Sens Hotel & Vanne Bistro Berkeley

Simple, clean suites with balconies. Coffee at the cafe’s not bad, either.

Oh, and great coffee!

Exceptional

Conveniently located to the Gourmet Ghetto and Downtown Berkeley. Great value for the price.

Very friendly, homey, comfortable place. Spacious room with personality. Lobby doubles as a coffee/pastry shop A bit longer walk from BART station than I would prefer, but still walkable

We are always so touched by the personable staff and service when we stay here. It feels like visiting friends. The rooms are very clean and comfortable. We will always choose the Sens first when coming to town.

Hotel was more for 20...

This is a conveniently located boutique hotel in North Berkeley, not far from Central Berkeley and UCB campus. I stayed here to see a show at the Greek Theatre and it worked out well, it’s a 15-20 minute walk (much easier on the way back as it is more downhill). The room was well appointed with the usual amenities (shampoo, soap, hair dryer) and a few nice touches (a toothbrush/toothpaste kit if you happened to forget yours, a stool in the shower). No parking onsite. I parked in the next door grocery store lot to check in and put luggage inside. Then I looked for street parking, which I found a few blocks away. Most parking in the neighborhood is limited to two hours during the day, but I arrived about 5:30pm, so I was able to park once and fit in the two hours before the daytime limit ended at 7pm. One needs to move their car again by about 10am before reaching the two hour limit in the morning. It worked out for me but could be a challenge if you are looking to leave your car in one place all day. Staff was friendly and helpful. You get a free coffee in the morning from the cafe and there is tea and hot chocolate in the room.

The staff were incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful. They provided free coffee tickets for all morning of our stay. The room came with a patio.

The staff were incredibly kind, friendly, and helpful. They provided free coffee tickets for all morning of our stay. The room came with a patio.

Bad

very friendly staff! this is where we stay whenever visiting our daughter in Oakland

The room is OK, smaller than I expected. The carpet should be changed, too old and dated.

No parking. Seems ridiculous for a hotel to not have parking. Should have emphasized this and given options.

Location across from Chez Panisse. Visiting the restaurant was our purpose in coming to Berkeley so that was convenient. No parking. Seems ridiculous for a hotel to not have parking. Should have emphasized this and given options.

I was unhappy with the fact that this property has NO parking. You need to park on the street and because it is a busy area it was hard to find parking.

The room was very clean it was really convenient next to the market the staff was very helpful the parking I don’t know was using uber to get around

Superb

Horrible

Very welcoming and quaint.

I did not have a car I walked or use the bus system or Bart

T

This is an old hotel, lovingly restored. Its principal virtue is its location - on Shattuck Ave in Berkeley's "Gourmet Gulch". Many interesting restaurants and food shops near by - a pleasant walkable neighborhood. The rooms are well restored in a modern style, efficiently laid out. You enter through a ground floor cafe that is busy during the day and provides a convenient option for breakfast. The only real negative is that they have no parking on site, which can be awkward if you are arriving by car with large bags, but they advise that street parking is usually available nearby and that did work out for us.

They had one free coffee per day, I also got pastries, both were good and the staff was very nice. Was a short walk from the Berkeley campus where I went for a conference.

They had one free coffee per day, I also got pastries, both were good and the staff was very nice. Was a short walk from the Berkeley campus where I went for a conference.

Exceptional

Parking situation is clunky, as customers have to search for on street parking in a busy urban neighborhood. not ideal but once you find it, property is well kept, staff is always great. it's our 4th stay and we'll keep coming back. not holding parking against them. one small suggestion would also be to check the water pressure, if conservation were in mind, we get it but to a trickle was a tad over reaching. Otherwise, see you next time Sens!

Great location. Nice room with a great balcony. No parking provided. I would have preferred that was clearer on the listing.

Great location. Nice room with a great balcony. No parking provided. I would have preferred that was clearer on the listing.

Superb

Superb

Reception agent was great! Cheerful, helpful and professional.

Staff couldn’t have been more obliging. Wonderful. Hotel has a great location for restaurants and proximity to Berkeley U.

The location is excellent. Building is older, but has character. All in all we had a very pleasant stay.

Staff were friendly and helpful! The location is excellent. Building is older, but has character. All in all we had a very pleasant stay.

Spacious room, well-equipped (e.g., fridge, microwave, kettle).

No breakfast- just 1 cup of complementary coffee. That said, it was very good coffee.

No breakfast- just 1 cup of complementary coffee. That said, it was very good coffee.

Nice

The location in the "Gourmet Ghetto" of Berkeley is excellent. What feels like a small commercial district, surrounded by mixed residential, adjacent to the main commercial district of Berkeley, full of unique restaurants and non-chain stores; two large grocery stores and a drugstore within a block. 15 min walk to BART or the UC Berkeley campus. The hotel has all the usual features of a standard American accommodation, with a bit of a "pension" or "auberge" feel (small scale urban hotel). Outside door locked from the street except when the little cafe (pastries and coffee) is open. Otherwise, ring the bell and the 24hr staff member will let you in. No actual lobby, just a desk in the back corner of the cafe. Was able to find overnight parking within a block (got lucky?) Didn't get housekeeping, which was not a problem, and I often don't want it, but I was surprised. More often, I'm surprised when I get it and didn't expect to, which is worse!

