It's interesting how varied the reviews are for the RGI. I've stayed here half a dozen times, and I've always found it a pleasure. Yes, some upgrading needs to be done, and the rooms (I've been in four) seem a bit overdecorated. But so what? The front desk staff, especially Gabriel, are very nice, and I always feel well taken care of. Breakfast is just fine and the coffee is very good; I only wish it started at 7:00 instead of 7:30. I'll be coming to Berkeley on business again, and I wouldn't think of staying anywhere else.

First off, I know this is a long review, but to interested travelers, it's worth the read!

>When I first called the RG, I was politely greeted and assisted by the staff as I inquired about pricing and availability. They were flexible and helpful with my many questions, which eased my concerns, considering the weekend was an EXTREMELY important one. (aren't they always??)
>The day of our arrival, I phoned ahead (as advised) to see if we could check in early, which turned out to be no problem, and while I had them on the phone, I mentioned it was my fiance's birthday and inquired as to what I might be able to purchase to dress up the room before our arrival. Personnel(who turned out to be the innkeeper himself :] ) mentioned that they would regularly run out and gather us champagne and flowers, but unfortunately they were unable to do so on that day. I was not put off by this at all seeing as how it was a last minute request and our room was ready for us hours before scheduled check-in. But when we checked into our room, I was surprised by the gracious gesture of generosity and hospitality when the innkeeper informed us that he had upgraded our room in acknowledgment of my fiance's special day.
>>>To top it off, the room was incredible - bedside fireplace, tv, microwave, spacious tiled bathroom, etc. - and the location was PERFECT for our vacation. Downtown SF was only ~15 or so minutes away and you could walk to most anything you could need right from the inn. We appreciate the nightlife and staying out late wasn't a problem, as the atmosphere was relaxed as opposed to stifling, which can sometimes occur in smaller locations. Not to mention hot water ran for at least 30 minutes, staff was pleasant,and the grounds were clean and beautiful. Parking spaces were effective, but I'd suggest parking your car before 7 pm if you want space in the lot.
> All in all, it was a DREAM vacation, and we'll definitely be going back!!!!

My elderly parents insisted on staying here because of its convenient location. That, and the breakfast, is the only thing this place has going for it.

The rooms are small, dark, cramped, dark, unimaginatively appointed, and the overall feel of the place is run down. The service is bad--when my parents asked to change rooms because their room was so damp that it was aggravating my mom's asthma, they put them into another dark small room and there was no one who could (or would) help them with their bags. They had two small roller bags that I was able to carry for them both at once.

This place is tacky. Stay anywhere else!

I am a former student of UC Berkeley and have been travelling to Berkeley on business about once every month on an average for the past 4 years. The Rose Garden has one and only one attraction for me - it is close to the University. I have been forced to stay there as a last resort once every year or so, and need to keep reminding myself never to come back. These are some of the reasons, over my last three stays:

-- the room that had been requested and paid for, weeks ahead, was not available. This can happen - but they neither cared, admitted the problem, or provided any kind of resolution.
-- the incoming phone service at the reception is non-existent (every stay). Unless you have a cell phone, forget expecting anyone being able to contact you. There is not even an answering message that can direct you to connect to a room.
-- room service is non-existent. Since nobody answers the phone, nobody can take a request - be it a question or a wake-up call request.
-- the internet service they advertise and charge for is practically non-existent, except for certain public areas - and it is patchy there as well. As noted by others, too.

The above are the tangible reasons, which make any stay difficult for a guest who is not there only for a lazy vacation. There are many other more intangible reasons, which equally add to the unpleasantness fof the stay. As noted by several other reviewers, the staff are rude, unhelpful, unprofessional and seem to not really care about the guests - in fact, treat them with a certain brusqueness. I would hesitate to ask anyone to contact me at this hotel - and this is not a problem with any of the numerous other places I have stayed at in this town - or anywhere else for that matter.

There is not enough parking space, so if you return later than the other guests, you have to park elsewhere - this, in the area, is not easy.

The furnishings, while "pretty" are more run down than the better class of motel - there are stains and worn patches everywhere.

This hotel, in my opinion, only stays in business due to the scarcity of other hotels in the immediate vicinity. I believe it is still running on it's reputation from many years ago, when it was a newer, better maintained place, with a caring and professional staff. The buildings are historical, and nicer to look at form the outside than the average concrete hotel. And it must be admitted that the garden and outdoor spots are nice. As I said - a good enough place if you are willing to sacrifice comfort for period decor, do not require efficient (or ANY) service, and need a place close to the University.

Otherwise, there are many other places for half the cost with better amenities and service all along University avenue. And if you are here on business or for a social gathering like a wedding or reunion, consider the Marina hotels, Emeryville, or the Claremont resort. Equivalent (or lower) costs, much better in every respect.

It is also to be noted how the management responds to reviews on this site alone - responding never with a 'sorry', but always the 'we are fine and you need to take this' attitude, which is much more obvious in person. The building, grounds and location are charming - if the owners cared to fix the staff problems, this could be the most charming hotel in Berkeley instead of an overpriced nightmare.