San Jose Airport Garden Hotel

The San Jose Airport Garden hotel is a property that needs to be seen to be appreciated. Unlike most airport hotels, this (rather large) property is wrapped around a relaxing, garden-oasis-style environment, complete with walking paths, hidden statues, and tons of flowers. Most of the hotel's rooms lead right out into this inner garden area, or have a balcony overlooking it (one downside - the rooms with single kings get this view. Rooms with doubles are located on a different part of the property near the large semi-outdoor ballroom, which is also nice but doesn't have the garden). I was not able to see the doubles or the ballroom, but I did see the single kings, and was very impressed. The rooms are pretty spacious, and are decorated with great taste. While sparse, the furniture within seemed like it came from someone's nice rustic home (it did not feel like generic hotel furniture). The only downside was that some of the electronics, like the TVs, are pretty outdated. This would be a great place to host an outdoor event, as there is tons of event space in the gardens, which connects easily to the lobby, rooms, and indoor meeting rooms. There is also an outdoor pool and jacuzzi. The fact that the hotel is by the airport should not act as a massive deterrent, as it is still not far from the downtown area, perhaps 15 minutes without traffic (although I did not see much by way of public transportation). Lastly, Charlene (our contact there) is great with hosting groups, and is willing to be very flexible to accommodate them, especially during events. For instance, any group can usually be provided with a free, private buffet breakfast in a nice breakfast room, as well as parking, wifi, all for free. If you have requests, she can probably meet them. Currently her hotel is very popular with weddings and religious or spiritual retreats, which I can definitely understand.