We've stayed at the Brown Shingle every time we go to Berkeley and absolutely love it. We have our favorite room with an incredible view. Helen is a wonderful hostess and I now can consider her a friend. We're going back there later this month and can't wait!

Sadly we couldn't recommend this establishment. We arrived to find a nice house which was not being cared for enough. On inspecting our bed there were dirty sheets with many insect parts. The pillows smelt badly. The general impression inside and out was of neglect. The place did not smell good. We had been asked to pay in advance and... More

This is a comfortable, welcoming home rather than a motel, in a pleasant area that is full of good restaurants. The location of the house is wonderful, giving great views over the Bay. It is a good base for exploring San Francisco as the Bart station is only a mile away with good parking and rapid access into the city.... More

If you want air conditioning, flat screen TV and thermostatically controlled showers, this is not for you. If you want a real home, a great view and superb service, then pay a visit to Helen. She could not have been more helpful. For example I want to do some sightseeing so I followed her down in the car to the... More

Hostess was very friendly and helpful with suggestions for sights to see, maps etc. She even stayed up late in the evening to greet us when our plane was delayed three hours arriving after 11 pm. Location is great for visiting the University; walk to the football stadium. Always found street parking available.

Clutter and junk everywhere - even the dog needed a bath! We paid a good deal of money and would have liked a clean, uncluttered environment. It was too late to find another place. We loved the view. That is the only positive thing I can say!

The yard was strewn with junk as was the house. It stunk- we could barely stand the smell. We aired out our room and bought candles to make it bearable. The shower barely worked and the room was so dusty we didn't want to breathe. tried to eat one breakfast but couldn't get past the grime. It is an insult... More

Sick of the slick Victorian dollhouses that usually pass themselves off as "bed and breakfast inns"? The Brown Shingle is somebody's real house, stuffed to the rafters with 45 years of living there. Homey and comfortable like your real grandma's house, not that prissy theme park imitation. Our room was clean, if cluttered, and had a stunning view of the... More

What a great place to stay! It was as if I were in the home of a relative from my parents' genertion and I was treated as such with kind, friendly and courteous attention from the proprietor. The vistas were INCREDIBLE, natural and architectural. I was given a spacious and well-equiped room, a comfortable bed, a clean bathroom with lots... More