Claremont Resort & Club
Berkeley, California
Claremont Resort & Club
41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, California 94705 Original Property Opened in 1915 Historic Hotels of America member since 2016- The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Haunted Hotels List Is Announced
- The 2024 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Afternoon Tea Experiences List Is Announced
- The 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Haunted Hotels List Is Announced
- The 2023 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America® Most Magnificent Art Collections List Is Announced
- The 2023 Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Afternoon Tea
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Haunted Hotels
- 2022 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Magnificent Art Collections
- The 2021 Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Most Haunted Hotels Announced
- The 2019 Historic Hotels of America Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens Announced
Claremont Resort & Club has been a San Francisco landmark for over a century, gazing out over the Bay Area from a picturesque hillside between Berkeley and Oakland since 1915. The site, originally owned by the Thornburg family who dreamed of living in an English palace, was once home to a grand estate that locals coined the "castle." The moniker stuck. Affectionately dubbed the "White Castle on the Hill" since the early 1930s, this 22-acre metropolitan escape has stood the test of time, seeing everyone from legendary musicians to foreign dignitaries pass through its doors. Following an $80 million restoration to mark the hotel's 100th anniversary, Claremont Resort & Club effortlessly blends the historic charm of its Tudor Revival-style facade with luxurious contemporary comforts and impeccable attention to detail.
Discover
- Admire the Tudor Revival-style architecture of the Claremont Resort & Club, which is characterized by its stately half-timbering and was restored to its full glory in 2015 in honor of the historic hotel's centennial celebration. Painted a pristine white above with rustic yet elegant rockwork on the bottom, this hillside retreat resides upon the site of a former palatial family estate from the 19th century and has been fittingly called the "White Castle on the Hill" for almost 100 years.
- Get lost in the history of the Hillary Tenzing Room. Tucked just off the lobby, this handsome lounge area is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind artifacts and beautiful artwork inspired by the first climbers to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. While it certainly can't match the lofty heights of Mt. Everest, this library-esque space also appropriately boasts stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay area.
- Stroll along the pool deck used in the filming of the pop-culture classic Mrs. Doubtfire. Children of all ages will love the fountain bubblers and spray gardens, while adults will love the chance to reminisce over their own childhood.
Explore
- Explore the Museum of Paleontology. This remarkable cultural institution features a number of outstanding natural historic exhibits, including the fossil of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- Visit the campus of the University of California at Berkeley. Founded in 1868, this world-renowned school is connected to such historical events as the Manhattan Project, and the Anti-Vietnam War Movement. Be sure see the school's renowned local landmark, Sather Gate.
- Travel to the Lawrence Hall of Science, located in the hills above the UC Berkeley Campus. Check out the planetarium, housed in a geodesic dome that features a digital, fish-eye, full-dome projection system, for a unique and memorable experience.
Experience
- Attend a thrilling performance at the William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, perched above the UC Berkeley campus. Among the best places for live entertainment in Berkeley, its distinct architecture creates for incredible acoustics.
- Tour the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley. Founded in 1890, this 34-acre destination is filled with an amazing collection of plants from around the world.
- Experience Tilden Park, a 2,000-acre urban wilderness of open space, crisscrossed by bike and pedestrian pathways. Check out Lake Anza, a sand beach and swimming area.
Taste
- Savor flavor and spice at Imm Thai Street Food in Berkeley. This casual eatery is perfect for those who prefer authentic tastes with spice.
- Head to Zachary’s Chicago Pizza. This pizza joint, a notable Berkeley institution since opening in 1983, specializes in deep dish and thick crusts, with thin crust pizza for those who prefer.
- Enjoy afternoon tea served in the lobby. Indulge in a selection of exotic tea blends and delicious sweet and savory treats, including plant-based options.
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offer
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
