Claremont Resort & Club

The Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, nestled in the Berkeley Hills of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a Michelin Key Selected property renowned for its historic charm, stunning views, and extensive wellness facilities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Claremont Club & Spa is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating it as "very good" to "excellent" and considering it one of the finest hotels in America. It receives an average score of 8.1 out of 10 based on numerous reviews, with high marks for location, cleanliness, comfort, and staff. Guests appreciate the blend of historic elegance and modern updates following its extensive 2015 renovation.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the Claremont for several standout features:

• Spectacular Views: The hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, particularly from bay view rooms and the restaurant.
• Historic Building & Design: The "castle on the hill" aesthetic, a historic Tudor-style building dating back to 1915, combines classic decor with modern elegance and contemporary furnishings.
• Exceptional Leisure Facilities & Spa: The award-winning health club, "The Club," is a major draw, featuring three heated swimming pools (including a children's pool and a lap pool), a hot tub, 10 tennis courts, and an expansive fitness center with over 90 weekly classes. The Forbes 4-star Spa at Claremont is also highly praised for its rejuvenating treatments, steam room, and whirlpool.
• Luxury Accommodations & Amenities: Guests frequently mention comfortable beds, modern bathroom updates, and high-quality amenities, including Fairmont's signature Le Labo "Rose 31" toiletries.
• Unique Experiences: The daily 5 PM champagne sabering in the lobby is a memorable touch. The hotel is also pet-friendly and features a Canine Ambassador.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at the Claremont Club & Spa are described as beautiful, inviting, and comfortable. Many have been recently renovated in soothing palettes of blues, purples, and greens with geometric-patterned textiles, blending modern design with classic architectural features. Bay view rooms and suites are highly recommended for their incredible vistas. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and pillows, ensuring a good night's sleep. Bathrooms are often updated with modern fixtures, including rain showerheads and soaker tubs in suites. While some rooms might be considered small, they are generally found to be adequate and very quiet.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel boasts multiple dining options, including Limewood Bar & Restaurant, a café, and several bars, offering seasonal menus and craft cocktails.

• Limewood Bar & Restaurant: This main restaurant offers Californian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with many ingredients sourced locally. The view from Limewood is often cited as spectacular, enhancing the dining experience. Dinner dishes like roasted beet salad and wild ling cod have received positive mentions.
• Breakfast: Guests have described the breakfast experience as "marvelous," with options ranging from omelets and pancakes to pastries and healthy parfaits. Kid-friendly menus are also available.
• Lobby Lounge & Bayview Terrace: These spots offer a refined setting for drinks and light bites, with the Lobby Lounge hosting live jazz musicians and both providing sweeping bay views.
• East Bay Provisions: A newer addition, this cafe offers prepared foods like salads, sandwiches, and pastries, all locally sourced.

While many reviews praise the dining, one review mentioned disappointment with the food and beverage outlets not fully living up to Northern California's "foodie's paradise" reputation.

5. Service & Staff

The service and hospitality at the Claremont Club & Spa generally receive high praise. Many guests report that the staff is "amazing," "friendly," "helpful," and "professional," often exceeding expectations. Bellmen, valet, concierge, wait staff, and spa workers are frequently highlighted for their attentiveness. Some guests have noted that reception staff can occasionally be indifferent.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Claremont Club & Spa is perched atop the Oakland Hills, specifically straddling the Oakland/Berkeley border, providing a serene urban oasis. Its elevated position offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, a significant draw for guests. The hotel is conveniently located near the University of California, Berkeley, making it an ideal choice for visitors to the campus. While it's about 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco by car without traffic, guests appreciate its accessibility to Bay Area attractions. The surrounding neighborhood is described as stylish and lovely to explore.

7. Value & Pricing

The Claremont Club & Spa is considered a luxury accommodation, and its pricing reflects that. Room rates can start from around $214 for classic rooms and go up to $479 or more for suites, with average nightly rates around $449. Many guests feel that despite the higher cost, the experience is worth it due to the exceptional facilities, service, and location. However, some guests have expressed frustration with additional charges, particularly the resort fee, which can be around $28-$50 per night, especially if they do not intend to use all the club and spa facilities.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Resort Fees: A significant complaint involves the additional resort fee, which guests feel should be clearly disclosed in the booking price or waived if facilities are not used.
• Cleanliness Issues: A few isolated reviews mention concerns about room cleanliness, such as dusty wine glasses, and, more seriously, one guest reported the main pool being "disgusting" with hair in the water. The management has acknowledged and committed to addressing these concerns.
• Overcrowding/Maintenance: One highly critical review described the hotel as "overcrowded" and "poorly maintained," with facilities in poor condition and difficulty finding space by the pool, suggesting a focus on maximizing profit over guest comfort. This is contrasted by many other reviews praising the facilities, so this might be an isolated experience or related to specific peak times.
• Indifferent Staff: While generally praised, there are instances where guests found the reception staff to be indifferent or unwelcoming.

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