The location in the "Gourmet Ghetto" of Berkeley is excellent. What feels like a small commercial district, surrounded by mixed residential, adjacent to the main commercial district of Berkeley, full of unique restaurants and non-chain stores; two large grocery stores and a drugstore within a block. 15 min walk to BART or the UC Berkeley campus. The hotel has all the usual features of a standard American accommodation, with a bit of a "pension" or "auberge" feel (small scale urban hotel). Outside door locked from the street except when the little cafe (pastries and coffee) is open. Otherwise, ring the bell and the 24hr staff member will let you in. No actual lobby, just a desk in the back corner of the cafe. Was able to find overnight parking within a block (got lucky?) Didn't get housekeeping, which was not a problem, and I often don't want it, but I was surprised. More often, I'm surprised when I get it and didn't expect to, which is worse!

Great location! Friendly staff! Great value! The carpet needs deep cleaning. But they do provide slippers...

Very good

Great location! Friendly staff! Great value! The carpet needs deep cleaning. But they do provide slippers...

great location and coffee shop

great location and coffee shop

The door styles in the room such as the security door and the floor doorstop do get in the way when walking around. The bathroom door opens externally for example. But otherwise the room's small size was maximized for efficiency and was comfortably cozy. We had a patio!

Staff were nice at check in and checkout, shower good, café seemed popular, location is terrific. Nice to have robes and slippers. Balcony might have been nice if weather had been nicer Heat didn't work well in room. Bed was soft, pillows lumpy. Walls are paper thin. Fridge didn’t seem to work. Carpet old, shabby, and dirty. Lights over bathroom mirror didn't work. Balcony looks over parking lot.

Great location and quiet A bit too rustic

Location was fantastic and the staff was great! The room was very small for the price and had at least one too many pieces of furniture. The walls are very thin and the sounds from the neighboring rooms were very apparent. If you stay there, assume everyone can hear what you're doing and saying.

Great location and nice amenities!

Great location and nice amenities!

Excellent room in Gourmet Gulch. Great food all around. Very helpful staff. We like this quirky but clean and efficient little hotel.

Excellent room in Gourmet Gulch. Great food all around. Very helpful staff. We like this quirky but clean and efficient little hotel.

Large and comfortable room with lots of extras tha made the stay easy and smooth: well appointed bed and bath, electric kettle with tea and coca, fridge, microwave. desk set up was great. lighting was excellent. nice little porch for outside air. the staff were all super friendly and helpful. coffee and good pastries available on site. great location in Berkeley with lovely shopping and food amazement close. would absolutely stay here again and am so pleased to have found this spot. thank you for a great stay !

Large and comfortable room with lots of extras tha made the stay easy and smooth: well appointed bed and bath, electric kettle with tea and coca, fridge, microwave. desk set up was great. lighting was excellent. nice little porch for outside air. the staff were all super friendly and helpful. coffee and good pastries available on site. great location in Berkeley with lovely shopping and food amazement close. would absolutely stay here again and am so pleased to have found this spot. thank you for a great stay !

the most Smelly hotel I've ever been with

the most Smelly hotel I've ever been with

No parking, except on street.

My stay was easy, convenient, enjoyable, central to activities, and comfortable.Thank you!

The room was beautiful with windows that opened both to the east and west so we got sunset colors. The bathroom was roomy with a window that opened to the outside. There was a nice desk, little refrigerator and microwave as well as dishes etc. The location is excellent; next to a grocery store, the Cheese Board and Pizza store, across the street from world famous Chez Panisse, and other restaurants. What more could you want! The "lobby" is also a bistro with a regular parade of Berkeley regulars who sell their books, know each other and chat over coffee about their lives and things they have seen. The bistro food and coffee is good, and service excellent. It is just a bit cramped, but one can also sit outside which is great fun watching the street life.

Decent cafe in the lobby. Many good restaurant options nearby. Good grocery market immediately next door. Short walk from campus and downtown Berkeley activities. Clean. Outdoor patio was a bit unkempt, leaves and dirt from outdoors present.

Difficult parking

Words that come to mind, quaint, comfy, quiet. Not a large chain hotel but a small friendly one. Will use again if in the area. When I woke up after a good nights sleep I kept thinking I was at home, doesn't happen to me very often at hotels.

Words that come to mind, quaint, comfy, quiet. Not a large chain hotel but a small friendly one. Will use again if in the area. When I woke up after a good nights sleep I kept thinking I was at home, doesn't happen to me very often at hotels.

The room was cleaned, the staff was very helpful, especially Beatrice, who helped me with printing business notes in the evening. The coffee and food from the Bistro was delicious and served cheerfully. It is a charming hotel, quiet, excellent location for foodies, and it is reasonable. I would stay here again.

