I ended up here thanks to the guide du routard, rated there as "very chic", what a joke! I found this hotel extremely expensive, in regards to the nicely centered hotel (Union Square Plaza), I've been in SF.
The problem is that there is nothing cheap and decent in Berkeley, except the YMCA!

In my opinion the French Hotel has the best coffee in the East Bay. But it's not everyone's cup of tea, as it were. The place is run-down, not particularly clean or cozy, but it is a very local haunt. The same people have been sitting there for decades, every morning, discussing how to save the world from itself. I go there whenever I can for coffee when in Berkeley, to go with my brioche from the nearby Cheeseboard bakery.

The hotel itself is thus conveniently located if you insist on having the best coffee and best bread in Berkeley for your breakfast, not to mention the best pizza (again the Cheeseboard). There are no really good hotel options in Berkeley, the hotels are either overpriced or sleazy. This one is just quirky. The rooms are filthy, the sheets and covers are what you'd find in your grandmother's attic, including the holes in the blanket, very uncomfortable, a Motel 6 would be ashamed. But it isn't sleazy, for some reason.

There's wireless internet and it mostly works. It is walking distance from the University, and the walk is a nice one if you go by the residential streets. If you have a car, there's only a 50% chance you'll get a parking permit from the hotel, and pretty much 0% chance on the first night but you can park on the street at night. The rooms overlook the Andronico's parking lot. There is one room on the 3rd floor with a bay view, but it's way too hot in summer and it's noisy.

It's a big priority for me to stay in that neighborhood, see above brioche mention, and it's the only hotel there, and since it's bearable and affordable, I still stay there when on professional visits. But it really wouldn't hurt for someone to take up a collection to replace the bedding.

Right near the train and a grocery store with lots of trucks entering in the early morning. Very noise and mediocre rooms and location.

This is a small comfortable hotel located on Shattack St in Berkeley across the street from Che Panise, the famous retsaurant. Ron , the manager, is very accomodating and helpful. My wife & I have stayed here several times. Excellent location to U C of Berkeley and Napa and SF. Do try it!