【The Heart of Silicon Valley】Recommended hotels in San Jose!

San Jose is one of the major cities in California’s Bay Area. As the center of Silicon Valley, where world-famous IT companies are gathered, it attracts not only tourists but also many business visitors. Among them, Palo Alto is one of the most exclusive residential areas in the Bay Area, and hotels there tend to be expensive. This time, to meet a variety of needs, we will introduce hotels close to San Jose’s main tourist attractions. San Jose is also known for its safety, with many areas where families working for companies stay long-term. It’s also recommended for those who want to sightsee at a low cost while visiting friends, so please have a look.

A city where IT company headquarters are concentrated, so prices are relatively high

The area is home to many company branches, and because many people stay for business trips or expatriate assignments, there are plenty of hotels. It has over a dozen establishments, from supermarkets to temples, making it a comfortable place to visit even for first-time travelers to San Jose. This time, we will introduce various types of hotels convenient for both business and sightseeing. In addition to business visitors, more students from Asia have been coming in recent years to study IT. Hotels located a bit farther from the airport are also highly recommended for students.

1. Stanford Park Hotel

A hotel about a 10-minute walk from Stanford Shopping Center. It’s also close to Menlo Park and Stanford University, making it ideal for business. The free local shuttle service is very convenient. The greenery-filled courtyard and pool offer a warmth different from modern high-rise hotels, creating a relaxing atmosphere. There’s also a pool and gym in the hotel, making it great for those who want to refresh themselves. You can rent bicycles from the hotel, and on sunny days, cycling around Stanford University is very enjoyable.

2. Hampton Inn Union City

A recommended hotel for staying in Union City. Very convenient for accessing Oakland, San Jose, and San Francisco International Airport. With the freeway nearby, it’s an ideal location for traveling by car. The free breakfast is not only delicious but also offers a variety of healthy options like fresh juice and fruit smoothies. Union City has a movie theater, game center, and outlets, so you can enjoy a full day without leaving the area. Nearby are picnic-friendly parks and large sports parks, making it great for family trips.

3. Hampton Inn Morgan Hill

Located right off Highway 101, this hotel is about a 10-minute drive to Gilroy Premium Outlets and Centennial Recreation Center, making it very convenient as a base for tourism or business. Rooms feature fireplaces and loft ceilings, are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Accessible rooms are available for wheelchair users, ensuring a worry-free stay. Outdoor sports facilities are within walking distance, making it easy to refresh during a business stay.

4. Dynas Garden Hotel

An Asian-style hotel with an outdoor pool. It’s located along El Camino Real, near Japanese restaurants and supermarkets, making it comfortable for first-time visitors. Though it’s a motel-type hotel, the front desk offers free muffins and coffee, plus complimentary apples and Ghirardelli chocolate every day—a popular high-service touch. Rooms have balconies with chairs for relaxing in a fresh atmosphere. Breakfast by the courtyard pool gives a small resort-like experience.

5. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Morgan Hill - San Jose South

About two minutes from the freeway exit, this quiet hotel is recommended for those traveling from San Diego, California, to Morgan Hill. It has excellent access to the city and major tourist spots, making it a great base for your stay. Guglielmo Winery is within walking distance, so wine lovers will especially enjoy it. Several fast-food restaurants are also within walking distance. Facilities include an indoor pool, spa tub, and gym, perfect for refreshing during business trips.

6. Madison Street Inn B&B

A Victorian-style B&B surrounded by quiet streets in Santa Clara. It offers a great atmosphere for relaxing while traveling. Breakfast is served family-style at a shared table, giving it a homely feel. Rooms have a retro style but are equipped with TVs that can access Netflix and Hulu, ensuring comfort. Recommended for those who want to study English or engage in conversation. Santa Clara University and Avaya Stadium are about a 10-minute drive away, making it especially appealing for international students.

7. Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

A luxury hotel about a 30-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport. It’s right off the freeway exit, making it easy to get around by rental car without getting lost. Hallways to the rooms are lined with large windows, and guest rooms offer views of the Bay Area or the Santa Cruz Mountains for a sense of openness. Bathrooms feature deep bathtubs for soaking up to your shoulders and separate shower booths. The on-site spa and wellness center offers manicures and pedicures, making it especially recommended for women.

8. TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Jose Cupertino

A hotel about a 10-minute drive from San Jose International Airport. Rooms come with fully equipped kitchens, and the location is near Mitsuwa Marketplace in Saratoga, making it easy to shop for ingredients. You can also use the on-site convenience store and barbecue facilities, perfect for hosting parties with large groups. Several restaurants are within walking distance, making it easy to go out for dinner and drinks after work. In summer, the outdoor pool is available, making it ideal for family trips.

9. Nobu Hotel Palo Alto

Close to Caltrain Palo Alto Station and Stanford University. The interior features a main wood design with modern gray and yellow accents, creating a calming atmosphere. Allergy-friendly bedding is available, which is a welcome service for guests with allergies. An iPod docking station in the room lets you play your favorite music for relaxation. Note that some renovations are underway in the hotel until June 30, 2020 (as of February 2020).

10. Garden Court Hotel

Located in central Palo Alto, near Stanford University and Silicon Valley tourist spots, this hotel features a beautiful courtyard. It has luxurious décor and European-style architecture. The well-maintained courtyard, spa, and restaurant facilities make for an elegant stay. The gym’s cardio machines are great for indoor refreshment during bad weather. Amenities include Molton Brown products, favored by the British royal family, making it popular among couples.

◎ Many affordable hotels along the Freeway

Compared to other American cities, San Jose has a high income level and is known as one of the safest cities in the U.S. In particular, its historic Japantown makes it a relatively comfortable and safe place to visit. Because many business travelers stay in hotels on company expenses, hotel rates in Silicon Valley tend to be high. However, hotels catering mainly to business guests often offer significant discounts on weekends or during summer vacation seasons when business demand is low, so it’s worth checking when booking. When traveling to San Jose, we hope this article helps you enjoy your trip.