The Marina Inn is a nice, clean, affordable place to stay. I was in Berkeley for a night and just needed a place to sleep; it was perfect. Although the rooms are "smaller" than the average hotel room, they have everything you need: TV, mini fridge, microwave, desk, plenty of closet space, comfortable bed. The room was clean and cozy, and the front desk staff member was very friendly. I really enjoyed my stay and will stay again if I return to Berkeley. read more

The one great thing is the desk clerk but here are the facts. No air conditioning, just a circulating fan, no bar soaps, 1/2 box of cheap tissue, the bedroom floor if filthy, maid service is only every 3 days, (not the motel's fault) but the street noise serious, muscle cars and motor cycles roaring down the street and the shower either freezes you out or blasts burning hot water depending on who else is using the water, flushing the toilet, who knows but it was a challenge I won't repeat. Again, the desk clerk offered to give me fresh towels when I told her I didn't receive maid service and upon checking in offered me a tooth brush and paste which she said she gives out when guests leave them behind. read more

Better than expected! I expected a dingy dive that wasn't quite clean, noisy and with dodgy characters. It was actually decent. Typical outdated bed linens, but other than that, everything was up to scratch. Microwave and fridge. Really clean bathroom. All the cars in the parking lot were new. And parking was FREE!! :D read more

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We came to Berkeley to pick up our son from summer school. We usually book an Airbnb but this time we needed a place to stay for only one night. We got across this little hotel, MARINA INN, and got pleasantly impressed with it. The room was clean and included a mini fridge, microwave, and a coffee maker. It had a small but clean restroom. Checking in and out was easy and fast and the staff were friendly. It's a very good option and we highly recommend it! read more

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Don't recommend especially if a person of color lady at front give the 3rd degree to people of color very disrespectful very racist, no shampoo, soap or lotion I mean she literally talk to you like you're nobody I canceled my reservation went to a different inn paid more but slept comfortable 00000 star read more

I'm a little conflicted about this place, but I guess for the price, 4-stars it is... The workers were exceptional and very friendly but I guess I was wanting a little more luxury, which this isn't. It did have a microwave, mini fridge, and FREE PARKING! I might recommend a room on the top floor to get away from some of the noise. And I wish there was a way to have some light without someone being able to peek in. Alas, this is a motel... It was clean and the bed was comfortable. Our room was a little musty but it was rainy the week we visited. Super location with everything close by! read more

Great value - no onsite amenities or air conditioning but the rooms are clean and quiet

No Air-conditioner made room sweltering. Satellite Tv non functional Toilet, extra small, bed was very firm, one small uncomfortable chair Pros: cheap, free semi secured parking. $10 Uber to Greek theater, cool feral kitties late at night, fridge and microwave. way too hot to have sexy time and unless you wanted a full view into your room opening the window didn't help with the air. read more

Not much to look at from the outside, however the room itself was pristinely clean. It's a very small room and has a very small bathroom (I'm a pretty small person, and I found the shower pretty tight). However, the price cannot be beat, the location is central to lots of things in Berkeley especially if you're attending a show/concert. The neighborhood is as decent as it can be in an ultra urban environment. Some noise from the train, and the plumbing is a little noisy although did not bother me personally. The concierge/hospitality was A+. I'd say if you're just looking for a place to crash (like me), this is a great choice. read more

Very clean, friendly staff and with ALL the amenities necessary for pleasant and comfortable stay.

This is a sweet little gem in downtown Berkeley. Clean, completely adaquate, with everything you need. Microwave, fridge, abundant hot water, decent beds. Close to great restaurants, dog friendly park( Aquatic Center). Typical old Berkeley neighbor hoods, that are nice to walk around in. I feel completely safe walking around at night ( definitely with my German Shepard!). But fine without the canine backup. Owner and housekeepers are super nice. Good price, FREE parking in a good size parking area, set back from the main Street. I love it that the owners don't jack up the prices on the weekend or when every other hotel is booked when there are events in the Bay area. DoubleTree Berkeley Marina TAKE Note- I love ya, but you totally suck when you do this!! And other hotels that extort prices when availably is limited. Anyway, this hotel will be my go- to when I stay in Berkeley. read more

