Discover historic luxury, world-class pickleball, outdoor adventures, and exceptional dining at Claremont Resort & Club, a stunning hillside retreat overlooking San Francisco Bay.

There’s something captivating about the Claremont Resort & Club long before you step inside.

Rising above the Berkeley Hills, its striking white architecture has commanded attention across San Francisco Bay for more than a century. The Golden Gate Bridge stretches across the distant water, while the surrounding hills create a dramatic backdrop of Northern California beauty. It’s the kind of setting that makes you stop, take in the view, and appreciate where you’ve arrived.

Opened in 1915, the Claremont has welcomed generations of travelers to its 22-acre hillside retreat. Its grand Tudor Revival architecture reflects a bygone era of California hospitality. Yet behind that historic exterior is a resort that has evolved considerably, blending timeless luxury with an impressive collection of modern recreational experiences.

What makes the Claremont especially intriguing is how naturally those experiences fit into the property. Guests can move from beautifully appointed accommodations to heated pools, dining, and an extensive athletic club without leaving the resort. Just beyond the grounds, hiking trails climb into the Berkeley Hills, revealing some of the region’s most spectacular scenery.

And for those who enjoy racquet sports, the resort has embraced one of America’s most popular recreational games. Pickleball has become part of the Claremont experience, with dedicated courts, professional instruction, organized play, and a welcoming community of players.

I spent two nights exploring the property, taking advantage of its pickleball programming and discovering what makes this historic landmark so compelling.

Inside Berkeley’s Historic Claremont Resort

Stepping through the doors reveals a different side of the property’s personality. The lobby balances historic character with the warmth of a grand California retreat. Architectural details and inviting gathering spaces create an atmosphere that feels both distinguished and welcoming.

During my October visit, elaborate Halloween decorations brought an unexpected sense of theater to the historic surroundings. The seasonal displays added personality without diminishing the elegance of the space. It was a memorable first impression, especially in a building with more than a century of stories behind it.

Beyond the lobby, the property unfolds into a collection of inviting spaces and experiences. There is a sense of discovery in moving through the resort, with its historic interiors giving way to a remarkably extensive world of recreation.

Pickleball at Claremont: More Than Four Courts

For anyone who travels with a paddle, The Club at the Claremont offers a particularly enticing experience. Four dedicated outdoor pickleball courts sit among mature trees and beautifully maintained grounds. The setting brings together the pleasures of playing outdoors with the refined atmosphere of a private resort.

What distinguishes the Club is the depth of its programming. Rather than simply offering courts for reservation, it provides structured opportunities for instruction, organized play, and social interaction. That matters to travelers who want to play but may not arrive with three partners.

The Club’s 101 Development clinics introduce newer players to the fundamentals of the game. More experienced players can explore 201 and 310 Development sessions, which focus on refining skills with professional instructors. Scheduled open play provides opportunities to join other players, while private group drills offer customized instruction for friends, families, or teammates.

One particularly distinctive offering is Friday’s Pickleball, Pros & Pints.

This weekly gathering combines casual pickleball, professional tips, and drinks at Bayview Terrace. Several staff members mentioned its popularity during my visit. It’s a clever combination of recreation and social connection, capturing the welcoming spirit of the sport.

Private Pickleball Lessons at Claremont

As a competitive pickleball player, I’ve taken lessons, played tournaments, and spent countless hours working to improve my game. So I was especially interested in experiencing the Club’s professional instruction firsthand.

My private lesson with Laura quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. Within the first 15 minutes, she had identified two or three subtle adjustments to my swing. They weren’t dramatic changes, but the results were immediately noticeable.

What impressed me most was how quickly she recognized what needed attention. Rather than working through a standard lesson, Laura focused on the details that would make the greatest difference in my game. Her instruction was precise, practical, and tailored to my experience level.

For players who take their game seriously, that kind of individualized coaching is particularly valuable. It’s one thing to enjoy a few matches while traveling. It’s another to return home playing better than when you arrived.

Even after years of competitive play, I walked away with a fresh perspective on my game and adjustments I couldn’t wait to put into practice.

The Club at the Claremont: Fitness on Another Level

Pickleball may have brought me to the courts, but the fitness facilities deserve attention of their own. The scale and variety of the offerings are impressive, even for travelers accustomed to well-equipped athletic clubs.

The fitness center features Technogym equipment, free weights, and specialized training stations. Dedicated studios accommodate an extensive schedule of group classes, with more than 75 sessions offered each week. From yoga and Pilates to cycling, strength training, and dance-inspired workouts, the choices extend well beyond a traditional hotel gym.

Classes run from early morning into the evening, making it easy to fit a workout around the rest of the day’s plans. Personal training adds another option for guests who prefer individualized attention.

One of the most striking spaces is the outdoor F.I.T. Yard. Taking a workout outside gives the experience an entirely different character. The open-air setting feels like a natural extension of Northern California’s enthusiasm for fitness and the outdoors.

Eight illuminated tennis courts further expand the racquet-sports offerings. Together with the pickleball facilities and extensive fitness programming, they create an athletic environment with remarkable depth.

