The Hotel Valencia Santana Row is a graceful and palatial hotel located west of downtown San Jose, in the middle of an eclectic hot-potch of shopping, dining and entertainment outlets in Santa Row. The majesty and grace of the structure, best exemplified by the the open-air courtyard with an open-pit fire where guests can relax for a peaceful chat or sip some drinks, belies the modernity of the rooms, equipped with the latest amenities and designer products.
The Valencia is a preferred getaway watering hole for the upwardly mobile in and around San Jose, with special offers like a Babymoon package for parents-to-be, romance weekends, a shop and stay package, spa packages and a girlfriends getaway package.
Let’s just say that if you’re in the Bay Area, Silicon Valley or San Jose, and you’re in the doghouse with your girlfriend/wife, nothing would grease the wheels faster than handing over a reservation at the Valencia, which pampers guests with valet parking and complimentary breakfast at the Citrus restaurant, a full service Ayurveda spa - ‘The Ayoma Lifespa’, a fitness center, whilrpool, concierge, same day laundry and valet and shoeshine services, and an outdoor heated swimming pool with a sundeck overlooking Santana Row.
The hotels 213 rooms, including the 16 suites, are solidly furnished with a balcony overlooking the courtyard or with a view of Santana Row, with a 16 foot wood credenza, leather down-stuffed club chairs, plantation shutters, television with pay-per-view and video games, complimentary high speed internet, marble bathrooms, individual climate control, honor bar, iron & ironing board, coffee maker and custom designed beds in each room.
Dining options include the Citrus restaurant which serves a free continental breakfast for hotel guests, along with lunch and dinner with steaks, seafood, fresh fruits and local produce. Chef Victor Lopez’s steak and lobster, with an 8oz filet mignon with diablo truffle peeling sauce and 7oz lobster tail ($45), with a side of Idaho potatoes is especially recommended. Other dining options include the sleek and sexy VBar, with its dark colors and trendy decor and the Cielo, a rooftop wine terrace and bar with a view of the Sanata Cruz mountains.
Info: 355 Santana Row San Jose CA 95128; (408) 551-0010
Web links: San Jose family hotels, Santana Row for visitors, San Jose Dining Guide