WJ Tested: Hotel Valencia Santana Row
WJ Tested: Hotel Valencia Santana Row
WAVEJourney’s Review of the 4-Star Boutique Hotel at Santana Row in San Jose, California
A business trip saw us paying a second visit to the Mediterranean style Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, California (our first stay was in 2009). As we enjoy boutique hotels a lot more than large chain properties, we were thrilled to be returning to this prime location in the upscale shopping district of Santana Row. For those that are in the Silicon Valley area for business, the hotel is also ideal and frequented during the week by business people.
The hotel has meeting space, caters to wedding parties and family gatherings, and girl-friend getaways – busily utilized during weekends. Those that like to shop will be thrilled by the selection at the outdoor mall (you can even design your own Tesla), spend time at the movies, or dine at a variety of restaurants and bistros.
Santana Row in San Jose, California
FACILITIES
For cocktails and small places, Hotel Valencia has the sleek and happening V Bar on the main level, and also the seasonal rooftop Cielo terrace bar. There are two options for dining – Terrace (for small plates and cocktails on the courtyard terrace) and Oveja Negra (new tapas restaurant).
The Terrace at Hotel Valencia Santana Row
Other facilities include meeting space, business center, outdoor rooftop pool, and an outdoor hot tub.
Hotel Valencia Santana Row Rooftop Pool
CHECK-IN
The hotel was undergoing renovations and not all facilities were open (which we knew about before booking to stay). The valet staff were very pleasant and helpful when we first drove up and left our car with them while we checked-in (we preferred to self-park in the parking garage around the corner from the hotel). We were somewhat disappointed by the check-in procedure – personnel were distracted and we were given keys to a room overlooking the neighboring building’s A/C units that was not ready. Not the end of the world. After returning to the front desk area to ask about the status of the room, we were assigned another one which was ready and had a perspective overlooking the courtyard. The process took about 45 minutes of our time from arriving at the hotel until we placed our luggage in the clean room that we would call home for two nights.
GUEST ROOM
There are a variety of guest room sizes and configurations, so be sure to book one that best suits your needs. The nicely appointed king bed room was spacious (approximately 350 square feet) with top-quality Egyptian cotton linens, and comfy furnishings which made for a pleasant experience and great sleeping.
Hotel Valenica Santana Row – King Room
We fully utilized the complimentary in-room WiFi and large desk area – ideal for working at. The oversized arm chair and ottoman were comfortable to use while reading or watching the large flat screen TV. Lighting in the room was ample for working at the desk or reading in bed.
Hotel Valencia Santana Row – Large Desk Area
Rooms have a clock radio/smartphone docking station, coffee makers with quality coffee and tea, plus a personal safe.
Clock Radio
The marble bathroom has a bathtub/shower combination. Amenities included quality bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer, and shower cap.
Hotel Valencia Santana Row – Marble Bathroom
Bathrobes, iron and board, and hairdryer were also present.
Wooden Hangers, Bathrobes, Extra Luggage Rack, Iron.
And, they had not one but two of the things we always love to find in a hotel room… luggage racks! There are 2 of us. We each have luggage. We both need a luggage rack. Yes, Hotel Valencia saved the day so we didn’t argue who got to use it and who got to dig around in their bag on the floor.
DINNER
On our first night we dined in the lovely Terrace courtyard of Hotel Valencia. The weather was a little brisk, but we enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere and delicious meal.
Black Kale Caesar with White Anchovy and Soft-Boiled Egg
We like to share meals family-style, so started with a tasty Black Kale Caesar with White Anchovy and Soft-Boiled Egg.
Harissa Spiced Hummus with Toasted Chickpeas and Pita Bread Toasts
Then we shared a delicious Harissa Spiced Hummus with Toasted Chickpeas and Pita Bread Toasts.
Valencia Paella entrée with Alaskan King Crab Legs, Shrimp, Scallops and Chorizo
The Valencia Paella entrée with Alaskan King Crab Legs, Shrimp, Scallops and Chorizo was also a hit with us both. Sharing a bottle of Provenance Vinyards 2012 Merlot (from Napa) was the ideal accompaniment to our dining experience.
BREAKFAST
The hotel was fully occupied the first night we stayed, which meant there were over 500 hungry people for the included breakfast buffet. This was poorly organized, difficult to find a space to sit, and the staff working that area couldn’t keep up with cleaning and restocking the buffet. So, we ate quickly and went for a stroll around the shops where it was more relaxed.
Hotel Valencia Breakfast Buffet – Assorted Cheeses and Deli Meats
Buffet Breakfast offerings were ample and included fresh fruit, granola, cold cereal, oatmeal, pastries, bagels, breads, deli meats and cheeses, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, hard boiled eggs, coffee and tea, smoothies and fruit juices.
Hotel Valencia Buffet Breakfast – Hot Items included Scrambled Eggs and Breakfast Potatoes
The second morning was a completely different experience. And, a much more enjoyable one. There were far fewer guests, so the staff did a wonderful job of keeping the buffet stocked, the tables cleared and the area clean. We relaxed with coffee and took our time enjoying the lovely selection of items before it was time to check out.
WHERE ELSE TO DINE IN SANTANA ROW?
Although Hotel Valencia has wonderful options for dining and libations, we enjoyed a relaxed dinner at Pizza Antica – which is fabulous and just a block across the street. The casual but busy setting was fun, and the Italian fare was perfetto.
Pizza Antica at Santana Row
BOTTOM LINE
Santana Row is a wonderful high-end outdoor shopping mall – ideal to wander and explore whether staying for business or pleasure. Hotel Valencia’s location here couldn’t be better, but keep in mind that weekends are busy and can be noisy from parties. We look forward to staying once again at Hotel Valencia Santana Row on our next trip to San Jose.
Note: WJ was hosted at Hotel Valencia Santana Row for 2 nights in October 2016. All opinions, reviews and commentary are our own. Read our full disclosure statement to see our review policy.
