With views of the Santa Cruz mountains and South Bay, Signia by Hilton San Jose is northern California’s newest neighbor. Formerly home to a Fairmont hotel, this centrally located property appeals to both business and leisure travelers.
Fifteen minutes from Levi’s Stadium and walking distance to San Jose Convention Center, Signia by Hilton is less than 10 minutes from San Jose International Airport. With dramatic archways, wood paneling and a cool light installation of crystal glass and metal rods, the Silicon Valley hotel lobby is inviting day or night.
On our January visit, the 20-story Hilton hotel had a mix of families and business clientele. The banquet room played host to a high school prom in the evening. After a quick check-in, by a courteous front staff receptionist, we were shown to our poolside room on the fourth floor. The hotel only provides valet parking, but we were happy that our valet showed us all the special features of our room.
Unfortunately, we were visiting on one of the few overcast days in sunny San Jose, California. If you enjoy lounging by the pool or sitting in your private patio, complete with gas firepit, you’ll want to stay on the fourth floor of this hotel. The swimming pool is heated year round, so don’t let a few clouds in the sky discourage you from taking a dip.
Signia by Hilton San Jose rooms and suites
With 500 standard guest rooms and 41 suites, you’ll wake up to city or mountain views. Our room, #408, was spacious with a flat screen TV (for watching the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers.) I loved the spa robes, and slippers in our room. A highlight for me was the rainfall showerhead in the walk-in shower and the Nest Amalfi lemon amenities. I forgot to ask if I could purchase a bottle of the body lotion to take home with me. There was not a bathtub in our room.
My husband’s favorites were the comfortable king bed, black out curtains and the Nespresso machine. We both appreciated the plethora of outlets by the bedside tables and wireless charging station. We had the expected in-room safe and mini fridge. Surprisingly, there was no microwave in the Signia hotel room. As Hilton members, we also received 2 bottles of water upon check-in.
Drinking and dining options at Signia by Hilton San Jose
AJI Bar & Robata is open at 4:00 p.m. daily with a mix of Japanese robata grill and Peruvian flavors. We enjoyed the potstickers, beef skewers and lamb chops. You can’t miss the white marble bar. Order a Nikkei High Ball with Toki Japanese whiskey or Chilcano Con Pimms with pisco and ginger beer. On weekend evenings, there is live music.
Breakfast is cooked to order at Fountain Restaurant. The menu ranges from baked goods and yogurt to hearty dishes. We stayed on a Sunday and ordered the lobster benedict and traditional eggs benedict. I liked the presentation of my lobster egg dish on an artichoke heart.
Room rates and amenities at Signia by Hilton
If you enjoy a workout while you travel, take advantage of Hilton’s Five Feet to Fitness program. In addition to the fitness center, with state-of-the-art gym equipment, some of the hotel rooms include a Peloton bike. I’ll stick to swimming when possible or a yoga class.
If you happen to be a former president, or you have a generous expense account, check out the International Suite, Grand Signia Suite or Presidential Suite. These rooms, with incredibly high ceilings, can be booked together, or separately. At least I can say I walked in the same room as our former president Barak Obama.
Room rates start at $215 with the premium suites selling for more than $5,000 per night. Our poolside hotel room rented for $350.19 plus tax on our January visit. Both AAA and AARP rates are available on hilton.com website. While there is no resort fee, you will be charged for valet parking. I enjoyed the text option for requesting our car quickly. You can also compare rates and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia.
Another plus from Signia by Hilton San Jose is the option to visit The San Jose Museum of Art, located right next door to the hotel, for free. Just flash your digital or physical room key at the box office. Hotel guests will also receive a discount at the Tech Interactive, a fun science and technology center for kids and adults.
Finally, live music is on tap Friday and Saturday nights at AJI Bar & Robata.
Hotel review and all photos by Oregon-based travel writer Nancy D. Brown. She was a guest of Signia by Hilton San Jose for her 2-night stay. As always, all thoughts and opinions are her own.