HISTORY
An icon dating to 1915, it is now a historic hotel of America.
VIBE
From afar, the palatial white edifice seems to carefully watch over Berkeley, perched at a slight elevation. Once a family home, like most historic Fairmont properties, it seamlessly melds history with modern elegance. Stuffy hotel this is not. Abuzz with locals and regulars (courtesy of Claremont Club members) it’s the chicest meeting place for social and family gatherings.
DÉCOR
Clementine-hued accents, leather semi circular seating areas combine with art deco accents like metallic fixtures and wainscotting. Tudor Revival architecture on the exterior give way to more graphic details and eclectic artwork inside that add modernity and edge, with a true sense of place. See if you can find one of its hidden gems – stop by the well tucked away Hillary Tenzing Room (it doubles as cool event space), an homage to the famed sherpa and climber who successfully reached the top of Mount Everest. Artifacts from the climb and Eastern artwork are displayed on shelving, enveloped by a cerulean wash of colour.
ROOMS
Each of the 276 guest rooms and suites features individual charm and unexpected nooks as is common among historic buildings. A sophisticated and regal purple and white colour palette enhances and carries through the Art Deco design as does marble clad bathroom, geometric wallpaper and beautiful polished chrome finishings.
DINING
At Limewood bar and restaurant Executive Chef Joseph Paire III plays to his audience, “we have guests that come here regularly – they’ll get mad if I take off certain dishes.” The deceptively simple North-Cal focused menu showcases seasonal fresh produce like honeynut squash tartine, a hearty and rich combination of burrata, maitake mushrooms and smoked honey squash. Scallops are well seared, and sit atop a silky parsnip puree accompanied by a fresh chimichurri. The menu brims with twists on classics like the juicy, crisp fried chicken paired with craveable house made piri piri sauce.
BOTTOM LINE
Sunset and sunrise views of the San Francisco Bay skyline from your room, or Limewood are especially memorable.
LOCATION
41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley
WEBSITE
fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley
This original article first appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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