, , , they really make you feel welcome care moon at the French front desk was exceptionally nice the rooms are clean I definitely will come here again., , , , , , , , , the lady at the front desk clerk should give classes on how to treat people cuz she was exceptionally nice read more

WOW!!! this is a sleeper. The room I had was brand new and newly remodeled from shower, to mattress, to furniture to a/c unit. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat. Handy to everything in Berkley and right on University St. Safe, quiet and clean...................and reasonably priced. WHAT more can you ask for? read more

We booked this room in May for August. My son is an incoming Freshman at Berkeley and we needed a place to stay the day before move-in. This place was great in price as the other hotels had already doubled their prices due to the move in for the students. It was also not too far from the school and close to a lot of eateries, etc. The first thing we noticed was there was a fan in the room. We could not find the AC. We asked the front desk and were told that the rooms do not have AC. She suggested we open the windows. That's not the best area so I'm not sure if that would be my solution to the customers. If it wasn't for the fact that it was low 60's I don't think the stay would have been bearable. The bathrooms are extremely small. The entire room is really small. The staff was friendly and I liked the fact they did clean the rooms the next day without us having to ask. I read another reviewer say (if you have standards don't stay here.) Get over yourself! You knew it was 3 star place when you booked. It's not the best place to stay but I didn't feel scared. Berkeley is overpopulated with transients and homeless people and yet there is this beautiful university in the middle of it. Kids walk around all day without a care in the world. I like the fact they aren't affected by this and they are there to attend school and get an education. read more

Not bad! I stayed one night. Customer service was great! We had some minor issues with the room and they were quick to help to resolve them. Rooms are nice and newly remodeled. They were still doing renovations when I was there actually. I personally did not have issues with the wifi after connecting. It works fine! Having DISH satellite was also a plus. Pleasant experience overall. read more

Lovely people very friendly staff I loved the way Christian and mike took care of me and helped me with my stay Although they were all booked and busy but still they managed to give me the best deal and room The rooms are clean and Newley remodeled and the bathroom and shower area is all clean and brand new and the place is runned by a very nice family The wifi works very good the TV has a lot of premium channels and HD movie channels And the location is close to everywhere So if you're in Berkeley this place is great read more

Decent place to stay for budget while visiting Berkley UC, rooms are clean but like others have said no Air conditioning. Lots of parking spot with security cameras. read more

The motel was clean, and simple. It provided a nice place to stay at reasonable rates. We felt safe in a nice location. I gave the Marina Inn 5 stars because of the staff treatment. I left a personally valuable sweatshirt in the room. The wonderful staff kept it safe and mailed it back to me. The extra care given to make our weekend great has left me as a long term rental. read more

I spent 3 weeks around Christmas 2015/2016 at Marina Inn. I'm travelling a lot around and I never found a place like this! Pro: - very, very clean! - room has been cleaned each day - really friendly and helpful staff - especially the manager, Christy, was all day available and helpful - Cosy furniture (old style), like it! - good quality TV - excellent WiFi - safe and clean environment - close to important locations: marina, UC, downtown, busses, Bart station - good restaurants around - really good price for the service Con: - *nothing* Best place to stay at Berkeley! thank you! read more

For the price, this place was awesome. I stayed here while I apartment searched in the area and after rolling in at 2am from a 15 hour car ride looking like trash, the nice lady at the front was nothing but polite and respectful. She let me know they could be flexible with my stay and there were no issues with the lobby. The lady up front was quite nice and respectful. As far as the room, it was great! Clean, the bed was comfy, the towels were replaced daily. There was a fan in the room rather than an AC unit but in honesty, it's all that's necessary. The hotel is right by the water so there's a breeze anyway if any of the windows are left open. The area was nice and there were some cool spots to check out around Berkley. I would recommend this place to any friends traveling through. read more

For a ~2 star hotel, this place is exceptional. First off, the customer service is out of this world. The front office lady was extremely accommodating and welcoming, really makes you feel like family. My car unfortunately broke down and I had to stay another night on short notice, she immediately welcomed me back with a choice of the same room or a new one, on top of a discount. The rooms are very clean, simple, and cozy, expected in the fashion of a ~2 star hotel. No complaints at all. If you're visiting Berkeley, give them a shot. They won't disappoint. read more

