Hotel Shattuck Plaza is a historic four-star boutique hotel at 2086 Allston Way in Downtown Berkeley, California, located half a block from the Downtown Berkeley BART station and two blocks west of the University of California, Berkeley campus. Commissioned by early civic leader Francis Kittredge Shattuck and designed by architect Benjamin Geer McDougall in the Mission Revival and Classical Revival styles, the five-story concrete landmark first opened in December 1910. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Berkeley City Landmark, the 199-room property pairs early 20th-century architectural grandeur with modern eco-friendly hospitality, California-Mediterranean dining at ZINO restaurant, and immediate access to the East Bay’s academic and theater districts.
What to Expect at Hotel Shattuck Plaza
Stepping through the Allston Way entrance reveals a grand lobby anchored by original coffered ceilings, ornamental plasterwork, arched windows, and a welcoming fireplace lounge. Following a comprehensive multi-million-dollar restoration, the guest quarters balance historic proportions with contemporary comforts engineered around the five senses. Accommodations range from Classic Queen and Deluxe King rooms to expansive Corner Suites and the signature Presidential Suite, which occupies the top floor and features sweeping views stretching from the Berkeley Hills to the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge. Every room is outfitted with pillow-top mattresses, crisp triple-sheeted linens, flat-screen high-definition televisions, high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces, and custom bath amenities.
On the ground floor, ZINO Restaurant and Lounge anchors the hotel’s culinary program, drawing both overnight guests and local UC Berkeley faculty for coastal Mediterranean cuisine prepared with organic Northern California produce. Menu staples include mezze platters with house-made hummus and warm pita, grilled lamb kebabs, pan-seared local halibut, and handmade pastas, paired with an extensive wine list highlighting Napa, Sonoma, and Mediterranean vintages alongside craft cocktails. Beyond the dining room, the property houses historic banquet and event spaces—most notably the White Cotton Ballroom with its crystal chandeliers and the Boiler Room—alongside a 24-hour fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes, free weights, and cardio machines.
- 1910 Mission Revival Architecture: Designed by Benjamin Geer McDougall, the building retains its historic stucco facade, arched colonnades, and National Register of Historic Places distinction in the heart of Downtown Berkeley.
- ZINO Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar: An airy ground-floor dining room and cocktail lounge serving breakfast, weekend brunch, dinner, and happy hour with a focus on Mediterranean flavors, kebabs, and California wines.
- 199 Renovated Rooms & Suites: Guest quarters ranging from standard Deluxe Kings to upper-floor suites with views of the UC Berkeley Campanile, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the East Bay hills.
- Historic Event & Ballroom Spaces: Over 7,500 square feet of meeting and celebration venues, led by the chandelier-lit Crystal Ballroom and White Cotton Room for academic conferences and weddings.
- Unbeatable Campus & Transit Proximity: Positioned less than a two-minute walk from Downtown Berkeley BART and two blocks from the West Gate of UC Berkeley.
Hotel Shattuck Plaza at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Berkeley (2 blocks from UC Berkeley) |
| Operating Hours | 24-hour front desk; Check-in: 4:00 PM, Check-out: 11:00 AM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$ (4-star hotel; nightly rates typically $210–$380+; ZINO mains $22–$42) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | Overnight stays (1 to 4 nights) or 1.5 to 2 hours for dining at ZINO |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Downtown Berkeley BART Station (150 feet away); valet parking and nearby Kittredge Street public garage |
| Official Website & Phone | hotelshattuckplaza.com | +1 510-845-7300 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because Hotel Shattuck Plaza is the flagship full-service hotel in Downtown Berkeley, rooms sell out months in advance during UC Berkeley commencement in May, Cal football home games at California Memorial Stadium, and August move-in weekends. Booking directly through the Hotel Shattuck Plaza official website secures the best room selection; request a high-floor west-facing room for San Francisco Bay views or a courtyard-facing room if you prefer maximum quiet away from Shattuck Avenue traffic. Travelers arriving via San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) can take BART directly to the Downtown Berkeley station (Orange and Red lines), exiting at the Shattuck Avenue and Allston Way escalators less than 200 feet from the hotel doors. Drivers can use the hotel’s valet service on Allston Way or self-park one block south at the Center Street Garage or Oxford Street Garage.
The property provides step-free access from the Allston Way sidewalk into the main lobby, ZINO Restaurant, and ballroom level, with modern passenger elevators serving all guestroom floors and ADA-compliant rooms fitted with roll-in showers and visual alarms. Stepping outside, guests are within a five-to-ten-minute walk of Berkeley’s top cultural landmarks: head two blocks east to stroll the shaded paths of the UC Berkeley campus toward Sather Tower (the Campanile) and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) on Center Street, or walk two blocks north to the Addison Street Arts District to catch a performance at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Freight & Salvage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the check-in and dining hours at Hotel Shattuck Plaza?
Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM, with a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage available for early arrivals or late departures. On-site restaurant ZINO serves breakfast and dinner daily along with late-afternoon happy hour drinks and small plates at the bar.
How much does it cost to stay or dine at Hotel Shattuck Plaza?
Nightly room rates generally range from $210 to $380 depending on season, room category, and university calendar events, plus a daily destination amenity fee that covers high-speed Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and lobby refreshments. At ZINO Restaurant, shared mezze plates run $12 to $20 and main entrees range from $22 to $42.
How close is Hotel Shattuck Plaza to UC Berkeley and San Francisco?
The hotel stands just two blocks west of the UC Berkeley campus entrance at Oxford Street and Allston Way, making it a five-minute walk to Sproul Plaza or BAMPFA. With the Downtown Berkeley BART station right outside the corner of Shattuck Avenue, riders can reach downtown San Francisco’s Embarcadero or Montgomery stations in 25 minutes.
Is Hotel Shattuck Plaza wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly?
Yes, the hotel features a step-free main entrance, elevator access to all five floors, accessible dining and public restrooms, and designated ADA guestrooms with roll-in showers and grab bars. Dogs are welcome in pet-friendly rooms for an additional cleaning fee, and outdoor paths around nearby Civic Center Park provide convenient walking areas.
When planning your Oakland travel guide or comparing verified hotels and nightlife in Oakland, pair this stop with standout local spots including Courtyard Oakland Downtown, Parche, Pardee Home Museum, and Berkeley Natural History Museums (0.6 km away).