The room was cleaned, the staff was very helpful, especially Beatrice, who helped me with printing business notes in the evening. The coffee and food from the Bistro was delicious and served cheerfully. It is a charming hotel, quiet, excellent location for foodies, and it is reasonable. I would stay here again.

Surprisingly good room including proper shower wand, microwave and fridge. Fridge was a bit noisy. Staff friendly and helpful. Restaurants right across the street, both cheap and expensive. I'd stay again!

Surprisingly good room including proper shower wand, microwave and fridge. Fridge was a bit noisy. Staff friendly and helpful. Restaurants right across the street, both cheap and expensive. I'd stay again!

Clean, comfortable rooms. Helpful and courteous staff.

Clean, comfortable rooms. Helpful and courteous staff.

All aspects.

All aspects.

Great location, not unreasonable price A couple minor issues.

Lack of convenient parking.

Great location. Wonderful coffee at the cafe.

Great location. Wonderful coffee at the cafe.

Very helpful staff. Great location. Clean room. Thin walls, so room was a bit noisy.

Convenient and clean

Nice and comfortable.

Nice and comfortable.

I always enjoy staying at the Sens Hotel when I’m in Berkeley. Very clean, very friendly and a great location.

I always enjoy staying at the Sens Hotel when I’m in Berkeley. Very clean, very friendly and a great location.

Nice room. easy access. No onsite parking but street parking was easy for the night. Would be challenging during the day.

Nice room. easy access. No onsite parking but street parking was easy for the night. Would be challenging during the day.

Room & bathroom were clean. The bed was a bit uncomfortable. Staff was great.

Room & bathroom were clean. The bed was a bit uncomfortable. Staff was great.

My balcony faced a grocery store but on the good side I listened to beautiful music on Saturday

My balcony faced a grocery store but on the good side I listened to beautiful music on Saturday

We really enjoyed our stay there and would/will again. It's perfectly locate in North Berkeley for restaurants and shops. It's a 25 minute walk to the Greek Theatre where we saw Morrissey.

We really enjoyed our stay there and would/will again. It's perfectly locate in North Berkeley for restaurants and shops. It's a 25 minute walk to the Greek Theatre where we saw Morrissey.

The hotel should try to negotiate parking with Andronico’s next door. They have ample parking that doesn’t get used at night. We ended up parking there overnight as the security guard said they don’t care as long as you’re not being disruptive or sleeping in your car. But overall it’s a cute hotel with a great location. And it's walking distance to Cal and lots of eateries and shops.

The hotel should try to negotiate parking with Andronico’s next door. They have ample parking that doesn’t get used at night. We ended up parking there overnight as the security guard said they don’t care as long as you’re not being disruptive or sleeping in your car. But overall it’s a cute hotel with a great location. And it's walking distance to Cal and lots of eateries and shops.

definitely don't like having to ring a bell and wait to get inside every time.. needs some type of keyed entry

definitely don't like having to ring a bell and wait to get inside every time.. needs some type of keyed entry

Great location for those visiting the berkeley area. Close to a grocery store and many dining options around. Staff is very nice.

Great location for those visiting the berkeley area. Close to a grocery store and many dining options around. Staff is very nice.

Nice staff and well planned small room with patio

Nice staff and well planned small room with patio

Very nice room and helpful staff.

Very nice room and helpful staff.

2nd time staying here & it won’t be the last. Really like the little hotel. The location is great. Rooms are very big & clean & modern with everything you could need in them. The staff is very nice & helpful.

2nd time staying here & it won’t be the last. Really like the little hotel. The location is great. Rooms are very big & clean & modern with everything you could need in them. The staff is very nice & helpful.

Beautiful location. Great places to walk in every direction. Perfect bistro.

Beautiful location. Great places to walk in every direction. Perfect bistro.

I really enjoy my stay here. The staff is friendly and helpful and the room is nice

I really enjoy my stay here. The staff is friendly and helpful and the room is nice

This hotel appeared to be a little on the older side and was not the nicest hotel we have stayed at. Parking was annoying since the hotel does not have any included and street parking is limited to certain times and durations. The hotel room itself was huge which was awesome. You have to enter through the cafe to get to the hotel which is a little weird but the service was great and everyone was friendly. Our TV kept disconnecting from the hdmi and reconnecting which sucked but aside from that we had a great stay.

This hotel appeared to be a little on the older side and was not the nicest hotel we have stayed at. Parking was annoying since the hotel does not have any included and street parking is limited to certain times and durations. The hotel room itself was huge which was awesome. You have to enter through the cafe to get to the hotel which is a little weird but the service was great and everyone was friendly. Our TV kept disconnecting from the hdmi and reconnecting which sucked but aside from that we had a great stay.

It was so homey and the staff way so nice! They also gave us so much information about places to eat things to check out. I would definitely stay there again.

It was so homey and the staff way so nice! They also gave us so much information about places to eat things to check out. I would definitely stay there again.

