San Jose hotels

If you’re like me and want your lodging with serious character and history, the Hayes Mansion is one of the best hotels in San Jose to book. This 1905 mansion is both a California Historical Landmark and one of the region’s finest examples of Mission Revival architecture. For classic California style, this is it.

Imagine living here, like the original Hayes family. The villa is 3,800 square metres of marble, stucco and stained glass, all surrounded by the scenic woods of Edenvale Gardens Regional Park. There’s even a glass conservatory to live out your rom-com dreams.

As for the guestrooms, there are a whopping 214 to choose from, and each is as impeccable as the hotel’s surroundings. Definitely make sure you dine out (or grab cocktails) on the string-lit Palm Patio by the fire – the ambience, especially at sunset, is exquisite.

This spot is new as of 2024, and it shows – the hotel sparkles and shines. The guestrooms are as clean as brand-new porcelain, the amenities are ultra-modern and the common areas pop with colour.

This is one of the best hotels in San Jose for a stress-free vacation, as it’s set in a quiet spot and comes with ample parking and complimentary continental breakfast.

For me, the hotel’s location on the southwest side of town is perfect – it’s next to the hills and trails of Henry W. Coe State Park and all the beauty of the hilly Diablo Range. If you’re here to get outside and take advantage of the area’s year-round hiking weather, this is a spectacular little spot to go for, as you’ll be fighting far less traffic than in town.

If you’re on the hunt for a hotel that’s just a quick jaunt from the airport, look no further. This property is just 1.6 km from San Jose Airport (SJC), with an easy-access airport shuttle. It’s one of the best hotels in San Jose for quick visits or business trips, with a location that’s hard to beat.

Here, you can expect all the well-appointed and modern amenities that come with the Hyatt brand – plus a huge outdoor swimming pool. That means no matter how short your trip is, you’ll still get some time in that California sunshine.

If a dip in the pool isn’t enough, I recommend getting on the trails that run along the Guadalupe River – you’ll find them practically next door to the hotel.

From the guestrooms and the patio to the lobby and the in-room shampoo and conditioner, this spot has true mid-century modern vibes – and I dig it. It’s also one of the best hotels in San Jose for easy access to the airport (it’s walkable).

The guestrooms are spacious and modern, while the patio and pool are great for some fun in the sun or a casual dip. If you need to get into town, spots like pretty Santana Row are just a 15 to 20-minute drive away – and Santa Clara University is even closer.

There’s also an airport shuttle, so if you’re just in town for an event or simply looking for an easy spot to get around, this hotel likely checks all your boxes.

This hotel has a little bit of everything. Located on the north side of the city but still close to the airport, you can get pretty much anywhere with relative ease, from San Jose State University and Levi’s Stadium to the bustling city centre. Guests who are able can also walk to the nearest VTA Light Rail station, which goes just about everywhere in the city.

As for the hotel, expect all the fun and light-heartedness a good Holiday Inn can bring, with well-appointed rooms, a 24/7 gym, a swimming pool and a clean, modern interior. There’s also free parking – never a given in the Bay Area – and a complimentary breakfast buffet.

I love a good Hampton Inn, but this property has earned a spot on my list of top-rated hotels in San Jose on its own merits. I’m a sucker for the touches of personality here, like the wooden details, chalkboards and takeaway breakfasts if you want to eat on the move. Little personal touches like these go a long way.

The rooms are clean and modern (plus the kitchenettes are so handy), and the common areas are particularly inviting. But you probably won’t be spending too much time indoors, as you’ll be minutes from the fascinating Winchester Mystery House – an absolute must-visit that’s totally unique to San Jose.

The many parks and preserves on the southwest side of town, like Almaden Quicksilver County Park and Calero County Park, are also nearby.

If you want to be near the hustle and bustle of the city centre but not directly in it, this Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a great option. One of the best hotels in San Jose, it’s just 4.8 km from the city centre’s many attractions.

Some of my must-visits include the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Tech Interactive and San Pedro Square Market, a public market I love for global bites and live music. Here, you’ve got your pick of the San Jose crop, while still being a little further away from it all.

As for your accommodations, expect modern designs that feel like true Americana – you can’t get much more classic than a Holiday Inn, after all. Guestrooms come stocked with microwaves and mini-fridges, and the complimentary breakfasts keep the coffee hot and flowing (and the pancakes flipping).

Though this city centre spot has been thoroughly renovated, it retains its early 20th-century charm, back when hotels were icons of class and true signatures of their city. Picture high ceilings, gold elevators, leather couches and little nods to the hotel’s 1911 roots – yes, this spot is solidly on the National Register of Historic Places.

Plus, because it’s set in the city centre – as the name suggests – you’ve got your pick of San Jose’s finest attractions just outside your doorstep. Check out the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, the Tech Interactive, the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts and the San Jose Museum of Art, just to cover your first few days in town.

If your vacation vibe is modern – think steel, glass and sharp angles – you’ve found your spot. This beauty keeps things firmly 21st century. Nab a guestroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and you’ll see how it specializes in light and airy too.

This is one of the best hotels in San Jose for business travellers in particular. It’s close to the airport, and many rooms have couches and desks – some suites even have gorgeous kitchens.

As someone who works from home (or wherever “home” happens to be), this is a great choice for hybrid or remote workers. Rocking up with your laptop at the bar is a good option too.

This is one of the best hotels in San Jose for a longer stay. The hotel is home to a range of one- and two-bedroom suites – many with roaring fireplaces, expansive, fully equipped kitchens, plenty of working space and cozy living rooms. Heck, if only my actual home were this comfortable!

Beyond your suite, you’ll find a sizeable swimming pool, barbecue grills and an on-site gym. The Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose even offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, an amenity not usually found at this tier of hotel. Monday to Thursday evenings, you can also enjoy complimentary small plates and drinks, including wine and beer.

Should you have to leave, though, you’re seconds from the airport for a quick getaway (which also makes it that much easier to come back.)