We stayed last Friday and the place looks like it s meant for gang members. Yes the hotel is cheap but be wary that there are signs that say " Please lock your door". Yes the neighborhood looks like you are sleeping in the slums and you worry constantly if you car is going to get jacked. The room had to VERY VERY HARD BEDS and there is no give to the concrete floor. Its very hard. There is a window that seperates you from the counter clerk and I couldn't understand a word that she said. I will never come back because of the constant threat of gangs and being robbed.

I was visiting my friends at San Francisco bay area for the last summer weekend. And I was looking for an affordable stay not too far away from San Francisco City. All the hotel properties in downtown SF were really expensive so I have to look out for something outside the city within the bay. I had couple of pleasant experiences with ABVI properties in California hence I decided to take a chance with ABVI Richmond. I was quite skeptical about the quality of rooms and services owing to the great prices they have. To my pleasant surprise my experience was extremely delightful. The rooms were clean and tidy, the housekeeping was prompt and good, the neighborhood was quite and the management staff was really helpful. Bed was clean, mattresses were of good quality, shower was clean. Upon request they also allowed me a late check out with no extra charge. Moreover its right of interstate 80 so is readily accesible. I liked this place so much that I decided to stay for couple more days and decided to comute 50 miles instead of trying a different hotel. Right now I am back in the bay area once again visiting a friend but regretfully the property was sold out so could not check into the same one again.


Bottom Line: Highly recommended if you are looking for a affordable accommodation with superior service and good quality rooms.

The room I stayed was clean... The sheets and pillows were comfortable as well as the bed... The bathroom was up to date and clean, with plenty of new towels... Air conditioning worked well. And, the room had two chairs with a desk... Plenty of hangers and a dresser... The bed was firm with extra padding... The staff was pleasant and were knowledgable of the area with suggestions for food around the area...

If price and location near Berkeley is most important this may be a good buy.

PLUSES: 1) Low daily price, 2) Just off I-80 and 8 blocks from San Pablo Ave, 3) Just north of Berkeley city line on San Pablo Ave, 3) Staff reasonably friendly and helpful 4) Good parking. 4) Mattresses firm and quite good for a budget motel.


MINUSES: 1) No amenities, coffee, fridge, microwave; 2) One bed side light permanently inoperative, 3) Ceiling fire alarm hanging, 4) Most rooms on noisy Carlson Blvd a freeway off-ramp road, 5) Only one hand towel for two people when we checked in;
BETTER CHOICE. SLIGHTLY MORE EXPENSIVE AND SOMETIMES FULL: Best Value Golden Bear Inn, Berkeley at San Pablo and Cedar Ave.