The motel seems like they are trying to improve their overall image through exterior/interior renovations but still has a very long way to go. Staff was OK, the lady at the front desk questioned me in a very stern/mother-like tone as if I was lying or had something to hide, but at least she spoke fluent English (you'd be surprised how many motel employees can't speak or understand English!)
The lobby was just recently opened, you can still even smell the paint! :) However no furniture, breakfast or coffee was available but I can imagine they'll be adding those features soon.
The room was mediocre at best, lacks some modern amenities such as ac, HDTV, electric locks, iron & hair dryer. They do have WiFi and microwave fridge though so that was a plus. I inspected the room upon check in and found a relatively clean room, well, relatively clean to motel standards. The room did have a faint moldy odor that wasn't pleasing.
The bathroom was congested, dated, and extremely basic, definitely not the same as the pictures I found on an online booking website. Shower was clean at first glance but when I looked closely you can see a ton of grime and dirt building up in the hard to clean areas.
Towels were your standard sand paper like motel towels but having traveled so much I knew better and brought my own towels.
Bed was OK, pillows were not too great, the mattress was good, the bedding/linens were very thin and dated, found 1 hair under the pillow.
The TV was so frustrating, I'm pretty good with electronics and such but their remote/set top box/TV could use some serious upgrading. Very basic channels, my favorite ones were all unavailable.
The location was probably the worst thing about this motel, it is in a pretty rough area and is barely visible when exiting university avenue off interstate 80. There's very few places to enjoy a good meal without walking at least a mile or so and the homeless population is rather large in west Berkeley.
The rate was decent, I think I would come back if the motel was to upgrade some key areas but as it is today I think my 95$ can get me more at other motels/hotels. I'd recommend this place to a solo traveler looking for a room at the last minute, but not to couples or families. read more