The Claremont Resort & Club, a historic American hotel nestled at the base of Claremont Canyon in the Berkeley Hills, stands as a testament to California's vibrant past. Situated in the Claremont district, straddling the city limits of Berkeley and Oakland near the intersection of Claremont and Ashby Avenues, this iconic structure boasts a rich history and a blend of historical ambiance and modern comfort. Its location, a few blocks southeast of the University of California, Berkeley's Clark Kerr Campus, places it in a unique position with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
Historical Overview
Originally located in unincorporated Alameda County, the land where the Claremont Hotel now stands was once home to William B. Thornburgh, who constructed a large residence, or "castle," around 1870. After Thornburgh's death in 1878, John Ballard acquired the property. However, in 1901, a devastating wildfire razed the house to the ground.
In 1905, Louis Titus acquired the property on behalf of the Claremont Hotel Company. This group of investors, including Titus, John Hopkins Spring, Francis "Borax" Smith, and Frank C. Havens, envisioned a grand hotel that would rival other contemporary resorts in California. Construction commenced shortly after the purchase, coinciding with the development of the nearby Claremont Park by Duncan McDuffie.
However, the 1906 earthquake brought construction to an abrupt halt due to supply and financial constraints. Construction temporarily resumed in 1910, but further obstacles hindered progress. Meanwhile, a referendum in November 1909 annexed the area containing most of the hotel site into the city limits of Oakland.
Erik Lindblom invested significantly to complete the hotel, which finally opened in 1915 as the Claremont Hotel, just in time for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Its scale and design were comparable to other grand resort hotels built in California between 1876 and 1914, such as the Mission Inn, Hotel del Coronado, St. Francis Hotel, and Fairmont Hotel.
Ownership and Management
Lindblom acquired the hotel in 1918 and held it until it was sold to Claude C. Gillum in 1937, the hotel’s former desk clerk, and his wife. Over the following decades, the Claremont changed hands several times, with various individuals and corporations assuming ownership and management. In 2007, Morgan Stanley acquired the Claremont as part of a $6.6 billion transaction.
In February 2011, the resort filed for bankruptcy due to losses attributed to the ongoing recession. Lenders, including Paulson & Co., Winthrop Realty Trust, and Capital Trust, foreclosed on the property. Subsequently, in 2013, a deal was approved to sell the Claremont to the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation.
After a decade of operation under the Fairmont flag, management of the property transitioned to HEI Hotels + Resorts in February. Two years after Richard Blum's estate sold the hotel to Ohana Real Estate Investors, the hotel’s official name changed to the Claremont Resort & Club.
Location and Accessibility
The Claremont's location has always been a key aspect of its appeal. Situated at the base of Claremont Canyon in the Berkeley Hills, the hotel offers stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
Initially, the Claremont was easily accessible via the Key System, a transbay railway line that ran from the Transbay Terminal over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, terminating near the hotel's entrance, between the tennis courts now part of the Berkeley Tennis Club. This allowed guests to travel directly to San Francisco from the hotel's lobby steps. The train tracks were removed in 1958, when the Key System stopped running.
In addition to rail access, the Claremont was also conveniently located along the primary route over the Berkeley Hills via Claremont Canyon. In 1903, the Inter County Tunnel was excavated above Temescal Canyon, accessible by Tunnel Road, which initially ran from the end of Russell Street but was later re-routed to connect with Ashby Avenue. This route later led to the Broadway Low Level Tunnel, which opened in 1937 and was later renamed the Caldecott Tunnel. The hotel's street address remains 41 Tunnel Road.
Amenities and Features
The Claremont boasts 279 guest rooms, a 20,000-square-foot (1,900 m2) spa, 10 tennis courts, and 22 acres (8.9 ha) of landscaped gardens. The Club at the Claremont is a hub for health and wellness activities, offering three outdoor pools, fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, and cycling, and a fitness center with a full free-weight gym.
Dining options include East Bay Provisions, which serves coffee, pastries, and breakfast items, and Limewood Bar and Restaurant, where Chef Joseph Paire offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with lovely views and outdoor dining. The historic Lobby Lounge offers light bites, local craft beer, wine, and craft cocktails, such as the Garden Bliss and Claremont Sunshine.
Prohibition Era Challenges
The Claremont faced unique challenges during the Prohibition era due to its proximity to the University of California. In 1873, a state law prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages within 2 miles (3.2 km) of the University of California. Although this statute was amended in 1876 to reduce the prohibition distance to 1 mi (1.6 km) from the university's perimeter, it still posed a hurdle for the hotel.
In 1913, the hotel's investors sponsored AB 1620, the Ferguson bill, which aimed to further restrict alcohol near churches and schools statewide while specifically exempting the Claremont Hotel from the dry zone. However, influenced by activism from women's clubs and temperance groups in Berkeley, the Ferguson bill was defeated by one vote.
Following the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, the Claremont Hotel continued to be affected by the state law prohibiting liquor sales within a mile of the university.
Incidents
The hotel once had a very unusual fire escape - a multi-story spiral slide! Guests could slide down it to escape in an emergency. Many people, including teenagers, would sneak in to try the slide. Eventually, the slide was closed off and removed.
In 1991, a huge firestorm threatened the Claremont. Firefighters worked hard to stop the flames. Luckily, the wind also died down.
Spa History
The spa at the Claremont Resort & Club is a notable feature, offering a wide range of treatments and services. The 20,000-square-foot facility provides a luxurious environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. While specific details on the spa's historical development are scarce, its presence is a significant part of the hotel's appeal as a wellness destination. Guests can enjoy a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, all designed to promote well-being.
Ghost Stories and Lore
The Claremont Hotel is shrouded in lore, including numerous ghost stories. Room 422 is particularly known for reports of a baby crying, attributed to the story of a six-year-old girl who died in that room. While the current management does not emphasize these tales, they remain a part of the hotel's mystique.
Present Day
Today, the Claremont Resort & Club operates as a "Lux Life" hotel with independent branding, offering a balance of historical charm and modern amenities. It remains a popular destination for travelers seeking a luxurious retreat with stunning views and convenient access to both Berkeley and San Francisco. The resort's facilities cater to a wide range of interests, from spa treatments and fitness activities to fine dining and historical exploration.