Overview
The Bernice is a distinctive housing option located in Sacramento, California (address: Sacramento, CA 95811). Although listed under the city of Davis, it sits about 15 minutes by car from the University of California, Davis campus. The property operates as a hostel with private rooms and apartment-style units, combining historic Victorian charm with modern amenities. It offers monthly rentals ranging from $1,999 to $3,770 (indicative — confirm with the operator), making it a premium choice compared to the city-wide average from-price of $509 per month. The Bernice is rated 4.4 stars on Google (based on 510 reviews), with residents consistently praising its atmosphere, cleanliness, and location.
Who The Bernice suits
Travellers and commuters who want walkability
The property is a 5–10 minute walk from the Amtrak train station, making it ideal for anyone who needs to travel between Sacramento and the Bay Area, Los Angeles, or other stops. Residents note the convenience of being near restaurants, a Target, a museum, coffee shops, and mass transit.
Professionals needing a weekday base
One reviewer, Lena Li, booked private rooms multiple times for work stays in downtown Sacramento. She appreciated the quiet, respectful guests and the fact that shared areas were not crowded. The Bernice’s location in a “safe block” (her words) adds appeal for solo travellers.
Students who prefer a historic, social environment
The building is a restored Victorian mansion with a bed-and-breakfast feel. For UC Davis students who do not mind a short commute, it offers a characterful alternative to standard student apartments. The presence of a swimming pool and gym (both listed as amenities) provides on-site recreation.
People seeking flexible room types
The Bernice offers studios, 1-bedroom units, 2-bedroom units, and apartments. This variety suits individuals, couples, and small groups. The hostel-style private rooms (mentioned in reviews) give an option for shorter stays, while the apartment units work for longer leases.
Who The Bernice does not suit
Budget-conscious students
The minimum monthly price of $1,999 is nearly four times the city-wide average from-price of $509. Even the cheapest unit is well above typical student housing costs in Davis. You should only consider it if you have a higher budget or if you are splitting rent in a multi-bedroom unit.
Students who need to be on the UC Davis campus daily
The property is in Sacramento, not in Davis. Driving takes roughly 15 minutes without traffic, but public transit may require a bus or train connection. If you prefer to walk or bike to class, this is not a practical choice.
People who dislike shared facilities
While the Bernice offers private rooms and apartments, some areas (kitchen, lounges, possibly bathrooms) are shared, especially in the hostel portion. Reviewers describe the shared spaces as “not crowded” and guests as “quiet and respectful,” but if you require full privacy in all common areas, you may prefer a conventional apartment.
Those looking for a very new building
The Bernice is a restored Victorian mansion. It may have older infrastructure (e.g., heating, windows) that could affect comfort. No review complains about maintenance issues, but the historic character means it won’t feel like a modern high-rise.
What residents actually say
Alicia (5/5)
“My stay at this hostel was great! From the sweet ladies who checked me in to the spacious room. The place reminds me of an old Victorian bed and breakfast. Also, its a 5-10 min walk from the Amtrak train station. If I’m ever back in the area, I will definitely be staying here again.”
Alicia highlights the welcoming staff, room size, and proximity to the train station. The “old Victorian bed and breakfast” feel is a recurring theme.
Lena Li (5/5)
“I need a place to stay in the downtown during the weekdays for my work, and booked the private rooms here for a few times. The hostel is vintage, beautiful and located in a safe block. The room is always clean and comfy. The shared areas are not crowded, and the guests here are usually quiet and respectful. The kitchen…”
Lena’s review (cut off in the source) underscores cleanliness, safety, and a peaceful atmosphere – important for anyone who needs to work or study in the evenings.
Kereni Renee (4/5)
“Visited the hostel for 2 nights while traveling to Los Angeles via Amtrak. It is within walking distance to the train station. Since it’s downtown you are near restaurants, a Target, a museum, coffee shops and mass transit. The hostel is a restored Victorian mansion that sits in a corner in the middle of the city. The…”
Kereni confirms the walkability and downtown amenities. The 4-star rating suggests minor drawbacks (the review is truncated, so the reason is unknown), but overall satisfaction.
Price positioning vs the city’s from-price
The city of Davis has a from-price of $509 per month across 11 listed properties. At $1,999–$3,770 monthly (indicative — confirm with the operator), The Bernice is significantly more expensive than the average student housing in Davis. This is partly because it is located in a major city (Sacramento) rather than a college town, and partly because it offers hostel-style services (linens, cleaning, reception) that standard apartments do not. The premium also reflects the historic building, pool, gym, and lockers.
If you are on a typical student budget, The Bernice will likely be out of range. However, if you split a 2-bedroom apartment or share a room, the per-person cost may be lower. For example, a 2-bedroom unit at $2,500 split two ways equals $1,250 per person – still more than double the city from-price, but more manageable. Always confirm the exact unit price and any deposit requirements (deposit information is not provided in the data).
Room-type guidance
The Bernice offers four unit types: studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and apartment. Based on the reviews, some units are hostel-style private rooms (likely studios or 1-bedrooms with shared common areas), while “apartment” units probably have private kitchens and bathrooms.
- Studio: Best for a single occupant who values privacy but wants a compact space. Typical monthly rent likely starts near the lower end ($1,999).
- 1-bedroom: Suitable for one person or a couple. Price may be in the mid-range.
- 2-bedroom: Ideal for two roommates. The per-person cost can be closer to $1,000–$1,200 depending on the total rent.
- Apartment: Could be a larger self-contained unit with multiple bedrooms or an efficiency. Use the property’s official listing to verify floor plans.
Since the data does not provide individual unit prices, you should ask the operator for specific rates per room type.
Booking timing
The Bernice does not list a minimum lease term or available-from date in the provided data. However, because it operates as both a hostel and a monthly rental, availability can change quickly. For stays starting in 2026 or 2027:
- For short-term stays (a few nights to a few weeks): Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead, especially during summer or around holidays when travellers stop in Sacramento.
- For monthly leases: Reach out 1–2 months in advance. Many hostel-style properties allow you to reserve a private room for a month, but they may also require a deposit.
- For the best selection of apartment units: Inquire as early as possible – ideally 3–4 months before your intended move-in date – because historic properties with apartments have limited inventory.
Frequently asked questions
H3: How do I get from The Bernice to UC Davis?
The property is in downtown Sacramento, about 15 minutes by car from the UC Davis campus. You can also take the Capitol Corridor train (Amtrak) from the nearby station to Davis station, or ride a bus. Walking is not practical because the distance is roughly 15 miles.
H3: Does The Bernice offer on-site parking?
The data does not specify parking. Given that it is a downtown hostel in a restored Victorian building, parking may be limited or available for an additional fee. Contact the operator to confirm.
H3: Are the reviews from hostel guests or long-term renters?
All three quoted reviews mention “hostel” and short stays (a few nights or weekday work trips). The property also lists apartment units, so it likely serves both short-term and extended-stay guests. The Google rating of 4.4 from 510 reviews averages feedback from both types of residents.
Sources & data date
Data extracted from the operator’s listing on 2026-07. Reviews are sourced from Google. Prices, availability, and room types are indicative — confirm with the operator before making any booking decisions.
For real-time availability, current pricing, and to ask specific questions about room types, contact the on-site assistant through the platform’s chat feature.
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