Travel
Hotel
Bancroft Hotel
Berkeley, CA 94704 (800) 549-1002
Great hotel, across the street from UC Berkeley and plenty of eats and shops around. About 3 miles uphill from this hotel to the venue, but uber or lyfts are plentiful.
Hotel
Graduate Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 845-8981
Pet friendly with a great bar! Also very close to UC Berkeley, and about a 10 minute walk from BART. A bit on the pricey side, unless you book early which will save you about $75 big ones.
Hotel
Claremont Club & Spa - A Fairmont Hotel
Berkeley, CA 94705 (510) 843-3000
Historic turn of the century hotel and spa with all the bells and whistles. Amazing views of the Bay at their restaurant and lounge and the grounds are super quaint. Stay here if you want to treat yourself! Even if staying here isn't an option due to financial reasons; highly recommend checking out the limewood for dinner or cocktails. Bonus--Emilie can tell you all about the history of the hotel and proposed improvements here as she's working on a mixed-use residential project here.
Hotel
Berkeley City Club
Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 848-7800
If you are into architecture, and Julia Morgan (Hearst Castle), think Citizen Cane, this is the place for you. Very close to Bancroft Hotel, and the Graduate Berkeley. Close to shops, downtown Berkeley and the university.
Hotel
Phoenix Hotel
San Francisco, CA 94109 (415) 776-1380
Phoneix hotel is a 44 room mid-century motor lodge with a lush courtyard and heated outdoor pool. It's an oasis in the heart of San Francisco on the edge of the gritty Tenderloin and three blocks from City Hall. Guests get complimentary passes to the Kabuki Springs and Spa (Monday - Friday). Trendy, modern and hip if you are looking to stay in SF this is a great option. Their bar and restaurant adjacent to the hotel is great for cocktail hour.