To arrange a tour of the Club or if you have further questions, please email our Rental Committee at rentals@hillside.org or our Building Manager at manager@hillsideclub.org.

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Q: How do we reserve our date?

A: Meet with our Manager to tour the Club and discuss your event. Your date will be confirmed once you sign the contract and pay a deposit of 50% of the total rental fees. The balance of the rental fees and a refundable $400 security deposit are due at least 30 days before your event. If your event is less than 30 days out when you book it the entire amount (fees & security deposit) is due at contract signing.

 

Q: How much is the deposit?

A: All renters must provide a deposit of 50% of the total rental fee to secure a rental date.  

 

Q: What is the cancellation policy

A: Event cancellation must be made in writing to the manager at least 30 days before the event. Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the rental date will forfeit 100% of the deposit. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the rental date will receive a refund for 75% of the deposit.

 

Q: How far in advance can I book my reservation?

A: You may book your event up to 24 months in advance.  Check with the club manager for available dates

 

Q: What is the capacity for the club?

A:  Capacity varies based on the type of event. For seated dining, the maximum is 120 persons. For theatrical/ presentation seating, the maximum is 150 persons. For mixers and standing room events, the maximum is 180 persons.

 

Q: What does a club rental include?

A: The club rental includes the space for the time blocked, inclusive of any needed set-up and break-down time, tables and chairs. Advance set-up for tables and chairs is included in your rental, as well as normal garbage removal (excess garbage will incur additional fees). Our Building Manager will set up all tables and chairs, both indoors and outdoors, based on your desired layout. You may arrange to bring in tables and chairs if desired.

 

Q: How long is the rental time?

A: A 5-hour minimum rental time is required but can be extended on an hourly rental basis if requested. Rental time can vary depending on your group’s needs; however, all events, including clean up, must end by 10:00 pm.  This is a residential neighborhood. No loud and/or amplified music is allowed after 9:45 PM. Noise outside the building must be kept within reasonable limits. PLEASE ENSURE THAT GUESTS DO NOT CONGREGATE OUTSIDE THE PREMISES AFTER AN EVENT.

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Q: Is event insurance required?

A: Yes. Event insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability is required for the date of the event. The Hillside Club must be named as the additional insured. You can get this through your own homeowner/ renter insurance or any other event insurance company. Proof of Insurance must be sent to the Rental Manager prior to the event.

 

Q: What is the parking situation? 

A: Parking is available on neighborhood streets. There are no time restrictions on weekends. Monday–Friday has a 2-hour maximum parking limit during the day from 8 am to 7 pm without a “G” Berkeley City parking sticker. Several local buses serve the area.

 

Q: Do you provide catering?

A: No. All catering must be provided by the renter. You may hire a catering service or provide self-catering (bring your own food and drink). We can provide recommendations for local catering and food service providers. Food trucks may be allowed by arrangement with the manager in advance. 

 

Q: May we use our own caterer?

Yes, you may use the caterer of your choice. If you need suggestions we have a list of wonderful local caterers. Please note that renters who choose to self-cater (i.e., bring their own food with no professional caterer) will be subject to a self-catering fee.

 

Q: Is there a kitchen?

A: Yes, but you may use it only for warming, staging, and serving. We cannot allow food preparation and cooking in the kitchen. There is a coffee maker and an industrial dish washer (Hobart) that simplifies cleanup.

 

Q: Who is responsible for setup, breakdown, and cleanup?

A: The club will handle set-up and breakdown for all Club furniture used during a rental. When using a full-service caterer, the catering staff perform all cleanup. When self-catering, the renter is responsible for doing cleanup. If you need to hire extra staff, we can make recommendations. Club provided clean up can be arranged separately and incur additional charges based on the type of event and number of guests.

 

Q: Is there a cleaning fee for outside catering?

A: You and your vendors must leave the building and grounds as you found it, including sweeping and mopping the floors in the kitchen, cleaning the kitchen counter tops, and removing all recyclable and wet garbage from the property. Your caterer will be responsible for managing the kitchen clean up. If the kitchen is not left clean your deposit will be charged our regular self-catering cleaning fee of $250.

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Q: Is there a cleaning fee for self-catering?

A: You must leave the building and grounds as you found it, including general clean up, removal of all personal items and leftovers and cleaning the kitchen counter tops. Your self-catering cleaning fee will cover professional cleaning of the kitchen after your events

 

Q: Alcohol Use

A: HARD LIQUOR IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE PREMISES. Wine, champagne, cider and beer are permissible for private events. If alcohol is served at an event open to the public, a one-day alcohol permit from the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of the State of California ($25 from www.abc.ca.gov) must be displayed.

 

Q. Minors

A: Children (minors) under the age of 18 must be under supervision of an appointed adult supervisor at all times. Climbing on the building, running, jumping, throwing food or taking food or drink into the restrooms are not permitted.

 

Q. Pets/animals

A: Pets and animals are not allowed on the property. Only certified service animals are allowed.

 

Q: Decorations

Candles - No candles or open flame of any type.

Glitter etc. - At no point during your party should glitter, confetti, silly string, or rice be thrown or spread around. Excess time spent by staff cleaning these materials from our facility will result in the loss of your security deposit.

Taping/Hanging - Nothing can be hung from the chandeliers, other light fixtures, or fire sprinkler piping. Our fixtures are original and very fragile. You may not use any fastening device that penetrates the wall surface. This applies both indoors and outdoors. You may use low-tack masking tape (like blue painters’ tape), fishing line, or florist's wire with permission only. Inside the clubhouse there are designated nails and hooks for decorations. You may not attach or fasten anything to the trees, shrubs, or plant material in the garden.

Balloons - No Helium filled balloons permitted due to fire hazard.

Other decoration restrictions - Any decorative materials, including fabric, must be certified as fire retardant, except for table linens.

 

Q: ADA Accessibility

A: The club is ADA compliant. We have a ramp on the main entrance, and the restrooms are ADA-compliant

 

Q: Music

A: The Hillside Club has a long history as a music venue and encourages all forms of performance. You are welcome to bring live performers, a band or DJ to your event. 

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Q: Audio Video Systems

A: The club has several options available for audio video system rentals for your event, depending upon your needs. We have a full theatrical lighting system, state of the art digital video system and world-class Meyer Sound audio system, among other options. Fees for these systems vary, please see our rental fees, or talk with the manager, for details.

 

Q: Photography/videography?

A: There are no restrictions on photograph or video within the club. If you need suggestions we have a list of wonderful local photographers, we can recommend.

 

​Q: Is there outdoor space?

A: There is currently no outdoor space for guests to linger. The front entrance and adjacent landscaped areas are for guests arriving and leaving. We are currently embarking on the development of our new garden space for outdoor events, expected to open in mid-2026. Check back soon for details.

 

​Q: What are the options for parking?

A: Parking for The Hillside Club is available on neighborhood streets. There are no time restrictions on weekends. Monday–Friday has a 2-hour maximum parking limit during the day from 8 am to 7 pm without a “G” Berkeley City parking sticker.​​​​​​​​​