We can’t exactly say “poor San Jose” anymore; there’s too much money flowing in and out of Silicon Valley for that. But even still, in some ways San Jose remains Northern California’s overlooked city, always in the shadow of San Francisco and even that of sleepy Sacramento, the state capital. Until recently, the hotel situation didn’t help much, with its mix of chains and accidentally retro motor inns and little else, but it was only a matter of time before things started getting better — and the smart, contemporary Hotel Valencia, located in the Santana Row development, is a confident step forward. The setting, basically an upscale outdoor mall, is perhaps less stylish than the hotel deserves, though if you’re a shopper, it’s certainly convenient. In any case, the Valencia would look right at home in a mall-free section of San Francisco or Los Angeles, with its California-colonial architecture and the clean lines of an urban boutique. Sunny, leafy courtyards and terraces abound, and the interiors are nearly as bright and airy as the outdoor spaces. Materials are rich, made for comfort as well as visual impact, from sleek leather armchairs to Italian white marble baths. Rooms contain all the technological fittings one would expect given the location, including such head-scratchers as “Cisco state-of-the-art IP telephony with internet-enabled two-line speakerphone.” Suffice it to say the TV works just fine. There’s a lovely outdoor pool on a terrace, open year-round (try pulling that off in San Francisco), as well as a fitness center and a full-service spa. As for dining, the hotel’s Citrus restaurant is a worthy option, serving California cuisine in a sedate, almost Zen environment and out in the European-style courtyard. Not at all what one expects from San Jose, and a fine choice for anyone with business in Silicon Valley. How to get there: Hotel Valencia Santana Row is a 10-minute drive from the San Jose Convention Center and San Jose International Airport.
