Good questions -- hard to quantify. The RI is significantly more modern. And the room that was reserved at the RI was a 1 BR suite, which includes a full kitchenette, sitting area, etc. The other hotel was definitely a smaller more standard hotel room. The quality was fine, just a very different style. For those familiar with Berkeley, CA, this is the RI in downtown Berkeley, and I was instead put up at the Graduate on Durant.