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Meaning the building is settling- we had a nice suite with a view, but you could have rolled a ball from one side to the other without pushing it- the whole place slanted! We slept with our heads at the foot of the bed so we'd be level...
Anyway. the location was a GREAT place to watch 4th of july fireworks which launch from the marina- not crowded at all. There was a festival in the marina for all ages during the day. And we made our reservation just a couple days in advance.
Breakfast buffet was good, but the lunch and dinner buffet were just so -so.
Go to the pool after noon (when most folks check out) if you want it quieter for younger kids.
The Doubletree by Hilton Berkeley Marina is a short pleasant drive from downtown Berkeley and the UC Berkeley campus. This kid friendly hotel overlooks the San Francisco Bay, and the glorious Berkeley Marina. While waiting in line to check into my room, a friendly staff person handed me a warm gooey chocolate chip cookie which was promptly devoured by my son (age 2).
ROOMS:
I had two queen beds and a balcony with a breathtaking view of the San Francisco Bay. I couldn’t have asked for a prettier or more comfortable bed. The modern looking beds were dressed with layers of soft sheets and a crisp white down comforter. A pillow inscribed with the words “Sweet Dreams” gave each bed an inviting and cozy look. The hotel also provides Pack n Play’s at no charge.
My private balcony was spacious enough for two adults to sit comfortably and enjoy perfect bay views.
My bathroom was clean and I was happy to see the room was well stocked with Kleenex since my son was coming down with a cold. Electrical outlets were easy to find and reach for charging my cell phone. At no point during my stay did I hear noise from any of the other rooms which gave me hope that maybe other rooms couldn’t hear the ruckus my son was making. I felt safe in and around the hotel at all times.
POOL:
The indoor family pool is heated and enclosed in a glass room with plenty of seating for parents all around it. Because there’s not a large shallow area or a lifeguard, I feel this pool is best suited for preadolescents and indeed it was always busy with young kids laughing and frolicking around. The hours of operation are 6am to 11pm.
There is also a separate adults only spa pool that is accessible via the modern fitness center.
DINING OPTIONS:
The waterfront Bay Grille features California cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I enjoyed the convenience of a restaurant close to my room. The scenic Bay Grille is also the perfect setting to enjoy the lavish breakfast buffet on Sunday morning.
Bay Lounge: The waterfront Hotel lounge serves both lunch and dinner and features a fireplace and televisions and is located on the Marina. The bar at the Bay Lounge looks really fun, and the bartender was kind enough to open a bottle of wine that I had purchased earlier. The new outdoor patio/dining area located waterfront (off of the Bay Lounge) is an oasis of relaxation.
CONVENIENCES FOR FAMILIES
The value priced hotel offers complimentary high speed internet access and an ATM available to guests in the lobby. The business center also has free wifi and a complimentary printer.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina is a great value for families. Parents will appreciate the pools, the amazing Marina eye candy, and the great restaurants. I highly recommend the DoubleTree for family trips to Berkeley.
What I loved:
• The picturesque Marina!
• Lavish Sunday breakfast buffet at The Waterfront Bay Grille.
• The breathtaking view of the San Francisco Bay from my balcony.
• Beds are modern looking and ultra comfortable.
• Welcoming and gracious hotel staff with excellent customer service.
• Luxury fitness center with its own pool separate from the hotel’s other family pool. Hours of Operation are 5am to 11pm.
• At check in I was given The Official Visitors Guide of Berkeley (VisitBerkeley.com) as a resource to plan my stay. Loved it! Super helpful.
What I didn’t love:
• DVD players, microwaves, and refrigerators are not standard room amenities but you can request any of these items for your room for an additional charge of $15 per day.
• Two adults and two strollers can’t comfortably fit in the elevator all at once. Separate elevator rides are required.
This review is based on a discounted stay at The Doubletree by Hilton Berkeley Marina in Berkeley, CA. I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and the hotel did not express any requirements that I express a particular point of view.
I stayed here with my mom and two little ones for a night to visit my sis in Berkeley. I have to say, even though inconvenient renovations were being done, the rooms were clean and updated, and we had a nice Marina view! The kids loved it, and I did not mind the foghorn many speak of. Was kind of cool to hear in the night. You are kind of removed from the main strip of restaurants and shops in Emeryville (not walking distance) but the restaurant downstairs was very tasty and reasonable, and accomodated my kids nicely. I love the promenade shops in Emeryville (Bay St) and Ikea, so it was a nice, clean, safe location for me and my family. Plus, I got it for $60 on Priceline!
A big hotel conveniently
located to the entire Bay Area.
Each room has a balcony or patio. Two
indoor pools, fitness center, guest laundry,
free shuttle to BART, restaurant.
Location.
Close to Berkeley Marina, this Berkeley hotel is situated near the
bay. Additional attractions include University of California
Berkeley.
Features.
Dining options at Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
Berkeley Marina include a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service
is available during limited hours. Recreational amenities include 2
indoor swimming pools. Also located on site are a children's pool,
a health club, a spa tub, a sauna, and a fitness facility. This 3.5
star property has a business center and offers meeting rooms for
small groups, audio visual equipment, and business services. High
speed Internet access is available in public areas. This Berkeley
property has 7800 square feet of event space consisting of banquet
facilities, conference rooms, and a ballroom. Guest parking is
complimentary. Additional property amenities include a marina,
multilingual staff, and gift shops/newsstands. This is a smoke free
property.
Guestrooms.
There are 378 guestrooms at Doubletree Hotel & Executive
Meeting Center Berkeley Marina. Bathrooms feature complimentary
toiletries and hair dryers. In addition to complimentary weekday
newspapers, guestrooms offer multi line phones with voice mail.
Televisions have premium cable channels and pay movies. Air
conditioned rooms also include desks, coffee/tea makers, welcome
amenities, and electronic/magnetic keys. Housekeeping is offered
and guests may request wake up calls. Cribs (infant beds) and
rollaway beds are available on request. Guestrooms are all non
smoking.
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