| Sometimes a modern, big-city hotel just isn't enough - | | | | Caf� for some light sandwiches and drinks. This |
| you want that spectacular old-world hotel on a hill | | | | restaurant seems to be quite a popular place for Bay |
| drenched in charm, promising something way out of | | | | area singles and couples to mingle while they enjoy |
| the ordinary for your escape from every-day life. The | | | | spectacular views of the bay. |
| Claremont Hotel, Club & Spa is one of those places. | | | | The Claremont is well-situated for you to drive into |
| You've seen this type of hotel before - maybe on the | | | | San Francisco, or perhaps take advantage of the |
| Travel Channel or in the pages of a major travel | | | | BART train that will take you across the bay to where |
| magazine when they do their lists of the world's best | | | | you can use trolley cars and cabs to get around |
| hotels. These kinds of hotels share a certain sense of | | | | downtown. But you might also consider spending a little |
| style and place, an elegance that is evident from your | | | | time right in Berkeley, a city you'll likely remember as |
| first turn into the parking lot. This is one of those places | | | | the center of the "counter-culture" in the Sixties that, to |
| that you make a mental note to be sure and stay | | | | this day, retains that same independent spirit. |
| sometime when you can spare a little extra time and | | | | Today Berkeley is quite a destination for the visitor |
| money. | | | | interested in performing or visual or culinary arts. |
| The Claremont has held its commanding view of the | | | | Addison Street, for example, boasts live theater and |
| San Francisco Bay since 1915 and in fact caught the | | | | music most every night. Restaurants are plentiful, many |
| attention of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who | | | | focusing on food that is fresh, local and organic. |
| referred to it as "...one of the few hotels in the world | | | | Berkeley also offers hiking and biking trails along the |
| with warmth, character and charm." The hotel, in fact, | | | | bay as well as several regional parks. History buffs will |
| looks almost like a castle on a hill, a stately manor that | | | | find that Berkeley features dozens of historic |
| seems more European in flavor and completely | | | | monuments and architectural treasures, many found |
| dominating the surrounding real estate. Walk into the | | | | on the University of California campus which is |
| luxurious high-ceiling lobby past the high-end retail shops | | | | definitely worth a stroll while you're in the area. Tours |
| and you discover a quiet sophistication that will be the | | | | of the campus are 90 minutes long, free and offered |
| hallmark of your unforgettable getaway. | | | | every day. |
| The hotel is tucked away on a 22-acre parcel of | | | | UC Berkeley has one of the finest botanical gardens in |
| prime view property just minutes from downtown | | | | the country where you will find 13,000 species grouped |
| Berkeley and the nearby University of California. Many | | | | according to regions of the world. The UC Botanical |
| of the rooms at the Claremont offer a panoramic | | | | Garden also has many plants native to California. Be |
| view of the bay and downtown San Francisco. | | | | sure and bring a lunch that you can enjoy at one of |
| There's no mistaking where you are, yet you're | | | | the picnic tables available in the gardens |
| seemingly far away from the bustle of the big city. | | | | First-time visitors to Berkeley will be interested to know |
| The hotel's gardens and well manicured grounds feel | | | | there are several other tours available, including a |
| more like a country estate that a big-city hotel. | | | | number of walking tours that allow you to get a little |
| We arrived at our room on the fourth floor to discover | | | | exercise and, at the same time, learn about this |
| a spacious unit with plenty of room for two queen | | | | fascinating city. For example, the Berkeley |
| beds, a desk area, an entertainment area with a | | | | Architectural Heritage Association has published a |
| 37-inch flat-screen television and lots of open space in | | | | booklet entitled "41 Walking Tours of Berkeley" |
| the middle of the room. An easy chair was positioned | | | | featuring tours through specific neighborhoods, and at |
| for television viewing. The windows were smaller than | | | | certain times of the year the association sponsors |
| modern designs, yet they allowed us to look directly | | | | guided walking tours. The Berkeley Historical Society |
| across the bay at the Golden Gate Bridge. The room | | | | also offers walking tours throughout Berkeley in the |
| had a more than adequate bath area with a closed-in | | | | spring and fall. |
| tub/shower, marble vanity and stylish wall designs. The | | | | The beer-drinkers in your group will no doubt want to |
| verdict: A comfortable, spacious room but just a small | | | | visit the Pyramid Alehouse, home of the award-winning |
| part of the charm of staying at the Claremont. | | | | Pyramid Ales and Lagers, and Thomas Kemper Soda. |
| A big attraction at the Claremont is the Club at the | | | | Tours are 45 minutes long and explain the brewing |
| Claremont, where guests have exclusive access to | | | | process, the history of Pyramid Breweries, and offer |
| recreational resources popular with the Bay area elite. | | | | visitors samples of these popular beverages. |
| The facilities include two 25-meter heated swimming | | | | Another favorite attraction in the area is the USS |
| pools, an Olympic-size lap pool, a children's wading | | | | Hornet Museum in Alemeda where you can explore |
| area, a jet-stream whirlpool hot tub and four saunas. | | | | an authentically restored aircraft carrier. Visitors can |
| There also is a 20,000-square-foot fitness area with | | | | tour the ship from top to bottom and explore every |
| the latest in state-of-the-art exercise equipment. | | | | nook and cranny. A national Historical Landmark, the |
| Tennis courts are nearby and, whenever there is | | | | USS Hornet participated in World War II and the Apollo |
| sunny weather, they are in constant use. | | | | 11 moon mission. Onboard you'll find aircraft exhibits as |
| For those who visit a luxury hotel simply to be | | | | well as a comprehensive display of items from the |
| pampered, the Claremont offers Spa Claremont, | | | | Apollo program. |
| named by Elle Magazine as one of the top 20 spas in | | | | Of course, many visitors to the Claremont are quite |
| the country. This is not your run-of-the-mill spa - you'll | | | | content to stay on-site and soak up all the luxury |
| find a 20,000-square-foot facility with 32 treatment | | | | during their entire stay. And, with a hotel and grounds |
| rooms including separate facilities for men and women. | | | | designed to overwhelm the senses, who can blame |
| We did not sample the formal dining at the Claremont - | | | | them? |
| although the Meritage is reputed to offer scrumptious | | | | For more information on the Claremont Hotel, Club & |
| California cuisine expertly prepared by Chef Josh | | | | Spa, phone 800-551-7266. |
| Thomsen - but we did stop by the Paragon Bar & | | | | |