Holiday Inn Express Berkeley by IHG
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Holiday Inn Express Berkeley by IHG is worth booking if you want the top guest score in our Berkeley sample at the lowest price of our three picks. It suits university visitors with a car; if you want to walk to campus, note that Sather Tower is a 36-minute walk.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is our Budget choice in Berkeley, though budget here is relative. It has 3 stars and a guest score of 9.0 out of 10 from 295 reviews, joint 1st of the 6 properties we compared.
It suits families and parents visiting the university, especially if they drive. The property lists free parking, a gym, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk. Breakfast gets strong reviews.
Skip it if you want to walk everywhere. The main campus landmarks are over 30 minutes away on foot. Skip it also if you want a pool, a spa or a restaurant, since none are listed here.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at 1175 University Avenue. Guests call it convenient for university visits, with restaurants nearby. The location score is 8.9.
Distances are straight-line estimates. Sather Tower is 2.9 km away, about 36 minutes on foot. California Memorial Stadium is 3.5 km, about 44 minutes. The Oakland Museum of California is 8.2 km, about 103 minutes. All three are far on foot, so plan on public transport, a taxi or your car.
Free parking is listed, which is useful in this area. Confirm it for your dates.
What guests say
Breakfast is the clear favourite. Guests describe a generous spread of fresh food with plenty of choice. Listed styles are Continental, American and Buffet.
Location also scores well for anyone with business at the university, and guests like the restaurants close by.
On value, opinions differ. Many find it reasonably priced, while some think it is expensive. At about €150 a night that reaction makes sense: it is cheap for Berkeley, not cheap in absolute terms.
Price and value against our other two picks
Our reference price was €150.25 a night, about €301 for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults in one room. That is a reference price, not a live quote. Check today's price for your dates.
The Berkeley sample median was €187.93 a night, so this hotel was 20% below the typical rate.
Our Best Value pick, Aiden by Best Western Berkeley, was €187.13 a night with 4 stars and an 8.6 score. Our Luxury pick, Claremont Resort & Club, was €424.53 a night with 5 stars and an 8.4 score. Here you pay about €37 a night less than Aiden and get a higher guest score. You give up a slightly shorter walk to campus and a fourth star.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 6 eligible properties in Berkeley. For the Budget slot, this was the lowest eligible reference price after we set aside the upscale pick. It also shared the top guest score in the sample, which is unusual for the cheapest option.
Strong breakfast reviews and free parking round out the case.
Before you book
Check today's price for your dates, as ours comes from a November 2026 search. Confirm breakfast is in your rate and parking is still free.
Wi-Fi is not in the facility list we have, so check its terms if you need to work. Room size, noise and cancellation terms have not been assessed.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
How far is Holiday Inn Express Berkeley from UC Berkeley?
Sather Tower is 2.9 km away, about 36 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate. That is a long walk, so many visitors will prefer public transport, a taxi or a car.
How much does Holiday Inn Express Berkeley cost per night?
We saw €150.25 a night as a reference price for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults. Check today's price for your dates.
Is breakfast good at Holiday Inn Express Berkeley?
Guests rate it highly for its generous, fresh selection. Check that breakfast is included in the rate you choose.
Does Holiday Inn Express Berkeley have free parking?
Free parking is listed by the property. Confirm the terms when you book.