I don't know what to think of the place, because the lady at the front desk was very nice and polite, as well as the rooms. However, I was given 108 at 1st, it was perfect 1st floor, smelled great upon walking in, tiny bathroom but it's the price you pay for. I lay down, and I kept smelling something musty and I truly thought it was me. The bed on one side smelled of piss, on all the layers of the covers and the bed. Disgusting. The lady at the front desk apologized sincerely for it and switched me rooms. 115, now I'm on the second floor. I open the door, room looks great again! The catch, it smelled like something was rotting and I walked to the window from the restroom and the garbage is right there! I know they have no control of that, because the garbage is from a different property, but it made the room smell! I had to close the window, turn the AC on, and leave the front door open to let the stench air out for a good 5-10mins. I already am feeling sick and just want to lay down and rest but going through all this just made me feel sicker. I do believe they try to make a good stay, and maybe the bed was something that was amiss, the garbage is out of their control but could've at least left the window close cause it was cracked open letting in the stink. This is just the beginning of my stay, and I hope the two days I paid for will be worth what it is. read more

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Umm, I'm not sure about the other people that raved about this place. But I have standards and this place does not even come close. I went off some reviews that it looks bad on outside but is great inside, such a load of crap! Especially for the price!! Please pay the extra $60 for a 4 star place. Unless you like, no air conditioning, sketchy unsafe area, lobby is a shack, tiny bathroom, loud, no eateries around even if u wanted to walk out and deal with trash, the stink and looking over your shoulder constantly. Never ever again!! Christy I'd nice, but she kind of has to be considering what a dive place it is. Clean room ..yes But that's about it! read more

I was looking for a reasonably priced hotel for a week's stay in Berkeley and saw positive reviews for this Inn at several locations, almost all mentioning, in particular, cleanliness and niceness of staff. I was not disappointed--you cannot beat Marina Inn for this pricepoint. The rooms are incredibly clean and fresh, the staff are delightful, and the parking is free! read more

The area is EXTREMLY dangerous! Don't leave your room. All the businesses including this motel have security screens on their registers so they don't get robbed! The room smelled clean, the sheets and general cleanliness of the room was good. No bed bugs no mold. However it is ghetto. The wallpaper is falling off the walls in the bathroom. There is a very clear leaking soft spot on the ceiling. The shower gives you spurts of extreme cold then extreme hot while you're showering. Our electricity went out twice in our room and we had to walk to the front desk to turn it on. The air conditioner and heater DONT WORK so they give you a tiny plug in space heater and a small fan! We'll never stay here again for $100! read more

Though it certainly is not a five-star accommodation, the Marina Inn is on the up-and-up with their new ownership. After dodging several construction workers and freshly painted exterior surfaces, the owner assisted us upon check-in, telling us they were working hard to make this place come back to life. It's quite clear they were doing a good job. Room was very clean, bathroom was small but worked just fine. Centrally located, quiet and has a very cool balcony overlooking University Ave from the 2nd floor fascia. Great hotel if you're on a budget or making a quick overnight stay in the area. I'd recommend it to just about anyone! read more

This was one of the worst experiences I have ever had in a Hotel and I stay in A LOT of hotels. My expectations were low because of where it is.I had no idea. I could get over the moldy smell in the room and the comforter that has never been washed but the room had NO AIR CONDITIONING! That's right, NO AIR CONDITIONING!! In California! In September! It was 80 degrees outside and the room faced the west. Yes, the direction the sun goes down! It was unbearable to be in that room.I had to leave after 3 hours and get a room elsewhere that had air conditioning. They had one portable fan and a portable heater so I doubt the wall heater worked either. I called the front desk and told them I couldn't stay in that room. They said I had been there too long and wouldn't give me a refund. I left anyway. read more

We stayed at the Marina inn for the UC Berkeley graduation. This place is an older two story motel and the room rates we're very fair. No elevator. The room was very clean with the necessities you need for a stay. Big flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The family that runs the place is the best. Very courteous and very accommodating. My sister originally booked the room as a single but when I decided to stay in the room on the last night, they changed the room from a single king sized bed to two queens to accomodate us. Parking was free and the location was right on the busline so really convenient. I would definitely stay here again. read more

