Set in the heart of downtown San Jose, in California’s Silicon Valley, the Hotel De Anza isn’t quite what you’d expect to find in the center of the high-tech universe. It’s not too flashy, nor ultra modern; instead, it hearkens back to the glamour of the 1930s, long before San Jose became home to some of the most innovative companies in the world.
Named for famed explorer Juan Bautista de Anza, the hotel first opened its doors in 1931 and quickly became a favorite haunt for visiting celebs including jazz singer Cab Calloway and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. In 2015, it was completely renovated and today it’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
The hotel contains 100 guest rooms, including three Junior Suites, five Parlor Suites, and one Penthouse Suite. Throughout the hotel, the decor nods to the building’s past with Art Deco touches and striking black-and-white artwork.
I was upgraded to a Deluxe Corner King guest room after first checking into a Classic King. While the first room was lovely and seemed spotlessly clean, I was surprised to open the blinds and discover that out on the small balcony below the window was…a pair of men’s underpants—definitely one of the stranger things I’ve ever encountered upon checking into a hotel. However, I can’t quite fault the cleaning staff as the balcony wasn’t meant for a person to stand on it (it was accessed by a window) so it makes sense that the cleaning staff wouldn’t have gone out there, and therefor didn’t notice the item.
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My new room was equally lovely though, and free of rogue underpants, with about 400 square feet of well-designed space. There was a King bed, small work desk and a comfortable chair in plush purple velvet, a large armoire, 49” HD flat screen TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and all the other standard hotel amenities like robes, a hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board. Art Deco touches like mirrored lamps, custom wallpaper, and more black-and-white art continued the 1930’s feel.
The hotel charges a $14.95 amenity fee which covers a things like newspapers, a morning coffee in the La Pastaia Restaurant, domestic phone calls, and a “midnight snack” box (available after 9pm). However, after ordering the box and finding that it contained a disappointing half sandwich, apple, string cheese, and a cookie, I would have happily forgone it to avoid paying the fee.
I found the hotel to be clean (the issue on the balcony notwithstanding), comfortable, and perfectly situated for exploring downtown San Jose. All the staff I encountered were helpful and friendly, and I loved the hotel’s Art Deco style. While the $14.95 amenity fee didn’t feel worth the price, the hotel also provided a great value otherwise. For a convenient stay in San Jose, the Hotel De Anza delivers with style.
If you go: Room rates start at around $169 per night. Check in is 3pm; check out is 4pm. Valet parking is $36 per day. Pets are allowed with a $100 fee and advance notice. Make your reservation with Hotel De Anza or book through Booking.com.
