Some would argue that the Essex House is the most quintessentially Berkeley experience you can find. Basically a two-room boarding house, the Essex House is most famous for the hot tub in back. The owner allowed people to use the hot tub at no charge, so it quickly became a badly kept Berkeley secret. The advantage of such a small hotel is the level of attention the your afforded, as well as the feeling you're staying in someone's home instead of a hotel. Easy access to many of Berkeley's top attractions, including the Julia Morgan Theatre, People's Park, and Habitot Children's Museum.