It’s easy to get distracted when checking in to The Ameswell Hotel in Northern Cailfornia’s Silicon Valley. Before the property’s glass entry doors have a chance to slide open, Three Circles, a mesmerizing piece of art made with LED lights and mirrors by artist Chul Hyun Ahn, knows how to snag your attention.
Drawing inspiration (and its name) from the nearby NASA Ames Research Center, the lobby of the recently opened hotel feels a bit like a modern art museum and naturally gets you excited about the possibilities waiting in your room. If by some chance you have to wait a second for the elevator, use the time to look around and to look up — the unfinished ceiling boasts driftwood clouds made with recycled wood.
The Ameswell boasts 255 rooms; I stayed in a Premium Room with two Queen Beds. The blue and white patterned accent wall behind the two beds is what I was immediately drawn to, but as I settled in, I was impressed by the attention to detail found throughout the room. Electric outlets and USB ports were abundant and easy to access. Floor to ceiling windows flooded the room with welcome natural light, but kept noise out. Quality blackout curtains did the job when it was time to get some sleep.
The bathroom was well-lit with a single sink vanity and spacious walk-in shower. As part of The Ameswell’s commitment to zero single use plastic in guest rooms, Juice Beauty organic toiletries are provided in large, refillable bottles. A rarity in most hotel rooms, hooks for towels and whatever else you might need to hang, are plentiful.
All rooms offer a mini-fridge and an electric kettle paired with steeped coffee and tea supplies. It’s an offering that doesn’t go unnoticed by tea drinkers tired of their chosen morning source of caffeine tasting like coffee. Water is provided in recyclable aluminum bottles.
If you have time to explore the hotel’s 10-acre property, you won’t be disappointed. Along with a heated salt water swimming pool there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center with a trio of Peloton spin bikes. (The Ameswell also features a Wellness Wing with guestrooms that feature the interactive Mirror fitness device, for personalized, in-room workouts.)
The hotel lawn area boasts a collection of outdoor games including corn hole and hula hoops. On select days, a converted Airstream bar parked nearby serves drinks and snacks.
Onsite Roger bar and restaurant is open for dinner daily and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Guests can sit inside or around a fire pit on the outside patio. Steps away, casual Flyby café offers breakfast, lunch and an assortment of coffee drinks.
Spend a little time wandering and there’s a plethora of fun things to discover at The Ameswell. In addition to an extensive art collection, the LEED Silver building features a wall made of rope, and a striking library that pays tribute to all things that fly — from space shuttles and planes, to birds and butterflies.
Rates for a Premium Room with two Queen Beds start at $349. Go to Expedia or Hotels.com to compare rates and make a reservation. Dogs are welcome, but a pet fee applies. Electric car chargers are plentiful and available for an additional fee.
Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by The Ameswell Hotel, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
