Sainte Claire Hotel - San Jose, California, CA Review

Stepping into the lobby of the Sainte Claire Hotel is like stepping back in time. Not only is the building, itself, a glorious remnant of days when architecture was a rich art form, but the attention to detail of the hotel staff and management is of the level one would think only exists in movies from the 1940s.

If I had to choose one word to describe the Sainte Claire, I'd have to choose "plush." The furnishings, art, oak panelling, deep pile carpeting - all of it is rich and luxurious. The business center is richly furnished with big, velvet and leather chairs and couches, ottomans, beautiful rugs, and a variety of antiques. A grand piano serves as a focal point, and transforms this room into a jazz lounge after hours. It looks less like a business center than a set from Brideshead Revisited. Oh, yeah, it also boasts a few huge, comfortable desks and chairs and both Macs and PCs with free wireless internet access.

The restaurant on the first floor is top-notch, serving authentic Italian specialties and gorgeous cocktails. Again, the service is impeccable. Room service from the same kitchen is surprisingly reasonable in price, and available 24 hours a day.

Guest rooms are perfect: not huge, but roomy enough, and with every convenience one could ever ask for: bathrobes, a mini fridge, in-room safe, plenty of storage, large, flat screen tv, dvd player and plenty of cable channels. Dvds and CDs are available, free of charge, at the front desk. Being a Silicon Valley hotel, none of the technological advances have been forgotten: each room is equipped with a top-of-the-line sound system, complete with MP3 hook-up capabilities. Every room has free wi-fi.

In terms of location, the Sainte Claire couldn't be more convenient for a visit to San Jose. It's one block from the convention center, and within three blocks of no less than a dozen great restaurants and bars. The Museum of Art and Children's Museum are just a few steps away, as is the historic Cathedral Basilica of San Jose. Arrive at the Sainte Claire, park your car, and never touch it until its time to check out. San Jose is a pedestrian-friendly city in every way. There's also excellent public transportation, and the Sainte Claire happens to have a light rail station about 25 feet from the front door.

If you're headed to San Jose for business orpleasure, the Sainte Claire is a great choice: elegant and old-world, but with all the mod cons, great service, wonderful food, and convenient to all the city has to offer.