“The Little Castle” earned this name because its esteemed architect, Julia Morgan, also designed the famous Hearst Castle on a mountaintop south of Big Sur. Opened in 1930, this elegant property — which is on the National Register of Historic Places — is all about its gracious presentation and urban location in downtown Berkeley. Thirty-eight rooms and suites total, some have views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Amenities include complimentary breakfast, overnight parking, bocce, a courtyard and a heated indoor pool. There’s on-site dining at Julia’s.