Named for the cheerful colored quartz crystal typically associated with positivity and energy, the airy, plant-filled lobby at Hotel Citrine is fun and upbeat. The Northern California property’s creative design isn’t limited to public spaces – it sets the stage for what you’ll find when you open the door to your room.
Located in famed Silicon Valley, Hotel Citrine, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, offers 150 guest rooms spread across a handful of floors. I stayed in a spacious One Bedroom Suite on the fifth floor. Traveling with my husband and college-age daughter, the unexpected generous amount of space it provided was a welcome surprise.
The expansive living room featured a sofa and chair, wall-mounted 65-inch television, round dining table with comfortable seating for four and a sideboard that housed a drawer refrigerator and pink Fellow electric kettle along with a pair of patterned teacups. (Equator instant coffee and T2 Teas are provided.) A rarity in hotel rooms, two large green plants added an extra inviting, homey feel to the space.
The majority of the living room’s exterior wall was glass, filling the space with natural light. A sliding glass door opened to a huge balcony with two comfy chairs and a second dining table with four chairs.
The bedroom was also lavish with space. In addition to a pair of queen beds, a roomy desk made it easy to get some work done and provide a convenient place to charge the many electronics that come with traveling. Along with a traditional dresser, a modern and creative take on a loveseat did double duty with two drawers serving as its base.
The bathroom was sleek and functional including a roomy walk-in shower with rainfall showerhead. Terrazzo flooring, antique brass fixtures, and motion activated lighting (that operated seamlessly) rounded out the space. The only thing I felt that would have immensely improved the space was more towel hooks.
Opened in June 2021, it was nice to see some sustainability-focused features incorporated into the room’s design. Along with emerginC toiletries provided in large, refillable bottles and boxed water, bamboo flooring and cork headboards are the norm in all of Hotel Citrone’s rooms.
Wild Onion Bistro & Bar serves breakfast and dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. Along with classic selections like bacon and eggs, the breakfast menu includes unique dishes like a Morning Bowl with farro and roasted vegetables, and Coconut French Toast. The restaurant features local ingredients, sourced organically when possible. Vegetarian and gluten free options are also available.
The restaurant’s exterior wall is comprised mostly of glass; large doors slide open, extending dining space to the pool deck. The pool itself is small but seating is comfy and plentiful. There’s also a fire pit. Other hotel amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and a pair of bikes guests can use to explore the neighborhood.
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Hotel Citrine is less than two miles from Shoreline Amphitheatre and just over five miles from Stanford University. Plan on about 15 minutes to reach the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and less than a half-hour drive to get to San Francisco International Airport.
One Bedroom Suites start at $459. Standard King rooms start at $209 but you can compare rates at Hotels.com. Valet-only parking is available for an extra fee. Hotel Citrine is located on the same campus as AC Hotel Palo Alto.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Hotel Citrine, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
