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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Berkeley by IHG

Stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Berkeley by IHG with free breakfast, Wi-Fi, whirlpool tubs, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere near downtown Berkeley attractions.

1175 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 565 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced comfort with attentive service in a convenient location

Guests appreciate the clean, quiet rooms and welcoming staff, alongside complimentary breakfast and parking. Some note the neighborhood requires caution, with occasional maintenance hiccups, but overall the hotel provides solid value for visitors exploring Berkeley and the Bay Area.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, attentive, and accommodating staff who enhance the stay experience
  • Clean, quiet rooms that support restful nights and comfortable work-from-hotel stays
  • Complimentary breakfast regarded as above average for the brand, with a good variety
  • Free parking, which is uncommon and highly valued in the area
  • Convenient location within walking distance to local dining and public transport options

Worth knowing

  • The neighborhood can feel unsafe to some guests, especially for solo female travelers or families
  • Fitness center is small and may be cramped during peak times
  • Some guests experienced inconsistent housekeeping, including occasions where bedding was not changed
  • Occasional maintenance issues reported, such as air conditioning needing room changes
  • The hotel offers a straightforward, no-frills experience rather than luxury amenities

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a budget-friendly yet clean and quiet stay in Berkeley
  • Business travelers or remote workers wanting free Wi-Fi and convenient workspace options
  • LGBTQ+ friendly travelers looking for an inclusive environment
  • Guests planning to explore nearby attractions such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Travelers prioritizing free parking and complimentary breakfast to add value
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About this property

Welcome to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Berkeley by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Berkeley by IHG offers laid-back accommodations in an informal hotel setting that includes some rooms with whirlpool tubs. Guests can take advantage of amenities such as free breakfast and Wi-Fi, making it a practical choice for both short and extended stays. The property also functions as a conference center and wedding venue, providing versatile spaces for various occasions.

Located downtown at 1175 University Ave, the hotel is near fast-food spots and Ohlone Park, known for its sports facilities and dog-friendly area. While the neighborhood receives mixed feedback regarding safety, many visitors find the location convenient for exploring Berkeley and nearby attractions. Those looking to venture further can access San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge within reasonable travel times.

Guest reviews highlight a quiet environment with attentive and friendly staff, noting above-average breakfast quality compared to similar hotels. Issues such as occasional housekeeping oversights and a small fitness center have been mentioned, reflecting a straightforward, service-oriented property rather than a luxury stay. Free parking and helpful staff are consistently appreciated features.

The hotel is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes a diverse crowd. It suits business travelers, conference attendees, and visitors seeking a no-frills but comfortable and convenient base in the Berkeley area. Families or solo female travelers may want to consider the surrounding area's character when booking.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Business center
Kid-friendly
Fitness center
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

DA
Daniel A Apr 01, 2026
10

Stayed awhile, nearly 0 complaints, staff was fast to respond to needs and requests. Cleaning service sometimes didn't change the sheets or comforter. Fitness center was quite small, could only fit 3 cardio users and 1 person doing something else. Would stay again!

LR
La'Rone Reid Mar 29, 2026
10

Best experience I’ve ever had at a Holiday Inn Express hotel! Staff is very interpersonal and polite. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Breakfast is better than most hotels I’ve been to, and I travel quite a bit for work. Whenever in the Bay area this will always be my choice of stay!

G
Glen Mar 12, 2026
8.0

Decent place to stay. Most importantly, it was clean and had a good breakfast. My room (329) was at the end of the hallway and very quiet. The neighborhood is a little dicey but I felt safe enough walking around. I wouldn't suggest for families or females who are alone though. I'm not a fan of Berkeley and would not likely go back, but if I had to, this would be a decent place to stay.

AP
Andrew Peanuts Feb 21, 2026
10

We stayed here for a while and worked from home most of the time. We were initially worried the place would be loud near the street, but this was a super quiet place - much quieter than we expected (or typically get from hotels). All the staff were lovely and very accommodating, and Kirill was especially nice and went above and beyond for us.

JC
Jarred Capellman Feb 18, 2026
10

Stayed here twice now and will definitely stay here any time I am in the area. The staff had always been exceptionally friendly, even when we check in at 1am due to a late flight. The rooms are spacious and quiet to get a good night's rest. The breakfast is above the usual Holiday Inn Express quality level. Ample parking even getting in late. And lastly a great location to simply walk everywhere. There's so much to do within a 2 mile radius of the hotel, perfect to walk off dinner and enjoy the area.

LT
Lisa Thomas Jan 31, 2026
10

The reception staff are so friendly and kind. Also the morning breakfast staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

DJ
Dana JAMES Jan 09, 2026
8.0

Location is iffy period but there is a security guard at riding around. I had to change my rooms three times because of the ac. But i'm due for another visit that way , and i'm using the saying hotel. My complaints are not that big that I won't go back.

EC
Ellen Collins Dec 31, 2025
10

Our second week-long stay here and it won't be our last. FREE parking (other places charge up to 60 bucks a night to park), FREE breakfast (eggs, yogurt, pastries, etc.), good location, large newly remodeled room with fridge, microwave, great water pressure in shower, daily housekeeping, fresh baked cookies each night, and a small fitness gym on property. Truly everything you need. Best part of the stay is the exceptional staff. From Luis the manager, to the friendly housekeeping staff and Yana at the front desk, we were treated like family each day. This place is not the fanciest choice in town, but if you want excellent hospitality and an unbeatable value, this is it.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Holiday Inn Express & Suites Berkeley by IHG

Berkeley, California

Downtown area with fast-food spots & Ohlone Park with its sports facilities & dog-friendly section.

  • Berkeley 14 min Walk
  • Emeryville 53 min Walk
  • North Berkeley 16 min Walk
  • San Francisco International Airport 31 min Car · 1 hr 26 Transit
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport 55 min Car · 1 hr 41 Transit
  • Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport 22 min Car · 57 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Alcatraz Island 44,411 reviews

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

4.7 · Historical Place
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 16,398 reviews

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States

4.6 · Modern Art Museum
Golden Gate Bridge 85,478 reviews

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA, United States

4.8 · Bridge
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