ALONG COMES MARY

One of my very first trips for Along Comes Mary was to San Jose, California. During the weekend visit, I attended the San Jose Jazz Festival, had delicious food, and even met the Mayor. Having wanted to visit again ever since, I was thrilled to visit Hotel Valencia on Santana Row, the Silicon Valley’s prestigious mecca for shopping, dining and fun.

Need a reason or 2 to pay a visit to Hotel Valencia? Well, it just so happens I have 4.

The Only Hotel on Santana Row

As recipient of Conde Nast Traveler’s #1 Hotel in San Jose in 2018, Hotel Valencia is also your only opportunity to stay on Santana Row. Bringing to mind Beverly Hill’s Rodeo Drive and Pearl in San Antonio, Santana Row offers an array of fine dining options and an eclectic blend of independent boutiques and favorites like Amazon Books and H&M. With so much outside your door when at Hotel Valencia, it’s the perfect place to stay and never have to use your car.

You’ll also be steps away from the world-famous Winchester Mystery House, and the suites offer amazing views of the district. Speaking of Winchester….

Upgrade to a Package Deal

Hotel Valencia offers several packages to upgrade your stay, including a Winchester Mystery House package. Most packages offer a hotel welcome amenity as well as discounted or included admission to activities like visiting the Winchester House and local holiday activities.

One that caught my eye is Summer of Poptails. Which is as fun as it sounds. This seasonal offer gives guests 2 vouchers to redeem at the hotel’s ultra swanky Vbar, where one of their summertime favorites are their Poptails, combining a Popsicle and cocktail in a fun bar.

Breakfast on the Terrace

Whether you’re an early bird or want to sleep in, make sure to get to the lobby by 11am and enjoy an impressive breakfast buffet, included with your stay. Served on the terrace with an abundance of outdoor and indoor seating, I’ll admit I was rather groggy and needed some sustenance more than I realized. Drink options include Illy coffee and a breakfast smoothie, while hot offerings include eggs, potatoes and meat. Keep it lighter with a fruit plate, or whip yourself up some oatmeal with plenty of fresh toppings.

If you’d like to up your game with pancakes or omelets, Hotel Valencia’s Terrace Restaurant offers a full service menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re visiting hotel guests or just really love their world-class dining, the breakfast buffet is also available for $18 to non-guests.

Dining Beyond the Hotel

After you’ve tried all that the hotel grounds have to offer (including San Jose favorite, Oveja Negra, the hotel’s tapas bar), you’ll have various dining options to check out along the row. I enjoyed a terrific Parisian dinner at Left Bank Brasserie, just steps away from the hotel.

At Left Bank, step away from the Spanish-inspired architecture and decor to Hotel Valencia and have a meal in a bistro that feels like you’re on the streets of Paris. Large, open windows with patio access give the brasserie an authentic French atmosphere as the sounds of lively conversations fill the air.

I knew we were in good hands as soon as Enrique, our server for the evening, introduced himself and thoroughly explained the menu and gluten-free options. I was extremely impressed at Enrique’s expertise at the wine list, and his recommendation of an excellent Russian Ridge Chardonnay to accompany my red snapper plate.

Visit Hotel Valencia

While Hotel Valencia is a great choice for those over 21, families with kids in tow will love the amenities all the same as well as overlooking Santana Row. Valet parking is available for $28 a day, in addition to a nearby structure that the hotel will give you a pass to park at complimentary during your visit. WiFi is included, as well as full cable TV and incredible views of San Jose’s most beloved “row.” Learn more and book your stay HERE. xo

(*Disclosure: I was a guest of Hotel Valencia and Left Bank on behalf of this article. All opinions are my own.)