Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel
A family-friendly Bay Area estate
Situated just outside of San Francisco, Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel offers everything from aquatic activities to tennis to wine tasting on its expansive grounds. Perfect for a romantic getaway and family vacations alike, The Claremont boasts a club with fitness classes and state-of-the-art equipment, meeting spaces, pools and not-to-miss views of San Francisco and the Bay.
Entering the resort feels like stepping into an English estate; the pristine white façade, polished wood floors and rich rugs and upholstery immediately create a sense of sophistication, without being overly stuffy or pretentious.
While the property itself is historic, don’t worry about missing out on the comforts of modern living. Wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions and gaming consoles can be found in the guest rooms, and the well-stocked mini-bar and coffee machine will ensure you stay fueled for the plethora of activities on property.
Entering the resort feels like stepping into an English estate; the pristine white façade, polished wood floors and rich rugs and upholstery immediately create a sense of sophistication, without being overly stuffy or pretentious.
While the property itself is historic, don’t worry about missing out on the comforts of modern living. Wireless Internet access, flat-screen televisions and gaming consoles can be found in the guest rooms, and the well-stocked mini-bar and coffee machine will ensure you stay fueled for the plethora of activities on property.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel is set at the foot of Claremont Canyon in the exclusive Berkeley Hills neighborhood in Berkeley, California. The property’s elevated vantage point gives you panoramic vistas of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
- Of course, the real draw location-wise is the Claremont’s proximity to San Francisco. Just 12 miles from the city, it’s a quick drive (the resort can arrange car service) or BART ride to San Fran’s restaurants and attractions.
- The historic pictures, beautiful floral arrangements and relaxing music playing throughout the resort help make this a true escape — it’s almost hard to believe that a major city is just a hop, skip and a jump away when you’re relaxing in the overstuffed armchairs or strolling around the gorgeous pool.
- The 25,000-square-foot The Fairmont Spa at the Claremont offers oodles of relaxing and restorative services: hot stone massages, lavender scrubs and an Ayurvedic re-balancer are just a few of your options at this serene California Craftsman-inspired space.
Things to Know
- Sitting in the lobby to enjoy live music at the grand piano is a highlight, as is sitting on the patio to take in an absolutely picturesque sunset.
- The grounds are immaculately landscaped, and it’s easy to see why the busy season is May through November, when the weather is most cooperative.
- The resort honors its tradition of hosting famous musicians such as Louis Armstrong by playing live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.
- In the evenings, which can get cool in Northern California, small fire pits are lit at Bayview Café and s’mores kits are passed out.
The Rooms
- You can choose from a variety of rooms at Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, many of which have incredible views of the San Francisco Bay.
- Though no two rooms are exactly alike, they’re unified in their traditional décor, warm gold, blue and rust color schemes and artwork depicting this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel back in time.
- Classic rooms have one king or two double beds and hillside views; the Distinctive room with skyline and bay views.
- The Spa Elite room is adjacent to the spa and features additional amenities such as double vanity sinks. The Studio Suite allows extra space to spread out and relax, while the Petite Queen is perfect for the solo traveler.
- Almost all of the rooms have allergy-friendly counterparts featuring hypoallergenic bedding and air-purification systems.
The Restaurants
- Sample seasonal California cuisine at Limewood Bar & Restaurant. Regularly rotating menus showcase regional bounty like fresh Marin County oysters and produce from San Benito's Coke Farm.
- Don't have time for a multi-course meal? Head to the bar for more casual bites (think a bountiful Cobb salad and a grass-fed burger) and refreshing cocktails like the Basil Smash (vodka, St. Germain, basil and fresh berries) or the celebratory Cal Thyme, a twist on a gin and tonic created to commemorate the luxe hotel's 150th anniversary.
- Bayview Café is the resort’s most low-key dining facility. Located in the pool area, it offers quick bites and beverages while you lounge in the sun.
Getting There
41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley, California 94705
TEL800-551-7266
TEL800-551-7266
TEL510-843-3000
TEL510-843-3000
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
SFO (28-35 min)
OAK