Easy acces to restaurants and transportation

Easy acces to restaurants and transportation

Staff was very nice. Got our hotel room key and went inside and it hadn’t been cleaned at all. So after a long day needing rest before an event that night.. we had to wait for them to clean the room. The staff was very apologetic and hurried to try and get it cleaned so we appreciated that. We were exhausted and really needed that time to rest in our room that we didn’t get. When we got back to hotel after the event we couldn’t get into hotel because the front door was locked. You have to wait for someone to let you in but no one was around. We tried calling with no answer. Finally someone came. I wonder if there’s a better way to go about this as people can’t just easily get into their hotel. Maybe a key fob? In conclusion the hotel is cute and the staff were lovely people.. but there are some kinks that need to be worked out. I will also add that it was not cheap so it was a big disappointment to have so many core things go wrong. The refund price was also not sufficient. Cute little spot but missing some key things for ease of stay. But like I said… loved the stafd

Staff was very nice. Got our hotel room key and went inside and it hadn’t been cleaned at all. So after a long day needing rest before an event that night.. we had to wait for them to clean the room. The staff was very apologetic and hurried to try and get it cleaned so we appreciated that. We were exhausted and really needed that time to rest in our room that we didn’t get. When we got back to hotel after the event we couldn’t get into hotel because the front door was locked. You have to wait for someone to let you in but no one was around. We tried calling with no answer. Finally someone came. I wonder if there’s a better way to go about this as people can’t just easily get into their hotel. Maybe a key fob? In conclusion the hotel is cute and the staff were lovely people.. but there are some kinks that need to be worked out. I will also add that it was not cheap so it was a big disappointment to have so many core things go wrong. The refund price was also not sufficient. Cute little spot but missing some key things for ease of stay. But like I said… loved the stafd

Comfortable quiet great location

Comfortable quiet great location

This is a real review which you can tell from all the detail I'm about to give. This hotel (according to the binder in the room explaining its history) was renovated in 2017. While the place has friendly staff and a nice location, it is pretty clear that upkeep since 2017 has been neglected. Issues in my room during my stay: shower drains poorly, light bulb out in bathroom, not very clean overall and rug visibly dirty, alarm clock in room but curiously has no batteries that would make it functional, and paper thin walls so that a conversation in the room next door was completely intelligible by me. Maybe other people who stayed here got updated rooms but this hotel needs some TLC. Bummer because the location is perfect for my needs and it would have been great to stay here again if things were better.

This is a real review which you can tell from all the detail I'm about to give. This hotel (according to the binder in the room explaining its history) was renovated in 2017. While the place has friendly staff and a nice location, it is pretty clear that upkeep since 2017 has been neglected. Issues in my room during my stay: shower drains poorly, light bulb out in bathroom, not very clean overall and rug visibly dirty, alarm clock in room but curiously has no batteries that would make it functional, and paper thin walls so that a conversation in the room next door was completely intelligible by me. Maybe other people who stayed here got updated rooms but this hotel needs some TLC. Bummer because the location is perfect for my needs and it would have been great to stay here again if things were better.

We had a great stay at this hotel it was close to the Greek Theater. The bed was comfortable the balcony was a nice touch. They don’t have their own parking and you can’t stay in the parking lot that belongs to the grocery store next door. We still managed to find good parking close and the car was safe. Were definitely going to stay here again!

We had a great stay at this hotel it was close to the Greek Theater. The bed was comfortable the balcony was a nice touch. They don’t have their own parking and you can’t stay in the parking lot that belongs to the grocery store next door. We still managed to find good parking close and the car was safe. Were definitely going to stay here again!

It is conveniently located near UC Berkeley where our son lives. We love this hotel and try to book here every time we come up to visit him 😀😀😀

It is conveniently located near UC Berkeley where our son lives. We love this hotel and try to book here every time we come up to visit him 😀😀😀

Would totally stay here again. They do not have a parking lot but we only had to park 1 block away. The coffee shop in the morning is pretty delicious with lots of regulars enjoying their drinks here. Staff was very nice & friendly. Room was quiet & clean. Bed was comfortable. Fun neighborhood. Zero complaints.

Would totally stay here again. They do not have a parking lot but we only had to park 1 block away. The coffee shop in the morning is pretty delicious with lots of regulars enjoying their drinks here. Staff was very nice & friendly. Room was quiet & clean. Bed was comfortable. Fun neighborhood. Zero complaints.

Have barista made coffee is an excellent perk. We also enjoyed the balcony big enough to sit and relax.

Have barista made coffee is an excellent perk. We also enjoyed the balcony big enough to sit and relax.

Conveniently located in Central Berkeley. Coffee shop downstairs, next to Andronico’s market. Street parking only.

Conveniently located in Central Berkeley. Coffee shop downstairs, next to Andronico’s market. Street parking only.

Very European in style. Quaint. Affordable. And very friendly.

Very European in style. Quaint. Affordable. And very friendly.

I really enjoyed staying here and will do it again. I had trouble getting the TV to work, but wasn't there to watch TV. I loved the cafe downstairs and parking on the street at night was easy enough.

