Claremont Resort & Club
Berkeley, California
Claremont Hills
Vibe
Berkeley academics and visiting families share the lobby of a white, castlelike landmark set against the green Berkeley Hills.
“Tennis court castle”
More than 75 weekly classes complement dedicated Pilates and cycling studios, saunas and red light towers.
A 22-acre estate combines three saline pools, eight tennis courts and guided Saturday hikes.
The landmark 1915 hotel preserves original veranda columns and a railway alignment between tennis courts.
Above Domingo Avenue’s neighborhood shops, with Berkeley’s campus and Rockridge a short ride away.
“Set in the Berkeley Hills, just a mile from the University of California campus, the Claremont Club & Spa is a grand century-old landmark...”
Rooms
Tufted headboards, down comforters and neutral wallpaper give the bedrooms a traditional softness, while modernized bathrooms shift the mood.
“A striking white landmark hotel built in 1915. Set against the green Berkeley Hills, it looks like a castle.”
Wellness
Three heated outdoor saline pools welcome guests and Club members, while Club locker rooms contain dry saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools.
Backstory
Before the hotel, this hillside held an English-inspired, turreted family home that burned down in 1901.
Eat & drink
Limewood Bar & Restaurant pairs California cuisine with Americana influences and a hillside terrace, while East Bay Provisions serves coffee, pastries and sandwiches.
The neighborhood
Domingo Avenue’s neighborhood shops sit just below the estate, with Berkeley’s campus and Rockridge a short ride away.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.