A budget hotel best for short stays. Stayed two nights February 2014 at $84/night total. PROS 1) Budget price for Berkeley motels: $84/night 2) Located on major street, University Ave near freeway and restaurants. 3) Comfortable bed and marginally clean room with refrigerator and microwave 4) Manager friendly, at least to a senior couple. 5) Secure parking. CONS 1) Room not cleaned or made up at 3pm arrival and not completed until 2 hours later. 2) Motel located on a noisy street University Avenue 3) No wireless. Advertised as in the lobby but lobby was not accessible by guests. 4) Could not get TV to work, although it is a large size. 5) Room had only one table lamp by bed so reading difficult. 6) Maid did not clean or make up room for second night stay 7) Most rooms on second floor walkup. Ground floor rooms not available. read more

Very clean, modern updating in rooms despite dumpy exterior. It was clean, safe, and comfortable. You get what you paid for and this is definitely that...the only complaint I have is that the internet is SO FREAKING SLOW OMG. read more

I needed a room on short notice in this area. The reviews looked good and the price was right, so I checked it out. Pleasantly surprised! The upstairs room was clean and updated. The lady at the desk was very nice. We were in the middle of a heat wave and she warned me there was no air conditioner in the room, just a fan. So I left the bathroom window open and by the time I got back to the room at 9:30, it was fine. People addicted to AC should probably stay somewhere else if the weather is hot -- please don't take your personal problems out on the nice people here. read more

I give four stars... Not because it is a four star hotel...I'm basing it on other like "motels". Sheessshh...some stupid people posting thinking their going to find a 4-Star hotel at a motel price. Do they even stop to think why they call it a motel? Motor + Hotel = Motel. The idea of a motel was originally thought of for people that were traveling in their motor vehicles needing a place to stay overnight while they were traveling. So they really didn't need all the amenities of a regular hotel... Just some place to crash for the night. Okay this older motel has been recently renovated inside The bed is plenty comfortable, microwave, small refrigerator, small coffee maker, large screen TV, Wi-Fi, alarm clock with big numbers on it, desk, dresser, two nightstands. Bathroom was a bit small, but it had all new shower, toilet and sink and very clean..but they need to add some hooks to hang cloths. This is not one of those higher standard newer crossover motels that have a continental breakfast and lobby with a few couches if that's what your looking for. Pulling into the parking lot had diagonal parking. The problem is the continuing drive-through exit was blocked by a chain-link fence. I'm guessing they put that there to make the property a little more secure forcing anyone getting on the property to come through the main entrance. So it makes it a little more difficult to turn around, but I managed to do it with my suburban. This is more of a traditional "motor hotel" of years gone by. If I was traveling through Berkeley again for an overnight stop...for the price, I would stay here again. I booked this on (using for the first time) booking.com. read more

IM ONLY GIVING THIS ONE STAR BECAUSE THERE ISNT A OPTION FOR NO STAR!!! When we got to our room we were only given one bed, even tho we had our two children in the room. If we wanted two bed we would have to pay a extra $100. And to top it off the AC didn't work when we asked them if we could have a different room we were told that there wasn't any other rooms available. If we wanted another room they had a up grade available for a extra $100. Since this is the first time hearing about this there was nothing they can do!!! So we asked for a refund. They wouldn't give us a refund. So we got to sleep in a room with one bed and no AC!!!!! HORIBLE HORIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!! read more

Stayed in room 116 on Saturday. Good location, nice clean room. Woke up in middle of the night and there were ants all over the bathroom counter. Crawling up the wall to a small hole in ceiling. Yuk...no one at front desk in morning to report problem. read more

