Top 10 Best Hotels in California’s Silicon Valley
The outdoor pool at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel.
I am always on the lookout for good travel deals on Booking.com and I came across a steal for the luxury hotel Pullman San Francisco Bay (previously known as Sofitel) located in the Silicon Valley. We decided to take a road trip from Sacramento to the bay area and enjoy some cool temperatures and a relaxing atmosphere.
It was such an indulgent trip, sleeping on Egyptian cotton and laying out by the pool in a cabana. It was first class all the way with fine dining and bay views. Mother nature put on a spectacular show with one of the best sunsets I've ever witnessed. The colors were so vibrant and it took over the whole skyline. The perfect ending to our stay. :)
Redwood City is centrally located in Silicon Valley and a comfortable driving distance to the majority of the main attractions in the peninsula. Downtown Redwood City has seen a renaissance revival in the last few years with boutique stores, coffee shops and modern eateries.
You’ll also find world class restaurants in the neighboring city of San Carlos. San Francisco is only a short 30 minute drive away from Redwood City. University Avenue in Palo Alto is also a great area to explore and spend a night out, there’s great nightlife! And finally, in San Mateo County you can have a beach day on the coast in Half Moon Bay.
If you’re looking for a scenic road trip while visiting the Silicon Valley, take the Highway 1 south to Santa Cruz. It’s a beautiful coastal drive with many photogenic sights.
San Francisco International Airport is actually located in South San Francisco, so it’s slightly closer and a more convenient drive to Silicon Valley. From SFO to Palo Alto you’re estimated to drive about 25 minutes, give or take a few minutes with traffic.
Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel
The Pullman Hotel is located adjacent to the Redwood Shores Lagoon which provides a scenic backdrop. The hotel has a pool, a cocktail bar, state of the art fitness center, and it’s pet-friendly too! The Scroll Bar Waterside Kitchen is a stylish California eatery located nearby.
in Redwood City.
Stanford Park Hotel
The Stanford Park is a luxury boutique hotel located near both Stanford University and Stanford Shopping Center. This is a popular area for visitors because of the plethora of dining and shopping options. The main downtown strip of University Avenue is only a short 5 minute drive away and there’s plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife.
in Menlo Park.
The Cupertino Hotel
This stunning hotel is located only 5 minutes from Apple’s Headquarters. You can enjoy the South Bay’s sunshine weather in an outdoor pool, parking is free and you can bring your dog fido along. For guests flying in from far away, there’s an airport shuttle provided by the hotel.
in Cupertino.
Enchante Boutique Hotel
This 5 star boutique hotel is like stepping into a French chateau. The hotel is filled with antiques and Parisian inspired decor. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary buffet breakfast. The location of the hotel is walking distance to the downtown shopping and dining hub of Los Altos.
in Los Altos.
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
The Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara is the perfect place to stay if you’re planning to visit the convention center or Levi’s Stadium. The amusement park Great America is also very close by for some family fun. There’s a cafe and two restaurants on site at the hotel. This hotel is pet-friendly too.
in Santa Clara.
Residence Inn Sunnyvale Silicon Valley
If you’re planning on having an extended stay in the Silicon Valley, the Marriott Residence Inn in Sunnyvale is a great option because the hotel offers full kitchens in their rental units. You’ll save a bundle on eating out costs. The Residence Inn is conveniently located only 10 minutes away from the Mineta San Jose International Airport.
in Sunnyvale.
Garden Court Hotel
This highly rated hotel offers a great central location in Palo Alto and rooms with modern decor. King suites are available for an extra special event. Every room offers private balconies with city views. Il Fornaio is the Italian restaurant located on site at the hotel. And of course the wifi is free!
in Palo Alto.
The Fairmont San Jose
Last year I had a fun girls weekend getaway in San Jose and we stayed in a grand suite at the San Jose Fairmont. We spent the weekend shopping and dining at Santa Row, swimming on the rooftop pool and enjoying brunch inside the hotel restaurant. During our stay we saw some beautiful weddings taking place, I recall that the flowers were especially memorable.
in San Jose.
The Hilton Santa Clara
This Hilton is located right next to Levi’s Stadium where the football team the San Francisco 49ers play. Also many concerts and events take place here. If you’re planning on visiting the stadium, this is another great option for you. The Hilton hotel itself has a very nice outdoor pool, and the hotel offers free parking too!
in Santa Clara.
The Catrina Hotel
I’m including one of my favorite budget hotels for those looking for accommodations with discounted prices under $150 a night. The Catrina Hotel is filled with bright colors and modern design, remodeled with millennials in mind. The hotel is located on El Camino Real which is the main drag of the San Mateo area, which has plenty of dining options. Hillsdale Shopping Center is a short 4 minutes away with world class shopping.
in San Mateo.
Inside the lobby at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel.
Hand blown glass chandelier inside the lobby at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel.
Luxury French toiletries provided to guest at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel.
The Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel was formerly known as Sofitel.
Myself sitting on the waterfront terrace during our stay at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel.
Colorful sunset sky views from the terrace at the Pullman San Francisco Bay Hotel.
Colorful sunset sky views over the Redwood Shores Lagoon.
