We stayed at the Donatello near Union Square. I prefer this area.
Large rooms, fridge, microwave, coffee maker, roof top club level with patio.
Check it out! Not sure what rates are now--we stayed there 2 yrs ago.

We stayed at the Hotel Palomar, SOMA, which is right next to two BART stations. The Palomar is a Kimpton. It is a fabulous place to stay!

There are many nice shops you may enjoy in the Fourth Street area in Berkeley. If you can make a day of it, we made a special trip just to have dinner at CHEZ PANISSE (http://www.chezpanisse.com). I recommend the restaurant, rather than the cafe. If you decide to have dinner there, reserving early is a MUST. If you can only manage lunch, the cafe is open at that time.

You might also enjoy the musical "Jersey Boys", which is playing near Union Square at the Curran Theater. Tickets at: http://tinyurl.com/37ayee. It is playing in other cities as well, so you might check the website to see if you can catch it anywhere else you'll be visiting.

Sorry, suedownunder. Hope my going from subject to subject didn't confuse you. Jersey Boys is playing in San Francisco, not Berkeley.

Thanks Leburta.
I just checked out the Chez panisse's menu - I've never seen "harpoon caught swordfish" on a menu before, sounds interesting.