Hiking the Berkeley Hills Near Claremont

Some of Northern California’s most memorable experiences begin just beyond the resort grounds. The nearby Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve offers an opportunity to trade manicured surroundings for rugged hillsides and sweeping views.

I headed out on the 2.8-mile Stonewall Panoramic Loop, a hike that delivered exactly what its name promises. The trail climbs through the Berkeley Hills, gradually revealing increasingly dramatic views of the Bay Area.

The reward is the panorama. From the higher stretches of the trail, the landscape opens toward San Francisco Bay, with the city and surrounding hills unfolding in the distance. It’s the kind of scenery that makes the effort of climbing worthwhile.

The Club also offers guided Saturday hikes for guests who prefer a more organized outdoor experience. I explored independently, enjoying the freedom to follow the trail at my own pace and stop whenever the views demanded another look.

The proximity of such spectacular hiking adds another dimension to a stay here. An afternoon in the hills feels worlds away from the bustle of the Bay Area, yet the comforts of the resort are close at hand.

A Refined Retreat: Luxury Accommodations at Claremont

The Claremont’s historic elegance carries into its guest accommodations, where classic design meets contemporary California luxury. My spacious room featured decorative wallpaper, a sophisticated palette of soft neutrals, and carefully selected furnishings. Large windows framed views toward San Francisco Bay, bringing the beauty of the surrounding landscape indoors.

A plush king bed anchored the room, complemented by an elegant curved-back lounge chair.

The bathroom was equally indulgent. Marble floors and countertops provided an elegant backdrop for a freestanding soaking tub and separate glass-enclosed shower. An illuminated vanity mirror and polished fixtures completed the space, creating an atmosphere of quiet sophistication.

Even the smaller amenities reflected attention to comfort. A Nespresso machine, electric kettle, and plush Claremont-branded bathrobes made it easy to settle in. After a day exploring the Berkeley Hills or playing pickleball, the room offered its own pleasures.

Poolside Relaxation at Claremont Resort

Three heated outdoor pools offer an inviting setting to enjoy California’s beautiful climate. Whether swimming laps or spending a leisurely afternoon poolside, guests can enjoy these thoughtfully designed aquatic spaces.

The 25-meter main pool provides a spacious setting for swimming and relaxation. A separate 25-yard lap pool caters to those seeking a more dedicated workout, while a children’s pool completes the collection. Comfortable loungers and whirlpool areas add another layer of indulgence.

There’s something especially appealing about having the freedom to move between an active morning and an unhurried afternoon. The poolside setting offers an opportunity to slow the pace and enjoy the surroundings. It’s a pleasure that requires little more than choosing a lounge chair and settling in.

Dining at Claremont: Limewood and Beyond

Some of the best moments of a getaway happen when you finally sit down to dinner. At Limewood Bar & Restaurant, mine came with a beautifully prepared chicken dish that exceeded expectations.

I started with the Gem Salad, Limewood’s version of a Caesar salad. It was a satisfying beginning, but the roasted Mary’s chicken stole the evening. The lightly breaded, bone-in chicken was exceptionally tender, practically melting in my mouth. The Calabrian butter sauce was outstanding, adding richness without overwhelming the dish. Smashed potatoes were cooked perfectly, while the pickled poblano delivered just enough peppery heat to make every bite interesting.

Limewood’s setting added to the experience. Large windows framed the fading evening light, giving dinner a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The menu offered plenty of reasons to return, from fresh seafood and steaks to inventive starters and dishes designed for sharing.

For mornings or a quick bite between activities, East Bay Provisions offers coffee, pastries, and convenient café fare. Bayview Terrace takes a more leisurely approach, offering casual food and drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting. Both provide welcome flexibility, whether there’s time to linger or a full day ahead.

Still, it was dinner at Limewood that stayed with me. There’s a particular satisfaction in finding a restaurant where the food lives up to the surroundings. This was one of those evenings.

The Luxury of Having It All

The best getaways have a way of making you wish you’d booked one more night. At the Claremont, it’s easy to understand why. There’s no pressure to fill every hour or follow someone else’s idea of the perfect vacation. The pleasure comes from having so many possibilities, with the freedom to enjoy as much or as little as you please.

One morning might be spent perfecting your pickleball game, followed by an afternoon devoted to doing absolutely nothing. And when evening arrives, there’s always an occasion worth dressing up for.

More than a century after opening its doors, the Claremont still knows how to make a lasting impression. Its historic grandeur may be what first catches your eye, but it’s the experience of being there that makes you want to return.

Two nights were enough to appreciate its appeal. They weren’t nearly enough to exhaust its possibilities.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cover photo Jarrett Jecmenek

Jarrett Jecmenek is a competitive 4.0-level pickleball player and travel writer who has played and competed at destinations across the United States. An avid traveler and adventure enthusiast, he enjoys discovering destinations that combine exceptional accommodations, outdoor recreation, and memorable experiences. His travel stories explore how an active lifestyle can elevate the traditional luxury getaway.