A big brother wouldn't steer you wrong, would he? Well mine, of impeccable taste and hard-to-meet standards, discovered the newly renovated Shattuck Plaza on a bungalow shopping trip to Berkeley and alerted me right away.

I think the last time I didn't heed his advice I got a noogie; so, of course, I signed up this East Bay classic (c. 1910). Thanks, Allen!

The Hotel Shattuck Plaza, the grande dame of Berkeley's lively commercial district (adjacent to BART and blocks from the UC campus), is elegance amidst the funk. Not stuffy, but no tie-dye here. Instead, its 199 rooms and suites are well appointed with 300 thread count sheets, oversized flatscreen tvs, ipod docking stations, working desks with ergonomic chairs…

Its public spaces reflect the grandeur of an earlier era, while the dining is American contemporary. Completing the very comfortable and competent picture are meeting spaces, a fitness and business center, and killer views of the surrounding verdant hills.

All this and a discount, too: Offered to Academic Ambassadors at 10% off their Best Available Rate.  Just announce yourself as a member and enjoy the savings (and the view!).

To access the AcAmb discount:

1. call our contacts, Joe (510-225-6015) or Heather (510-225-6007); or
2. click here (select the "Corporate Rates" menu at the top and enter our code – AA09 – in the window that comes up).

You may visit their website at www.hotelshattuckplaza.com.

AcAmbs now get
an additional 5% off
already low rates