Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Formerly the Sainte Claire, this atmospheric 1926 landmark hotel overlooking Plaza de
Cesar Chavez has a drop-dead beautiful lobby with stretched leather ceilings. Guest rooms
are smallish, and were being completely remodeled at research time.
Hotel De Anza
HOTEL
Sun-Thu/Fri & Sat $149/239; )
This downtown hotel is a restored art deco beauty, although contemporary stylings over-
whelm the place's history. Guest rooms offer plush comforts (the ones facing south are a
tad larger) and full concierge service is available.
Hotel Valencia
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
( 866-842-0100, 408-551-0010;
www.hotelvalencia-santanarow.com
;
355 Santana Row; r incl break-
fast $199-309; )
A burbly lobby fountain and deep-red corridor carpeting set the tone for this tranquil
212-room contemporary hotel in the Santana Row shopping complex. In-room minibars
and bathrobes and an outdoor pool and hot tub create an oasis of luxury with European and
Asian design accents.
Eating
Tofoo Com Chay
VEGETARIAN, VIETNAMESE
( 408-286-6335; 388 E Santa Clara St; mains $6.50; 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat; )
Conveniently located on the border of the San Jose State University campus, students and
vegetarians queue up for the Vietnamese dishes like the fake-meat
pho
and the heaped
combo plates.
Original Joe's
ITALIAN
(
www.originaljoes.com
;
301 S 1st St; mains $15-37; 11am-11pm Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight Fri & Sat)
Waiters in bow ties flit about this busy 1950s San Jose landmark, serving standard Italian
dishes to locals and conventioneers. The dining room is a curious but tasteful hodgepodge
of '50s brick, contemporary wood paneling and 5ft-tall Asian vases. Expect a wait.
