Berkeley California Travel & Hotels

(close to the Shambhala and Studio 12 classrooms)

Updated Jun 08

Unless other wise indicated, the venue is the Berkeley Shambhala Meditation Center at 2177 Bancroft Avenue, 510-841-3242 (.25 miles from the Berkeley Downtown Bart Station). If the venue is Studio 12, the address is 2525 8th St., 510-981-1253 (1.88 miles from the Berkeley Downtown Bart Station). The lodgings listed below can be used for both of these venues. Please use www.mapquest.com or www.google.com maps to determine the distance from accommodations to the class venue.

Getting to Berkeley

There are 2 airports you can fly into, Oakland International (OAK) and San Francisco International (SFO). The Oakland airport is closer to Berkeley; however, both airports are on the BART rail line. The BART station closest to the class venues is Downtown Berkeley (2160 Shattuck Avenue). From the Oakland Airport, you take a bus called the AirBart, which requires $3.00 exact change, to the BART station. The BART line to Berkeley is the Richmond-Fremont line. Take the BART in the direction of Richmond. It costs approximately $2.20 to the Downtown Berkeley station. From the San Francisco Airport, you take the BART at the airport on the Millbrae/Daly City-Richmond line. At some times of day, you may be required to change trains at Daly City. Take the BART in the direction of Richmond to the Downtown Berkeley station. It costs approximately $5.90. The BART website is http://www.bart.gov

You can also take SuperShuttle or a private taxi. SuperShuttle from the Oakland airport costs approximately $32.00 and from San Francisco International $35.00. This is a shared ride van, so it pickups and drops off multiple passengers. Check for current rates at http://www.supershuttle.com/FareQuote.aspx or call 800 BLUE-VAN (258-3826).

A private taxi is more expensive. From San Francisco International airport, the cost is about $90 + tip. You can check this website for all transportation options from SFO: http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp From Oakland International airport, the cost is approximately 50.00 + tip. You can check this website for all transportation options from OAK: http://www.oaklandairport.com/ground_transportation.shtml

Accomodations in Berkeley

General Notes

Prices vary according to the time of year. The prices listed below, which were checked in June 2008, are for the lowest priced room and does not include tax. It pays to call several places and shop around. Most of the options will require taking a bus or taxi to the class site if you are not a good walker. You can go to www.mapquest.com or www.google.com maps to determine the distance from accommodations to the venue.

Be aware that better prices can usually be had by booking as far in advance as possible. You can always cancel the reservation if something better comes along. Most hotels have discount rates for AAA and some have discounts on the Internet. It is best to call the hotel directly before booking on the internet to compare prices.

The accommodations are listed below in order of price. In choosing accommodations, please note that the Shambhala class venue is 3 blocks from the Downtown Berkeley BART station, so any hotel along the BART line is convenient. Studio 12 is 1.88 miles from the Downtown Berkeley BART station, about $8 by taxi and $1.75 by bus. Exact change is required for busses.

Hostels

Berkeley Piedmont Hostel $30 + tax

2434 Piedmont Ave.,

Berkeley, CA

(510) 849-4800

http://www.berkeleyhostel.com/

Shared rooms, $30; Single room $55-$75

Linens provided. Use of shared kitchen.

Downtown Berkeley YMCA $45.00 + tax
2001 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 848-6800

http://www.baymca.org/dt/downtown-hotel.aspx

Singles - $45-$60 a night
Doubles - $65-$85 a night

Rooms have mini-fridge. Linens provided. Showers and toilets are shared dorm style. Use of shared kitchen, lobby with television/internet, exercise facilities and swimming pool are included in the price. No air conditioning.