I booked this room via Priceline.com, and after completing my booking, attempted to call the hotel via the number provided on my itinerary. The phone rang & rang until finally the call disconnected. There was no automated prompt to let me know that I actually reached the hotel, only line disconnections after multiple rings on the line. This happened 7 OR 8 TIMES! Also note, that I DID NOT want to cancel the booking, I only wanted to confirm that this hotel actually existed before travelling to the location and having an issue. After not being able to reach the hotel, and after not being able to get through to Booking.com(how'd they get involved if Priceline is who I"m paying??), my wife & I gave up and had to couch crash with a friend like a couple of teenagers. The next day, I awake to a $99 cancellation fee. I call Booking.com to explain the issue, and they are not sympathetic at all, showing zero empathy or even apologizing for said issue. The rep from Booking.com tried to finally contact the hotel, which he was successful in, and returns to the line to tell me that the hotel would have refunded the funds had I tried to call and contact them(angry-face now, because I DID LIKE 8 TIMES!), and then proceeds to ask me why I never went to the hotel, and starts questioning me like I did something wrong. After not being helped or even understood by Booking.com, I try the hotel and speak with the mgr 'Christy', who was a real piece of work. I explain that I never wanted to cancel the room, only contact the hotel before lugging my luggage and wife over to Berkeley. What followed was accusation after accusation about my 'failing to read the cancellation policy(remember, I didn't want to cancel), and how I 'should've known they were a real & functioning business', and that 'the phones worked all the time(not when I called 8 times on a Sunday even at 5pm)', and that 'I was at fault for holding up a room for other potential clients.' She never addressed my issues, never showed empathy at the interruption of our vacation this lack of communication caused, and never(I mean ever) said 'we're sorry', She even threw in my face that they would be keeping my $99 because I was at fault. I was, and still am, shocked at the level of rudeness 'Christy' showed to me over the phone. Not only was that one of the worst experiences I've had during travelling(to a hotel I've never even seen in person, mind you), but on a human-level, I was shocked at how mean-spirited everyone was. I NEEDED that $100, and I definitely didn't need to get the $35 in overdraft fees I received either. I travel very often, and would like to think that I could at least state my honest case with a company and get some form of empathy and understanding. FAIL. MAJOR FAIR, read more

Very budget accommodations at a hefty Berkeley price. :/. They include shampoo and soap. Also our next door neighbour kept smoking outside his room and it would waft right into our room. But staff was nice. This was only a 1 night stay during a road trip up the west coast. Would give higher rating if price was slightly better. Oh and the bathroom/shower was nothing like the picture posted on this yelp page. read more

First of all, I want to say that some of the other reviewers obviously have no idea what a dangerous area looks like. This location is far from dangerous. I'd like to hear what they would say about certain parts of Richmond or Oakland lol As for the actual motel, it's right off the freeway and was at a good price. The room was clean and the bed was comfortable. I give it 4 starts because the shower could be a little cleaner. The only reason we stayed here was for the shower since ours is being remodeled read more

This hotel is an amazing discovery. My room was immaculate and furnished perfectly. It had obviously been recently remodeled and everything had a fresh, polished look to it. There was a comfortable king sized bed, a desk and chairs, large flat screen tv, and nightstands with ample electrical plugins. The bathroom is stylish with a curved glass stand up shower. It has an ample parking lot, and views of the lot from each of the rooms, which is nice if you want to check on your vehicle. The location is perfect for stays in the Bay Area, as it is next to the major freeways and right on University Ave., a major Berkeley thoroughfare. The aura of the hotel is peaceful and quiet; it is recessed back from the street and feels like you have found a restful crevice. The staff on site were professional, polite, and knowledgeable. I accidentally left a tablet computer in my room, and was pleasantly surprised when I called the next day and spoke with Christy at the front desk. Housekeeping had turned in my computer, she was in possession of it, and she quickly agreed to mail it back to me! This was an incredible relief and quite different from what I was expecting when I realized I had left it behind. My thanks to Christy and all the staff at Marina Inn for helping me feel like a valued and important traveler. I will stay here again every time I visit the Bay Area, and will recommend them to all my friends and family. Thank you! read more

We chose Marina Inn at the last minute and we were postively surprised. The room was super clean, the bed was king size. Bathroom clean as well with some shower supplies. The manager was super friendly and let us leave our luggage in the lobby while we were visiting during the day. Maybe a few cons: we could not find the heater and the furniture is a bit outdated but clearly good value for money! read more

The hotel is clean and everything would be fine if not for one thing - someone replaced my phone charger that I left in the room with the old broken one. That made me feel very unsafe and upset! Beware, watch your belongings if you go there. read more