I really enjoyed staying here and will do it again. I had trouble getting the TV to work, but wasn't there to watch TV. I loved the cafe downstairs and parking on the street at night was easy enough.

Great location in downtown Berkeley near by cute restaurants and coffee shops and breweries. Came for a family wedding. Super comfy bed, balcony, robe, slippers, toiletries and clean and the service at the front desk was fantastic. I would definitely come back. It’s also located next door to a supermarket.

Great location in downtown Berkeley near by cute restaurants and coffee shops and breweries. Came for a family wedding. Super comfy bed, balcony, robe, slippers, toiletries and clean and the service at the front desk was fantastic. I would definitely come back. It’s also located next door to a supermarket.

Ground floor rooms facing parking lot, don't black out. If you're light sensitive sleeper, this would be an inconvenience. Rest everything is good.

Ground floor rooms facing parking lot, don't black out. If you're light sensitive sleeper, this would be an inconvenience. Rest everything is good.

Really enjoyed my stay. Room was well equipped and clean. Bit easy to hear my neighbors but they were loud!

Really enjoyed my stay. Room was well equipped and clean. Bit easy to hear my neighbors but they were loud!

Charming cafe right downstairs, clean room, quiet, check & out easy, great neighborhood very central to all of Berkeley & best restaurants nearby. Thank you !

Charming cafe right downstairs, clean room, quiet, check & out easy, great neighborhood very central to all of Berkeley & best restaurants nearby. Thank you !

Very pleasant small hotel. Room with King size bed was large enough, very clean and comfortable. Although on busy street, the room was very quiet. The one downside was that the dual-flush toilet needed multiple flushes to do the job, which rather defeated the purpose.

Very pleasant small hotel. Room with King size bed was large enough, very clean and comfortable. Although on busy street, the room was very quiet. The one downside was that the dual-flush toilet needed multiple flushes to do the job, which rather defeated the purpose.

Amazing

Amazing

We love staying at this hotel and staff feels like good friends the accommodations are always ample clean and comfortable. We would have left all five stars however it was a bit of an inconvenience with parking no longer being available. Berkeley Street parking is quite treacherous as most either need a residential permit to park or a metered spot that only allows you to pay two to three hours at a time through a mobile app which is quite clunky to use. we did circle around the block for quite some time trying to locate suitable parking and we're relieved when we did. Not necessarily a direct reflection of the hotel staff but it would have been a good notification to receive upon booking.

We love staying at this hotel and staff feels like good friends the accommodations are always ample clean and comfortable. We would have left all five stars however it was a bit of an inconvenience with parking no longer being available. Berkeley Street parking is quite treacherous as most either need a residential permit to park or a metered spot that only allows you to pay two to three hours at a time through a mobile app which is quite clunky to use. we did circle around the block for quite some time trying to locate suitable parking and we're relieved when we did. Not necessarily a direct reflection of the hotel staff but it would have been a good notification to receive upon booking.

In a convenient location, but also busy. No parking on site, but we were able to find nearby street parking fairly easily (weekend). A bit run-down. Lots of dining options nearby. Worked great for a quick weekend getaway.

In a convenient location, but also busy. No parking on site, but we were able to find nearby street parking fairly easily (weekend). A bit run-down. Lots of dining options nearby. Worked great for a quick weekend getaway.

Always a joy when I stay here!

Always a joy when I stay here!

Extremely long wait checking in while a staff member was watching something live on their phone. Also, the shower wand would fall out whenever the water was turned off. Other than those two things it was fine for what it is. The cafe staff are amazing. Also does not have laundry facilities available (or so that employee said)

Extremely long wait checking in while a staff member was watching something live on their phone. Also, the shower wand would fall out whenever the water was turned off. Other than those two things it was fine for what it is. The cafe staff are amazing. Also does not have laundry facilities available (or so that employee said)

Great location and service in rooms, fully staffed 24/7 lobby/entrance but the function is a little awkward and the door is very heavy

Great location and service in rooms, fully staffed 24/7 lobby/entrance but the function is a little awkward and the door is very heavy

This hotel is near my mother and in a great walking location in Berkeley. I have stayed here for years. Due to my schedule change, I stayed in two different rooms this time. Both were comfortable and everything worked. The rooms are starting to look a little shabby, it has been a long time since a refresh and it is due. I would stay again next time due to location and the very interesting coffee shop.

This hotel is near my mother and in a great walking location in Berkeley. I have stayed here for years. Due to my schedule change, I stayed in two different rooms this time. Both were comfortable and everything worked. The rooms are starting to look a little shabby, it has been a long time since a refresh and it is due. I would stay again next time due to location and the very interesting coffee shop.

Comfortable. Location

Comfortable. Location

Love the Neighbor location and love the cofre at the café.

Love the Neighbor location and love the cofre at the café.

Great front desk staff. Clean rooms.

Great front desk staff. Clean rooms.

