthcoming but they are not. Staff seem overly friendly but they look at you with disdain if you ask to have the room cleaned. In the four days I stayed the room was cleaned only once even though I asked it to be cleaned daily. In summary, this hotel could be a boutique hotel given its age but it is in dire need of an expensive remodel. The theme here is to advertise the "look and feel" of a posh hotel with fake 5 star reviews to bring you in then further extract money from you in any way they can. For my money if I wanted an older boutique hotel I would stay at the Claremont hotel which has larger, fully functioning rooms and room service or the newly remodeled Aiden down the street. Any Holiday Inn Express far exceeds this in functionality without the faux and nonexistent "ambiance" this hotel poorly imitates. Better luck next time suckers.
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Rowan W.

Yelp
Clean and posh. The "student" theme is kitschy but cool, and affects pretty much everything in the place, from the paintings on the walls to the pennant you hang to tell people you don't want to be disturbed. The room is nice and plush. A big bed with lots of pillow, a big plush chair... they make a little space feel very roomy and homey. I liked their choice of colors as well. The thing I didn't especially enjoy was the noise. Construction right outside, vacuuming at 8:30AM (on a Saturday), people scraping the walls (???), lots of creaking and thumping overall. Not my favorite when I'm looking for a good night's sleep without an early wake up call. Additionally, parking in their private lot is $35... a night. That's some serious dough to shell out, but I think there may be alternative options for parking on the nearby streets. Not relevant for my purposes since I was just staying the one night.
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Jackie W.

Yelp
Dirty shampoo dispensers. I'm sorry I didn't bring slippers or flip flops as I feel like the floors were dirty. For the daily price over thanksgiving weekend, I could've stayed at a chain and gotten the cleanliness I expected. Not to mention the size of the room (very small) and the armoire. Perfect if your height is less than 5 feet tall.
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Hannah L.

Yelp
Bring your shower caddy and old student ID because this place feels like the college dorms. The rooms were very outdated and super small, so much so that I at my 5 feet 3 inches and wasn't able to close the bathroom door while sitting on the toilet because the door would knock my knees. Also, get ready for a bipolar shower temperature that'll scald you before blasting you with ice cold water, all beyond your control. Welcome back to college!
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Eric N.

Yelp
Nice boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Berkeley! Rooms - funky and unique, just like the surrounding town. Cool decor. The bathroom was a bit small in our room - this property might be converted dorm rooms- but the ambiance made up for any quirks. The quirks actually made it more fun. Food - Henry's was outstanding. Bartenders made excellent cocktails and the burger by Chris Kroner's creation was awesome. Get extra cheddar mayo for your fries. Staff - helpful and friendly staff. Main elevator was broken but front desk agent delivered all our bags to our room. Overall- given the location in walking distance to everything "Berkeley" and given the uniqueness of the rooms, this hotel is a must stay!
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Dan D.

Yelp
Like others have stated, the room is dated and small. My "select" room as ordered and paid for on Hotels.com did not have a view of campus and was not premium in any way. The staff at the hotel did not notice the upgrade paid and I did not bother to contest it after we already checked in. I did add a $35 parking fee to my room and was directed by hotel staff to park in the lot adjacent to the hotel, which I did. In the morning, I noticed a $78 parking ticket on my windshield and asked for clarification inside with the staff. They assured me that they would "talk to" the staff member(s) who told me to park there but would not adjust the price of room, but did subtract the $35 parking charge. I'm pretty sure you can do better than staying here, even if you need to be close to campus.
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Jamey R.

Yelp
I stayed here. For two nights. Typical college hotel in a college town. It's a small step up from a dirty frat house. My room was poorly cleaned, very tiny & very outdated. Horrible small bathroom & extremely weak water pressure in the shower. Staff is okay. College kids everywhere, passed out in the stairwells & vomiting out front & out back.
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Lauren C.

Yelp
Formerly "The Hotel Durant," and under new ownership. Small boutique hotel less than one block from the UC Berkeley campus. Bohemian. Lovely. Cozy. Work in progress. Loved the hotel lobby and it's unique, hip decor. So many interesting pieces to stare at. We weren't aware of the change in ownership when we booked. Some facilities not open, including the restaurant/bar (a bummer) and the fitness room (wasn't a problem for us during this stay). We definitely appreciated the steps taken to compensate guests, including having a complimentary wine and cheese hour nightly and a continental breakfast buffet in the morning. Did much to demonstrate care to the guests for the lack of services that would have been expected based on the advertising. Rooms are theme-decorated and well-done. However, they are small. Really quaint, but small so staying more than 2 nights might have become cramped. Convenience was key though. Service was very friendly and accommodating. Key question: would I stay here again? YES. Definitely. That says it all!

Lara R.

