The Best Hotels in San Jose
By Mei Chen
San Jose might not be the first place you think of when dreaming of a luxurious getaway, but don’t let that fool you. Whether you’re here to mingle with the tech elite or just passing through on your way to somewhere a bit more glamorous, this city has a few hidden gems where you can rest your weary head and even enjoy yourself. Here are the best hotels in San Jose that will make you rethink your stay.
1. Hotel Valencia Santana Row
Hotel Valencia Santana Row is where you go if you want to pretend you're living in San Jose’s version of Beverly Hills. Situated on Santana Row—a stretch of shops, bars, and restaurants designed to convince you that you’re somewhere far more posh—this hotel knows how to do luxury without overdoing it. The rooftop bar, Vbar, offers a stunning view of the sunset that almost makes you forget you're in a city best known for microchips and venture capitalists. It’s the kind of place where you might run into a tech billionaire, but please don’t ask them to explain blockchain over cocktails.
2. The Westin San Jose
The Westin San Jose is a historic gem nestled in the heart of downtown. Originally built in 1926, this hotel has managed to retain its old-world charm while embracing the modern era, a balancing act that would make any Cirque du Soleil performer proud. The on-site restaurant, Il Fornaio, serves Italian dishes that are as authentic as the building’s Mediterranean Revival architecture. It’s a favorite for business travelers who appreciate a little character with their conference calls and an excellent place to relive the Roaring Twenties—if only for a night.
3. The Hotel De Anza
The Hotel De Anza is a bit of a throwback to a more glamorous era. Located downtown, it has an art deco vibe that somehow feels both quaint and refreshingly out of place amid the city’s tech-driven obsession with the future. The Hedley Club Lounge is a great spot to sip on a cocktail while pretending you’re in a noir film, complete with jazz music and a mysterious stranger. Plus, the midnight snack pantry? Genius. It’s the hotel’s way of saying, “We know you’re probably up working, so here’s some comfort food.”
4. Signia by Hilton San Jose
For those who prefer modern sophistication, Signia by Hilton San Jose offers sleek design and a prime location near the San Jose Convention Center. It’s one of those places that manages to be both business-appropriate and surprisingly cozy, like the hospitality industry's version of a mullet. Their rooms are designed for relaxation or wheeling and dealing, and the pool area is perfect for unwinding after a long day of pretending to understand the latest tech trends.
5. Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown
Hyatt Place San Jose/Downtown might not have the swagger of the other places on this list, but sometimes you just need a hotel that’s reliable, straightforward, and won’t make you sell a startup to afford the minibar. Conveniently located near the SAP Center and several museums, it’s perfect for visitors who plan to spend more time exploring than lounging in a bathrobe. The breakfast spread is surprisingly good—although I’m not above pocketing a muffin or two for later.
The Complete Guide to San Jose
Best Things to do in San Jose
San Jose, often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, has more to offer than just tech headquarters and traffic.
San Jose’s Best Restaurants
San Jose has a surprisingly rich culinary scene if you know where to look. Here are five killer spots not to miss.
The Best Hotels in San Jose
San Jose might not be the first place you think of when dreaming of a luxurious getaway, but don’t let that fool you.
By Mei Chan
San Jose, often the overlooked middle child of the Bay Area, is a place where I spent too much time in my early twenties. Now I’m ready to reclaim this city from the clutches of my past.