You could not find a better location if you're visiting Berkeley, in the heart of the gormet ghetto. Very walkable and convenient. My room was very clean, and quiet! The staff are very friendly and helpful. The building itself is just a little run down, but all the plusses totally compensated for that! I had a lovely stay with Sens and would stay there again!

You could not find a better location if you're visiting Berkeley, in the heart of the gormet ghetto. Very walkable and convenient. My room was very clean, and quiet! The staff are very friendly and helpful. The building itself is just a little run down, but all the plusses totally compensated for that! I had a lovely stay with Sens and would stay there again!

I like the bakery in front of the hotel that opens at 6:30 am, and they gave me a free coffee for each nights stay at the bakery. Good location on a main street in North Berkeley. Lots of room, and nice that rooms have a microwave and refrigerator. High end restaurants and grocery stores are nearby.

I like the bakery in front of the hotel that opens at 6:30 am, and they gave me a free coffee for each nights stay at the bakery. Good location on a main street in North Berkeley. Lots of room, and nice that rooms have a microwave and refrigerator. High end restaurants and grocery stores are nearby.

Great were the location and the proprietor. The bed was comfortable and the swag plentiful and nice. But an unpleasant odor, wallcovering buckled from water damage, drooping drapes, furnishings and decor a la yardsale, cracked sink, no conditioner, sound coming from adjacent rooms, peculiar entrance through a dismal coffee shop, and no parking all made for an overpriced stay not to be repeated.

Great were the location and the proprietor. The bed was comfortable and the swag plentiful and nice. But an unpleasant odor, wallcovering buckled from water damage, drooping drapes, furnishings and decor a la yardsale, cracked sink, no conditioner, sound coming from adjacent rooms, peculiar entrance through a dismal coffee shop, and no parking all made for an overpriced stay not to be repeated.

The staff here is amazing super nice and welcoming to the guests!

The staff here is amazing super nice and welcoming to the guests!

This is a barebones hotel, but they get everything right. If you want to be in Berkeley in a neighborhood, this is your place. The attached bistro opens at 6:30am and makes the best cappuccinos in the area against some stiff competition. Cheese Board pastries are just a few doors down. Good bus service right outside or a bit of a walk to BART.

This is a barebones hotel, but they get everything right. If you want to be in Berkeley in a neighborhood, this is your place. The attached bistro opens at 6:30am and makes the best cappuccinos in the area against some stiff competition. Cheese Board pastries are just a few doors down. Good bus service right outside or a bit of a walk to BART.

Super cute and comfortable and very lovely staff. A few places in the room that weren't spic and span, but they were minor. The location is convenient, the cafe is great and seems to be a real neighborhood hub, which we loved. Thanks for the stay!

Super cute and comfortable and very lovely staff. A few places in the room that weren't spic and span, but they were minor. The location is convenient, the cafe is great and seems to be a real neighborhood hub, which we loved. Thanks for the stay!

Amazing stay loved this hotel.

Amazing stay loved this hotel.

Excellent

Excellent

Very bad acoustics between rooms. Could not sleep all night due to noise from the adjacent room.

Very bad acoustics between rooms. Could not sleep all night due to noise from the adjacent room.

AMAZING service. This is a lovely little hotel.

AMAZING service. This is a lovely little hotel.

It was perfect location, cute and fun!

It was perfect location, cute and fun!

Conveniently located to Chez Panisse (across the street). We had a nice stay for one night. Staff was very friendly. Room was mostly nice and clean but it looks like they forgot to mop the bathroom floor. There were dirty shoe prints all over but the rest of the room and bathroom was clean. We would stay again if in the area.

Conveniently located to Chez Panisse (across the street). We had a nice stay for one night. Staff was very friendly. Room was mostly nice and clean but it looks like they forgot to mop the bathroom floor. There were dirty shoe prints all over but the rest of the room and bathroom was clean. We would stay again if in the area.

Staffs are very nice and helpful.

Staffs are very nice and helpful.

Staff was friendly and helpful. There is some construction going on currently.

Staff was friendly and helpful. There is some construction going on currently.

Great location. Easy and interesting 15 minute walk to heart if downtown. Nice shops and cafes nearby.

Great location. Easy and interesting 15 minute walk to heart if downtown. Nice shops and cafes nearby.

I was surprised at how nice this place was, and the surrounding area. The store next to the place is also amazing, we bought stuff and made dinner in our room!

I was surprised at how nice this place was, and the surrounding area. The store next to the place is also amazing, we bought stuff and made dinner in our room!

Very friendly staff, like the balcony for morning coffee (complimentary!)

Very friendly staff, like the balcony for morning coffee (complimentary!)

Very cute little hotel in berkely, a bit far from the Greek, but its a good walk. Parking is well lit, but shared with a supermarket. Perfect for that short weekend getaway.

Very cute little hotel in berkely, a bit far from the Greek, but its a good walk. Parking is well lit, but shared with a supermarket. Perfect for that short weekend getaway.

Location

Location

Love the area. Love the cafe.

Love the area. Love the cafe.