Yelp
The Graduate is a fun, convenient hotel. I live in the Bay Area and stay at the Graduate when seeing shows at the Greek Theater, Cornerstone or UC Theater and don't want to deal with driving home late. We make it a little staycation. It's comfortable with cute decor. Good cocktails at the bar and many other bars and restaurants in walking distance. Eric at the front desk was super helpful with moving us to a new room due to a noisey AC fan and again helping me with stuff I left behind.
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Taj A.

Yelp
I was worried when I saw the 3 star average. I stayed here two nights recently and overall had an fantastic experience. You can't beat the location. It's a block away from Telegraph. Tons of food options. Very close to the Berkeley Fire Trails. My favorite place is run uphill. The room is cozy, with character .The tv has 50 Channels. I would say the time between switching stations would be improved. This was the only flaw. I love the Keurig coffee machine. Brightened up my mornings. The bathroom is old school with modern high end shampoo, conditioner and bath gel. The staff in the lobby is awesome. Smart, friendly, Professional. A delight to chat with each and every time I had a question. My biggest regret is not taking their bikes for a ride. Reason to return. My favorite though was the gym. I had it all to myself and had everything I need to complete an hour long calisthenic/weight training session. Plenty of variety for true gym ethusiasts with clean towels and fans blowing so you don't get all nasty. My fiancé said she'd return as well. Ignore the 3 star average and give this place a try.
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Kiki M.

Yelp
How wonderful is our experience! John invited us with a warm hello and connection. Gorgeous room, internet for our Zoom worked excellent. Parking out front free overnight from 6 pm - 9 am. Questions answered with a positive attitude. I love coming up to the green halls and all the eclectic touches of this lovely hotel. Gorgeous day in Berkeley, city view out our window, two happy teachers.

Carla R.

Yelp
Indifferent to rude service. Grubby hallways, dusty rooms. I so wanted to love this hotel given its location across the street from my alma mater, Cal. pretty much everything was wrong.They didn't give us the three promised rooms. Our assigned rooms-nearly $300 a night-were not well cleaned. And when we went to dinner at 7:30 pm on a Saturday we were told the bartender was "on break." All with a shrug. After repeated complaints they did let us cancel one of our three rooms and double up. Then billed us anyway for the third room. Took four phone calls and an email to sort out. No apologies. Bottom line: find another hotel.
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Jeffrey S.

Yelp
Loved this place and would stay again. Staff is friendly and no complaints about anything. I was in the bay for one night and ended up staying in and the playing video games all night hah.

Miss Sacramento F.

Yelp
Chose to stay here due to its proximity to the Greek Theater. Easy walk to concert which was great. Parking lots are first come, first serve with extremely small & tight spaces. This is far from a 5-star hotel, more like a solid 2. The decor is kitschy & very Berkeley-like. We unloaded our overnight bags & let passengers out before parking as there was just enough space for the driver to squeeze out. If there were no spaces available be ready to back out of the lot. There is no way to make a u-turn. The room including the bathroom was small. Definitely Tight quarters but Clean enough & beds were comfortable enough. The staff were friendly enough. The reason for this low rating: (I fluctuate between 1and 2 stars)..... The Hispanic male, probably college-aged, who printed my checkout receipt was pleasant - HOWEVER approximately 5 minutes after I checked out, an additional $15 charge was added to my credit card. I just happen to receive notifications of my credit card charges in real time on my phone. We had just loaded up our car and was pulling out of the back lot so I told my husband to circle around to the front so I can ask why there was an additional charge. I inquired about the charge to the same Hispanic male who printed my bill & he feigned ignorance. He immediately reversed the charge no questions asked & claimed he had no idea how or why that happened. I felt safe here, Just BEWARE of shady college employees working at this hotel attempting to charge your credit card after you check out of the hotel....
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Nicole F.

Yelp
This is my 2nd time to stay here and the 1st time was last spring when it had literally just converted from Hotel Durant to Graduate. I think I preferred my visit last time since Henry's, the hotel bar was closed and they gave us a free happy hour and free breakfast. Now you have to pay for overpriced drinks at Henrys since they are open. This is a popular hotel & bar for alumni and students alike. The rooms are small & quaint. The bed wasn't quite as comfortable as I remember but the towels are good quality and fluffy. It was homecoming weekend so prices were outrageous but that was the case all around the city. The tv was broken on our last stay and again this time. They tried to fix it but they need a serious AV upgrade in this hotel. There is a refrigerator and a Keurig coffee maker in the room so they get points for that. Elevators are slow but fortunately we were on the 2nd floor so could easily take the stairs.The front staff is friendly but a late check out is not in the cards. However, they will keep your bag for you until you leave. Will try a different hotel next time in Berkeley for comparison.
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Jim J.

Yelp
The room was small and dark, with a window near the street. I was awakened by conversations and laughter every night. The shower keep losing hot water and running cold.I could hear people talking in the corridor. They charged $5. For a bottle of water. It is conveniently located near Cal but is overpriced and does not give a good experience. I will avoid this hotel next time I'm in Berkeley.