Union Hotel

The Union Hotel (bed and breakfast) is an historic property in desperate need of TLC, pride of ownership, and a significant investment. We stayed 4 nights; long enough to find bathroom ceiling lights that did not work (yes, we reported this and it wasn’t fixed), worn out electrical outlets, not enough outlets, and a breakfast not worth bothering with. I have no idea who owns the Union; I just know it doesn’t need to be this way. Yes, it’s going to take a significant investment to make it meet the expectations of travelers seeking to enjoy a vacation in the lovely community of Benicia. I just hope that investment is made ASAP. Note: It pains me to write this review!

What we liked, this trip and one previous (11/2022) about our stay at the union hotel: 1) Friendliness & ‘workable solution’ of management & staff. Arrived with one night’s booking (Saturday/ Sunday they were full) and was allowed to choose a room where air conditioner was temporarily not working for a second night at a discounted rate appx. $26 higher than where we had planned to stay in Martinez and $80 LESS than the least expensive of Benicia’s 3 other (over priced) options!?! 2) Continental breakfast: find it hard to believe comments that disparage the fine Continental breakfast the Union hotel puts out. There’s not much chance that Union MIGHT have let it’s game slip between when we stayed here, November ‘22 and this weekend; it was great BOTH times. I feel it is more likely that people are really hooked on the plasticity of what is offered by chains? Do they not realize they are being ($80!?) over-charged for a breakfast they could get built into the Union hotel’s more reasonable rates? Selection was creative, had variety, and most of all allowed us to go through till lunch without hunger. 3) Charm, functionality, and simplicity of furnishings while providing a comfortably firm bed and good pillows. Especially appreciated 2 chairs and a couch. 4) Price: clearly still a stay-in-Benicia section. Rates were 1/3 less than all others.

I love this place! We needed a dog friendly place and didn’t want a chain. This hotel is adorable great location and friendly staff. I’m not fussy and prefer to stay in a place with character and history vs a generic chain. The area and hotel gave John Steinbeck East of Eden vibes.

We have stayed at The Union Hotel multiple times over the last nine years. Each time it has been a little more run down with fewer breakfast items and amenities. This stay was our last. We actually checked out and then found another inn to stay in. The receptionist was never there when the sign on the door said it was open at 7;00. She would not arrive until 7:30 or later. The breakfast food was abysmal. This hotel used to be quaint and lovely but it has not been kept up and we can no longer stay there or recommend it.