Great stay at this hotel, it had everything I needed and appreciated the coffee in the morning. The bed was a bit firm, but it was okay. Would stay here again.

Great stay at this hotel, it had everything I needed and appreciated the coffee in the morning. The bed was a bit firm, but it was okay. Would stay here again.

We‘ll be back.

We‘ll be back.

I would have given Sens across the board an excellent rating but the screen door opening to the small outdoor eating area had several holes. This allowed a few insects to fly into our room. I consider it a minor annoyance and would return.

I would have given Sens across the board an excellent rating but the screen door opening to the small outdoor eating area had several holes. This allowed a few insects to fly into our room. I consider it a minor annoyance and would return.

Sens Hotel and Bistro was a charming and comfortable place to stay for several days while I attended to personal business. The room itself was attractive and well-appointed. There were many toiletries available for the forgetful. The bed was very comfortable and there were lights and plugs everywhere I needed them to be. The staff was friendly and helpful. I will definitely return!

Sens Hotel and Bistro was a charming and comfortable place to stay for several days while I attended to personal business. The room itself was attractive and well-appointed. There were many toiletries available for the forgetful. The bed was very comfortable and there were lights and plugs everywhere I needed them to be. The staff was friendly and helpful. I will definitely return!

Small hotel, well maintained, upgraded rooms. Great location in the ‘Gourmet Ghetto’ area of Berkeley. We would definitely choose this hotel again.

Small hotel, well maintained, upgraded rooms. Great location in the ‘Gourmet Ghetto’ area of Berkeley. We would definitely choose this hotel again.

Older vibe in the hallway and some fit and finish issues in the room (unglued bits of the closet door), and no lobby it’s a coffee shop were the three somewhat off putting elements. But the room itself was very clean and they provided extra amenities in the room that were unexpectedly nice, like an electric teapot with tea and hot chocolate, a robe and slippers, and a toiletries kit in the bathroom. The staff was also exceptionally nice and totally available to both let me in to the (coffee shop / hotel) front door after hours and to check me out very early in the morning. It was also a convenient location within 10-15 minutes easy walking distance of the Downtown Berkeley BART station. Overall a good experience.

Older vibe in the hallway and some fit and finish issues in the room (unglued bits of the closet door), and no lobby it’s a coffee shop were the three somewhat off putting elements. But the room itself was very clean and they provided extra amenities in the room that were unexpectedly nice, like an electric teapot with tea and hot chocolate, a robe and slippers, and a toiletries kit in the bathroom. The staff was also exceptionally nice and totally available to both let me in to the (coffee shop / hotel) front door after hours and to check me out very early in the morning. It was also a convenient location within 10-15 minutes easy walking distance of the Downtown Berkeley BART station. Overall a good experience.

Historical establishment

Historical establishment

I didn’t try the cafe as I took off quickly in the morning, but looked great.

I didn’t try the cafe as I took off quickly in the morning, but looked great.

Enjoyed my stay!

Enjoyed my stay!

Wonderful staff in the hotel and cafe! Enjoyed our two-night stay to visit UC Berkeley.

Wonderful staff in the hotel and cafe! Enjoyed our two-night stay to visit UC Berkeley.

The room is clean and the service is good.

The room is clean and the service is good.

I was in town for a couple days for a conference. My single room was small but comfortable. I enjoyed eating breakfast at the cafe before starting my day. I felt like the cafe entrance gave the place a european feel. I'd definitely stay here again if I return to Berkeley.

I was in town for a couple days for a conference. My single room was small but comfortable. I enjoyed eating breakfast at the cafe before starting my day. I felt like the cafe entrance gave the place a european feel. I'd definitely stay here again if I return to Berkeley.

I love this quaint hotel in the middle of Berkeley's Gourmet District.

I love this quaint hotel in the middle of Berkeley's Gourmet District.

A small hotel that surprises you. There is a bakery in the front and the hotel in the back of the building. The rooms are small but well kept up. The staff were very nice and you wake up and get free coffee. It is a very good value.

A small hotel that surprises you. There is a bakery in the front and the hotel in the back of the building. The rooms are small but well kept up. The staff were very nice and you wake up and get free coffee. It is a very good value.

Its pretty close to Berkeley campus, and located at safe neighborhood. Room is clean and cozy, good for a short stay at Berkeley.

Its pretty close to Berkeley campus, and located at safe neighborhood. Room is clean and cozy, good for a short stay at Berkeley.

Sweet hotel with a coffee shop downstairs, a grocery store next door, restaurants all around and parking adjacent. Our stay was only one night to attend a football game at Berkeley. The staff was friendly and the whole place was very quiet. I would stay here again.

Sweet hotel with a coffee shop downstairs, a grocery store next door, restaurants all around and parking adjacent. Our stay was only one night to attend a football game at Berkeley. The staff was friendly and the whole place was very quiet. I would stay here again.

