I love California! I have actually been there a few times over the past year, and on my last journey, I headed to the city of Berkeley, which is filled with things to do. It is a college town, after all. And with the university atmosphere often comes one of the boutique hotels I love, Graduate Hotels. Each location has its own flair, and I adore the color palettes and eclectic vibe. I had the privilege of staying at Graduate Berkeley for my second stay at this fabulous collection.

I had a complimentary stay at Graduate Berkeley. All opinions are genuine and based on my own personal experience.

Graduate Berkeley Tour

the exterior

Graduate Hotels has a habit of taking established, stately buildings and giving them a new life. And Graduate Berkeley is no exception. Its lovely, white exterior is accented with dark tones and yellow striped awnings, which I found both inviting and cute. The hotel was easy to find, and I walked from BART to get there. Be sure to notice the tilework below that welcomes you inside. So fun!

the lobby

The color palette is bright and happy, and I totally had a moment with their wallpaper. It is SO eclectic in the lobby, and it really does offer an exciting vibe when you walk in. Truly, how many hotels do that? The level of thought and creativity is inspiring! Note the vases outlining the Skittle loving football player below.

I also remember my grandmother’s attic being full of National Geographic magazines, and I think they found the BEST use for them. They are behind the front desk with “Graduate” painted on them. Ingenious! I do adore vintage paintings, so the portraits made me smile, and the bikes are for the use of hotel guests. I’m definitely seeing this as a growing trend at hotels, which I think is a great asset for both exercise and exploration. Take a peek!

Oh, and the staff was really helpful and friendly in giving me directions and a tiny toothpaste as I had forgotten mine. Oops!

the on-site eateries

Of course, you can venture away for a meal, but just look at what is offered on-site. Henry’s is a fabulous place to grab a bite, and just look at how stunning the spaces are in the photos below!

the room

Yearbook photos adorn the key cards, so you never know which celebrity will be accompanying you to your room. What a fun idea! I mean, who wouldn’t want Gregory Peck from yesteryear leading the way? My Bay Side King room was so cozy! The mix of patterns couldn’t be any better. And those room darkening curtains? They do the trick! Take a look at the vintage touches, wall art, and their composition book hotel directory. Creativity at its finest.

the bathroom

Ok, I loved the bathroom, and one certain piece inspired me. See that wall art? Ha! You’ll see it up close, but my first thought was, “Why are those people throwing white cats???” As a cat lover, I was appalled – lol – but upon closer inspection, I saw that those people having fun were actually tossing their clothes (or towel or whatever they were wearing) in order to run free. The photo was purposely a bit blurry, and I actually thought to myself – self, I want to do that someday. It just looks fun! No?

The green on the walls is such a soothing hue, and their toilet paper covers are always so fun. Note the TP’d tree on the cover on the shelf. Cute! And honeycomb tiles just speak my language. They also remind me of home as those are also in the bathroom in our 1922 craftsman style home. Their toiletries are by Malin + Goetz, which adds in a touch of luxury, too.

the view

When I woke up the next morning (literally after going to a karaoke bar the night before for 5 hours – what a great time!!), I was ready to explore. But not before making coffee in the room and soaking in the view. Take a peek at my view below! I could see the bay area along with the city itself. And it was a beautiful day to boot!

the area

I did take a walk, and I will forewarn you that it is fairly hilly. My favorites were perusing the campus of UC Berkeley (I snapped a quick photo of the clock tower below) and literally stumbling upon a rose garden. The garden had a view of the Golden Gate Bridge if you looked really hard, but the roses were captivating. It is so well cared for, and I enjoyed a bit of serenity while soaking in the beauty of the gardens.

and one last photo in the garden…

All in all, I had a wonderful time in Berkeley! Oh, and as a tidbit, there is a post office within a short walk of Graduate Berkeley. With three bottles of wine that I collected on my travels (given by such generous folks!), I sent those along with a pair of shoes and my dirty clothes (for padding) on its merry way to my home. It made it safely. Yay!

If you would like more information about Graduate Berkeley and their wonderful services, be sure to check HERE. Read here about my stay at Graduate Charlottesville.