How to Find Cheap Hotels in Berkeley California

Known alternately as the home of the first campus of the University of California and the 'People's Republic of Berkeley,' Berkeley, California, is a thriving town of ideas and action. Just a dash across the bay from San Francisco and just down the road from Oakland, Berkeley is one of the many towns and cities that make up the San Francisco Bay Area.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A credit card to book your accommodations
• A computer with Internet access
• A map of the Bay Area and a Berkeley street map

Know Your Destination

1. Soak in the culture. For a city of its size, Berkeley is blessed with a large number of great writers, such as Michael Chabon; actors, such as Rita Moreno; and restaurateurs, such as Alice Waters of Chez Panisse.

2. Layer it up. The weather in the Bay Area varies widely depending on your proximity to the Pacific. If you'll be traveling around, always bring plenty of layers.

3. Get your BART pass. Bay Area Rapid Transit is the primary method of travel throughout the Bay Area. If you're making Berkeley your hub but will be heading to San Francisco, grab a BART map at the start of your stay.

Choose Your Cheap Accommodations in Berkeley, California

4. Find cheap mom & pop motels and hotels primarily along University Boulevard heading east toward campus.

5. Look to San Francisco for hostels. Surprisingly, youth-oriented, egalitarian Berkeley does not have its own hostel accommodations. San Francisco, however, has three from which to choose.

6. Enjoy the quiet charm of Berkeley at a local bed and breakfast. Berkeley is known for outstanding Craftsman-style architecture. See it up close at several area B&Bs.

7. Camp outside the city. There is no room for camping in Berkeley, but a quick call to the National Park Service for the Bay Area will guide you to some local options close by.

Delve Into Berkeley, California

8. Grab a sandwich or a CD on Telegraph Avenue. This is arguably Berkeley's signature street, extending south from the UCB campus. You'll find delicious, cheap food, vintage clothing, bookstores, and more.

9. Discover Fourth Street. Where the Marina intersects University Avenue has sprung Berkeley's toniest shopping district. One-of-a-kind 'lifestyle' shopping is the thing here, plus great restaurants and more.

10. Get a workout by walking up in the Berkeley Hills. The neighborhoods of La Loma Park and Cragmont, in particular, feature terrific vistas and more.

11. To book accommodations in Berkeley, California, call Berkeley CVB at 800-847-4823 or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Mid-May in Berkeley means graduation, when the local motels and hotels are jam-packed. To avoid this melee, book a room in nearby El Cerrito or Albany.