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The Claremont Club and Spa, A Fairmont Hotel

by Katie Hammel
Claremont Club and Spa
Photo: Claremont Club and Spa / Courtesy of the property
by Katie Hammel
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Lobby of  Claremont Club and Spa
Photo: Lobby of Claremont Club and Spa / Courtesy of the property
by Katie Hammel
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Pool at Claremont Club and Spa
Photo: Pool at Claremont Club and Spa / Courtesy of the property
by Katie Hammel
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Once a private residence, the Claremont Club and Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, sits atop the Berkeley Hills and offers panoramic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Known as "The White Castle on the Hill,” the 276-room hotel was built in 1915. Its Club, where you can play tennis or go for a swim, is popular among affluent East Bay residents.  As a sophisticated and tranquil urban resort, the property offers so much more than a standard hotel, with plentiful o-site amenities and a great location just outside the hustle-and-bustle of the city. 

What You Need to Know

The Look of The Claremont Club and Spa

It's All in the Details

The Claremont Club and Spa exudes elegance. Enter the sprawling white cupula-topped building and you'll be greeted by a grand lobby with soaring recessed ceilings, chic leather seating, and fresh flowers at every turn. Palm trees and greenery make the 22-acre property feel lush and secluded, despite its close proximity to Oakland and San Francisco.

Each room is unique in its layout and design, but all have a soothing color scheme and sophisticated decor, like pale blue walls and Art Deco-patterned wallpaper and carpets, plus cozy furnishings like tufted headboards, plush bedding, and fluffy down comforters. The smallest rooms clock in at 240 square feet, and all have Le Labo bathroom amenities, Keurig coffee machines, and oversized soaking tubs. 

The Vibe at The Claremont Club and Spa

The Claremont Club and Spa is an oasis of calm close to the city — and it’s easy to see why the hotel is a favorite amongst celebrities, families, and academics visiting UC Berkeley. The grounds are secluded and private, but fun touches like live jazz on weekend nights and s’mores kits for the outdoor fire pits keep things from feeling dull. 

Who Will Love The Claremont Club and Spa

Discerning tourists who prefer to sleep away from the bustle of San Francisco will appreciate the hotel’s easy access to the city. Meanwhile, those with business in Berkeley or Oakland will have an even shorter commute. Guests who’ll make good use of the hotel’s many amenities like the pool, spa, or tennis courts will get the most value from a stay. 

Who Might Not Love The Claremont Club and Spa

Tourists who crave a hotel in the thick of it all might be happier in a more centrally located property. Additionally, those who’ll only return to the hotel to sleep may prefer a less expensive hotel without so many on-site diversions. 

Best Amenity at The Claremont Club and Spa

The Claremont Club and Spa offers so many amenities that it’s hard to narrow down the best. The top two contenders, though, are hinted at in the hotel’s name. First, there’s the Club, which features multiple pools and whirlpools, ten tennis courts, and a fitness center with nearly 100 weekly group classes. The 25,000-square-foot Fairmont Spa is another showstopper, serving as a serene retreat where guests can relax in a eucalyptus steam room or indulge in a soothing treatment (think hot stone massages, lavender scrubs, and more). 

Money Matters

What’s Included at The Claremont Club and Spa

A fee of $35 per night covers amenities like wifi and Club acccess.

Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at The Claremont Club and Spa

Overnight self-parking is $30 per night; overnight valet parking is $35 per night.

How to Get a Deal at The Claremont Club and Spa

Visit the property's offers page for the most up-to-date promotions. These include AAA discounts, 20% off suite accommodations, and up to 30% off room rates. ALL - Accor Live Limitless members will save an additional 10%. 

Getting There

In the Neighborhood of The Claremont Club and Spa

Berkeley and Oakland are both home to an incredible array of restaurants, bars, and shops. In Berkeley, splash out at Chez Panisse, where Alice Waters is credited with the creation of what we now call California cuisine. Head to Comal for inventive Mexican, Lemat for traditional Ethiopian, or Fieldwork Brewing for local beers. Check out the sprawling UC Berkeley campus or go for a hike in the Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve. 

Nearest Airport to The Claremont Club and Spa

Oakland International Airport is 14 miles south of the hotel, which can take anywhere from 25 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. If you prefer public transportation, take the BART to downtown Berkeley (approx. 40 minutes, $10). From there, it's just a short ride to the hotel.  If you're coming from San Francisco International Airport, the drive will take at least 30 minutes (but likely a lot longer in traffic). Alternatively, take BART across the Bay to the downtown Berkeley station (about an hour).  

Nearest Public Transit to The Claremont Club and Spa

It’s a far walk to the nearest BART station (about 1.3 miles), so your best bet for public transport is by bus. Bus stop #79 — located on the corner of Claremont Avenue and Ashby Avenue — is less than five minutes on foot from the hotel. 

The Bottom Line

The Claremont Club and Spa is a historic luxury hotel for the modern age. Quiet and secluded but never stuffy or boring, the hotel offers the perfect mix of plenty to do onsite—between the multiple pools, tennis courts, spa, and two dining options — plus easy access to nearby attractions.

It's All in the Details