Berkeley City Club Julia Morgan
Step into Julia Morgan's 'Little Castle' at the Berkeley City Club, a historic hotel blending Gothic & Moorish charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Berkeley City Club Julia Morgan
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Julia Morgan's 'Little Castle' at the Berkeley City Club, a historic hotel blending Gothic & Moorish charm.
"Staying at the historic Berkeley City Club felt like stepping into a living history book."
✨ Embrace the Vintage Scent
The unique scent of an old building is part of the charm! It adds to the authentic, historic atmosphere.
🛏️ Upgrade to a Suite
Suites offer more space and comfort, feeling like a cozy apartment. Worth the small extra cost!
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 634 reviews
Type
Hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Julia Morgan's Architectural Masterpiece
Throughout the building
Explore the 'Little Castle,' a stunning blend of Gothic and Moorish styles, showcasing Julia Morgan's genius.
Historic Indoor Pool
Lower level
Take a dip in the unique, historic indoor pool, a special amenity that adds to the club's charm.
Julia's Restaurant
Second floor
Enjoy French-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting, open to non-members for a taste of the club's ambiance.
The Grand Hallways & Library
Main floors
Wander through architecturally striking hallways and find quiet corners in the library for reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Vintage Charm
Book Suites for Extra Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Embrace the Vintage Scent
The unique scent of an old building is part of the charm! It adds to the authentic, historic atmosphere.
🛏️ Upgrade to a Suite
Suites offer more space and comfort, feeling like a cozy apartment. Worth the small extra cost!
☕ 24/7 Tea & Coffee Station
Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee anytime in the striking hallways. Perfect for relaxing.
📸 Respect Photo Policies
Be mindful of photography rules, especially for events. Inquire beforehand to avoid issues.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Embrace the Vintage Scent
The unique scent of an old building is part of the charm! It adds to the authentic, historic atmosphere.
🛏️ Upgrade to a Suite
Suites offer more space and comfort, feeling like a cozy apartment. Worth the small extra cost!
☕ 24/7 Tea & Coffee Station
Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee anytime in the striking hallways. Perfect for relaxing.
📸 Respect Photo Policies
Be mindful of photography rules, especially for events. Inquire beforehand to avoid issues.
🏊♀️ Historic Pool Access
Don't miss a swim in the unique indoor pool – a special feature of this historic club.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise the Berkeley City Club for its authentic vintage charm, stunning Julia Morgan architecture, and unique amenities like the historic pool. The suites are highly recommended for comfort, and the 24/7 coffee station is a thoughtful touch. However, some visitors have encountered issues with event management and photography policies, and the lack of air conditioning in rooms can be a drawback for some.
"I think the Berkeley City Club is a charming hotel—authentically vintage in good way.
My colleague and I stayed there for a full week during a conference at the nearby university. There’s a distinct scent of an old building, which I personally liked—it adds to the atmosphere. Everything feels authentic and is well run by a committed and thoughtful staff (some of whom seem to have been there for many years). The building itself is truly an architectural wonder.
We stayed in a large suite that felt like “my grandma’s house,” again in the good sense: cozy, quiet, with very comfortable beds, wonderful views, and a surprisingly high-quality shower room. I highly recommend booking one of the upgraded suites—they don’t cost much more and truly feel like an apartment you’re living in while staying in the city.
The breakfast is quite good. There’s no cooked-to-order egg selection, but they offer two kinds of quiche and boiled eggs, along with excellent pastries and the usual elements of a continental breakfast. The quiche—though excellent—can start to feel repetitive after a few days.
The hotel is located right next to the university, and it was easy to go down into town for dinners.
There’s no coffee machine in the room, but I really appreciated the extensive tea and coffee station on the first floor, open 24/7 free of charge. It was a pleasure to sit in the architecturally striking hallways on one of the vintage sofas, drinking coffee with my colleague and reflecting on the ideas we absorbed during the conference.
All in all, I think this is an excellent hotel. If true vintage character is your taste, you’ll almost certainly enjoy it as much as I did."
Roee Leder
"Classy place. The architecture is beautiful and there’s a lot going on like bridge! Centrally located in Berkeley right near campus. I stayed for a friends wedding and we had a lovely time. Staff was all very friendly and accommodating."
Cassie Smith
"For those who like the iconic Queen Anne Hotel in SF, well Berkeley has its own in the Berkeley City Club. Opened in 1930, the club has 35 rooms on three floors but also is a fully functioning club. The ambience and service were excellent and the bar area lively in the evening. No business center but plenty of areas to work or relax and read. Great location. Highly recommended. The extensive pictures below speak for themselves.."
Eric Sanne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Berkeley City Club is centrally located in Berkeley, California, right near the university. It's easily accessible by public transport, with BART stations nearby. Driving is also an option, though parking availability can vary.
Parking information can be limited. It's advisable to check with the club directly or look for nearby public parking garages.
Taking BART from San Francisco to Berkeley is a convenient option. From the BART station, you can take a short taxi or rideshare to the club.
While the building is historic, inquire directly with the club about specific accessibility features for guests with mobility concerns.
Yes, non-members can visit the club to dine at Julia's restaurant or stay as hotel guests.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need tickets to visit as a hotel guest or diner. However, for events or specific tours, booking in advance might be necessary.
The hotel operates 24/7 for guests. Julia's restaurant has specific dining hours, and it's best to check their schedule.
Yes, the Berkeley City Club functions as a hotel, and rooms can be booked directly through their website or booking platforms.
While not strictly enforced for hotel guests, a smart casual dress code is generally appreciated, especially for dining at Julia's restaurant.
While not always advertised, inquire with the club if any architectural tours or historical insights are offered, especially if you're interested in Julia Morgan's work.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The club is a stunning example of Julia Morgan's work, featuring a unique blend of Gothic and Moorish architectural styles, earning it the nickname 'Little Castle.'
Amenities include an indoor pool, a restaurant (Julia's), a 24/7 tea and coffee station, and beautifully designed common areas like the library and drawing room.
Some visitors have noted a 'haunted' or gothic atmosphere, contributing to its unique ambiance, though official reports of hauntings are anecdotal.
Guests can enjoy swimming in the historic pool, dining at Julia's, relaxing in the common areas, or simply soaking in the architectural beauty.
Yes, the Berkeley City Club is a popular venue for events and weddings, known for its striking aesthetics.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Julia's restaurant offers French-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. It's open to non-members for lunch and dinner.
Breakfast is generally included for hotel guests and typically features quiche, pastries, and continental options.
Yes, Julia's restaurant on the second floor is open to non-members, offering a chance to experience the club's ambiance.
It's best to check the Berkeley City Club's official website or call ahead for the most current dining hours for Julia's restaurant.
Absolutely! There's a 24/7 tea and coffee station available for guests in the first-floor lounge area.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can be strict, especially for events. Guests should inquire about specific rules to avoid issues.
The grand hallways, the library, the indoor pool area, and the exterior architecture are all highly photogenic. 
While guests are expected to be able to take photos, there have been reports of issues. It's crucial to confirm photo policies with the events manager beforehand.
As with most historic buildings and urban areas, drone photography is likely restricted. Always check local regulations.
The blend of Gothic and Moorish elements, intricate details, and the 'Little Castle' aesthetic provide a unique and dramatic backdrop for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit