Having read some of the negative reviews, I had fairly low expectations for the Claremont. I echo the complaints about being nickeled and dimed. Twenty-four dollars for uncovered parking in a suburban area is excessive, and I still have no idea what the $20 "resort fee" was for. The total bill was $260 for a double, which struck me as a little much, even for the Bay Area.

The property itself is a mixed bag. Parts of the building have a Depression-era WPA feel, and my room looked out on all the rather unattractive air conditioning infrastructure. That being said, I like "grand" old hotels, and I happily trade some modernity for character. I am not sure how the shi-shi lounge off the main lobby fits into this retro style, but the property is generally quite atmospheric. And if the weather is clear and you can see to San Francisco and the Golden Gate, the view is fantastic. Although the bathroom was a bit out of date, the room was spacious, well-appointed, and comfortable.

So I would give the Claremont a lukewarm recommendation, as long as you know what you are getting into. The Hotel del Coronado this is not, but I think it is not quite as bad as some of the other reviewers make it out to be.

I hadn't stayed at the Claremont since the Schnitzers owned the property. I returned because my child was going to Berkeley and I had such fond memories of this grand old place. Thankfully, the gardens and view are still gorgeous but the rest of it is . . . well, it's just sad. Waaaay overpriced and as someone said in another review -- you're nickel and dimed to death. The rooms and hallways are musty and smell like no one has opened a window in years; the floors and ceilings creak; the furniture is heavy; circa 1950's. I've stayed at the Claremont probably 6-8 times in the past year, always hoping that maybe the next room will be less shabby. But no, I've been on many different floors from the spa level to higher up and they are all the same. The staff is . . . well, they seem to have a lot of turn-over. I am really sad about all this . . . sad enough to have written a review that I hope is seen by management. I think they realize that there are few alternatives in the area -- you have dicey places in Oakland and Emeryville, and then nothing with any level of charm or character unless you're willing to endure the hassle of driving into San Francisco. The view from the terrace at the Paragon is truly awesome but maybe the best plan is to eat/drink there and avoid the exorbitant resort/parking fees and depressing rooms.

Very uninspiring. We checked in late Sunday after a horrendous drive over the siskyous. The clerk was cold and robotic. The room was fine but nothing special. Attempted to order beverages on room service menu and the first two items we requested were unavailable.
On awakening the next day we threw open the curtains to a lovely view of the physical plant. Housekeeping was fair. The club fee is outrageous. The parking cost is outrageous.

The night before we traveled to Oakland we stayed in Ashland at the Ashland Springs Hotel. We were given a similar room and bath along with free parking, free movie tickets (went to see Juno) and a thirty dollar coupon for dining. This cost $99. Alright, Ashland isn't Berkeley but the Claremont is absurdly overpriced.

I stayed at the Claremont on Dec. 28th for one night. A relative was having a party. I have stayed in super-posh hotels and budget ones. After looking at the hotel's website I was really looking forward to a posh-pampered room. The lobby was decorated beautifully for Christmas. The check-in staff were incredibly professional. The room was nicely decorated, but then I went into the bathroom and saw an "industrial" toilet, and a motel-6 like shower. A week before this trip, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express at Universal City LA, and the holiday inn had a nicer bathroom! Also, the Holiday Inn offered complimentary bottled water and snacks (cookies and chocolates)...whereas the Claremont charges $6 for a bottle of Aquafina and charges for the standard snacks. Then there was the $24 parking charge. If they are so desparate for money, inlcude the $24 in the room rate! Luckily, we didn't have to pay the full price for the room, it was discounted for the party. Overall, I was not impressed.