This hotel is perfectly located close to an excellent bakery, wonderful restaurants and wonderful coffee in hotel itself

Truly enjoyed this place and will definitely be back! Thanks for all the tiny details in the rooms - bathroom items, coffee in the room, the decor - and the flashlight in the closet made me smile 😉

First off, do yourself a huge favor. Do NOT stay here! Upon arrival we found ourselves in an extremely small room. That would have been OK, but when I opened the door to the bathroom I was hit with a disgusting moldy, mildewy smell (this was with the windows open when we arrived). When I discussed the issue with the desk clerk, she came to the room and smelled it for herself. She then offered us Lysol (really?) or a downgrade to a queen bed room, though we booked a king. Although they had vacant rooms with king-sized beds, they wanted to upcharge us for one, which I thought was completely absurd. We have stayed in many hotels, and this one is uniquely bad. It actually doesn't have any "office" per se as the front of the building is a bakery, and the rooms (which my husband referred to as cells) were behind the bakery. The desk clerk leaves at ll:00 pm, so I'm not sure how a guest would get in after hours as the entrance is locked. Beside my husband also referring to this place as a "skid row motel" rather than a hotel, he thought we would have probably been better off sleeping in our car (we are 70, by the way). Do yourself a favor and don't waste your money here. Consider yourself warned. (Photos below - notice that view!)

Hdbd

The room was mildew(ish) smell, should have been aired out. The entry was awkward with little signage or direction how to get in after hours. There was attentive staff to open the door. No proper hotel lobby.

Set in a buzzy area, with lots going on, the hotel itself was comfortable and human-scale. The staff seemed very helpful, and the room was comfortable

The staff (Beatrice especially) was very helpful and welcoming.

We were delighted. A bit funky, very practical, clean, fun neighborhood, $8 parking next door, cafe downstairs. Loved the end room overlooking the street.... fun to have cafe and street bustle... felt very European. Had everything we needed.

Stayed here as I was going to a show at the Greek theater. The hotel is 20 mins walking distance. Felt safe going to and from. Everything was clean and my room was big but faced the street. I felt safe. Good neighborhood. Will stay here and again. There is a small parking lot next door but you have to pay but it is not bad for the small fee.

Can’t beat the location. Right in the Gourmet Ghetto. It is rather a hands off operation. Very small staff, some barely acknowledge your presence. The rooms are clean and comfortable but there are no common spaces

Excellent place to stay for a few days when visiting Berkeley CA. The hotel is conveniently located and is close to many dining and shopping options.

1. Dirty!- there were rings from cups on the bedside table which obviously were not wiped down. I had to clean them 2. There was mold in the corners of the shower and including the shower mat hanging over the shower chair. Kind of disgusting to see when you are trying to get clean. 3. The bench at the bottom of the bed had a broken leg so when my husband put his LIGHT suitcase on it, the chair fell over. 4. The floor seemed to be not very clean especially the carpet. With Covid in our rearview mirror and paying almost $500 for two nights (doesn't include parking) this place should be way more clean and up to par. The stay was uncomfortable knowing it wasn't clean. Additionally the room is very small and was an inconvenience with luggage. Very unhappy customer.

Friendly, personable check in staff and very nice room. Includes a little outdoor patio, refrigerator, microwave and morning coffee at the cafe. Conveniently located next to a grocery store, close to campus and Bart.

helpful.

Perfect location. Very nice.

Clean and conveniently located

This property is conveniently located near shops, restaurants. Safe area and friendly staff.

The hallways of the hotel are old and dirty, need updating. Very helpful to have parking, but a little confusing about what time of day it expires and when to buy the pass for the next day.

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Nice Cafe and bakery in hotel. Friendly staff. Room comfortable, but alittle small.

This is a unique place first impression looks like a coffee shop no lobby but doesn't matter is a nice place to be, the heater didn't work but not s big deal for me.

Rooms are nicely renovated, but building is quite old, and can be loud.

Clean, cute and friendly! And the most amazing coffee shop in the lobby. Next door to a fantastic market, walking distance to everything and affordable. The room was spacious and clean. We got there a little early for check in so we worked in the coffee shop and loved hearing old Cal professors debating things like nuclear physics :). Just an awesome Berkeley spot that we will be back to!

First time in Berkeley. Everyone was very welcoming. The cafe is a very popular local gathering spot and it was lovely to meet so many friendly and welcoming people. Clean, comfortable room. I quite enjoyed my stay .

Great hotel, nice location. Plenty of stores and restaurants nearby. Easy to park. Staff was very friendly and helpful.

Hotel is in back of a cafe. Rooms are really nice and updated and we were given a handicap accessible room which was great. Bathroom and patio especially nice. Hotel gives you coupons for free drip coffee at cafe which they allowed us to apply against other fancier coffee drinks. Also, staff was very quick to help my disabled husband when he had a fall.

I would add a full length mirror and better pillows.

I was there from 09-11 to 09-15. Although there were some areas which needed tending (wall paper peeling, a couple stains on the throw cover, and a shower head which no matter your placement, will spray water outside the bath area)- all super simple fixes-will be my "go-to" stay in Berkeley.