Loved by Golden Bear Hotel - Surestay Collection By Best Western guests
newly remodeled
updated kitchen
spacious room
comfortable bed
good location
"The rooms are freshly renovated with functional useful features."
E. Rico from United States
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"Very comfortable bed and the room was updated and really nice."
Kaeleigh from United States
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"The staff are helpful and friendly; the location is great for a visit to Berkeley."
Bernard from United States
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"It was "quaint" but comfortable."
Kar from United States
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"Cleanliness and quality of accessories such as lotion, shampoo and soap."
Robert from United States
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Golden Bear Hotel - Surestay Collection By Best Western - A Historic Berkeley Hotel with Modern Amenities and Central Location
Located at 1620 San Pablo Avenue in the heart of Berkeley, this historic Berkeley hotel has been part of the local landscape since the late 1940s. Golden Bear Hotel rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, microwaves, coffee makers, and modern décor. The Surestay Collection By Best Western property sits just 0.5 miles from North Berkeley and 1 mile from Berkeley's center. Within 0.5 miles, guests find multiple dining options including Sabuy Sabuy Jr Thai Cuisine, Bartavelle Coffee & Wine Bar, and Sanctuary Bistro. The hotel's position offers walking distance access to boutique shops, theaters, and the San Francisco Bay. Key landmarks within 2 miles include McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, Cesar Chavez Park, and Sather Gate. Three major airports serve the area: Oakland International (18.5 miles), San Francisco International, and Mineta San Jose International.
Pros
Steps away from Berkeley Amtrak Station, BART, and local bus stations
Proximity to cultural venues including Berkeley Art Museum, Berkeley History Center, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Located in an emerging culinary hub with multiple restaurants within 0.5 miles
Easy access to sports venues like Oracle-Alameda County Coliseum and Memorial Stadium
Cons
11.5 miles from San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
4 miles from University of California, Berkeley
“My exploration of Golden Bear Hotel revealed a property that shines through its attentive staff and convenient San Pablo Avenue positioning. The rooms, though straightforward, are consistently clean, and the ease of parking directly outside the single-level accommodations adds a practical touch. It's this combination of accessible location, fair pricing, and genuine staff kindness that forms a compelling reason to return.”
Charlotte EvansHead of Editorial at Hotelsdowntown
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Facilities
Hotel has comfortable rooms, premium services, and a prime downtown location
General
Free wired internet access
Parking
Exterior corridors
Multilingual staff
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Dry cleaning
Hearing impaired services
Dining
Free breakfast
Business
Business centre
Room features
In-room safe
Tea and coffee facilities
Self-catering
Mini-fridge
Microwave
Media
Flat-screen TV
Cable/ Satellite television
Show more
Location
1620 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, 94702-1318,
Map view
City landmarks
University
University of California Berkeley
2.0 mi
Landmark
McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore
1.7 mi
Mall
Fourth Street
3400 ft
Landmark
Telegraph Avenue
2.0 mi
Landmark
Shattuck Avenue
1.6 mi
Landmark
Sather Tower
2.0 mi
Park
Tilden Regional Park
2.9 mi
Garden
Berkeley Rose Garden
1.9 mi
Park
San Pablo Park
1.4 mi
Market
South Berkeley Farmers' Market
2600 ft
Landmark
UsMcLaughlin Eastshore State Park
4800 ft
Landmark
Berkeley Marina
1.7 mi
Park
Aquatic Park
1.3 mi
Landmark
Mi Tierra Foods
3100 ft
Landmark
924 Gilman Street
2400 ft
Mall
Fourth Street Shops
2800 ft
Landmark
Sather Gate
1.9 mi
Church
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
3100 ft
Park
Cesar Chavez Park
1.4 mi
Church
Liberty Hill Baptist Church
2100 ft
Landmark
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
2200 ft
Theatre
The UC Theatre
1.3 mi
Landmark
Saint John's University
2200 ft
Church
Berkeley Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church
2400 ft
Landmark
Orthodox Catholic Church
3400 ft
Landmark
Mount Zion Baptist Church
3700 ft
Nearby
Intermix Universal Academy
500 ft
Institute-Childhood Resources
700 ft
Two Weavers
800 ft
Finnish Hall
1100 ft
Restaurants
Acme Bread
400 ft
1601 San Pablo Avenue
Indus Village Restaurant
2000 ft
1920 San Pablo Ave
Chipotle Mexican Grill
2100 ft
1050 Gilman St
Little Caesars
2800 ft
1109 University Ave
Foster's Old Fashioned Freeze
3100 ft
1199 University Ave
Priya Indian Cuisine
3000 ft
2072 San Pablo Ave
Explore Berkeley
Explore Berkeley
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
University of California Berkeley
10-minute drive
World-renowned research university with stunning architecture and gardens, hosting free events and guided tours.
McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore
10-minute drive
Scenic coastal park featuring walking trails, wildlife viewing, and beautiful waterfront vistas. Ideal for all nature lovers.
Fourth Street
13-minute walk
Charming shopping district with boutique stores, cafes, and art galleries, perfect for leisurely strolls or quick bites.
Berkeley Marina
5-minute drive
Vibrant waterfront area with parks, dining options, and stunning views of the bay and city skyline.
Adventure Playground
25-minute walk
Innovative playground for children offering hands-on fun and adventure. Great for families seeking outdoor activities.
Berkeley Fire Trails
30-minute walk
Challenging hiking trails offering stunning views, perfect for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
South Berkeley Farmers' Market
10-minute walk
Weekly market featuring local produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment. A cultural experience not to be missed.
Acme Bread
2-minute walk
Popular bakery offering fresh-baked artisanal bread and pastries. Ideal for a quick breakfast or snack.
Indus Village Restaurant
8-minute walk
Casual dining spot serving authentic Indian cuisine, vegan-friendly options, and flavorful curries. Reservations recommended.
Foster's Old Fashioned Freeze
12-minute walk
Classic local ice cream stand known for its homemade flavors and retro vibe. Great for a delightful treat.
924 Gilman Street
10-minute walk
Iconic music venue featuring live performances and a vibrant local scene. A hub for indie bands and artists.
The Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
10-minute drive
Folk music venue hosting regular concerts and open mics. A cozy spot perfect for music lovers of all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Berkeley 24 min · 1.2 mi
Airports
Oakland International (OAK) 40 min · 16.5 mi
Buchanan Field (CCR) 55 min · 22.7 mi
Train
Berkeley 12 min · 3300 ft
Train 2 min · 400 ft
Bus
Bus stop 26 min · 1.3 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Golden Bear - Surestay Collection By Best Western provides visitors with a free full breakfast.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
44
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Golden Bear Hotel - Surestay Collection By Best Western from previous guests about their experience.
Pros
Clean rooms
Comfortable beds
Convenient parking
Cons
No air conditioning
Thin walls
Guest reviews
based on 174 reviews
8.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.