Santa Clara Marriott050

The Santa Clara Marriott is a hidden gem on the Peninsula, perfect for families who want to experience both San Francisco and the Silicon Valley/San Jose. However, there is so much to do right near or on the property, families don't even have to leave!

Great America is right next-door and the hotel offers a myriad of activities for families, including a heated pool, beautiful outdoor lounge area, tennis courts (and rackets!), basketball courts (and basketballs!), on-loan bicycles, board games, a large 24-hour fitness center, and nearby golf. As well, the property is located near scenic walking and jogging trails.

The rooms are spacious, impeccably clean, and decorated in relaxing hues of beige, cream, and brown. (No ugly florals here!) Photography hanging on the walls adds an artistic touch. Flat screen televisions offer the Carton Network, Disney Channel, HBO and other cable stations; web Internet access; and pay-per-view movies. Internet is available in the room for a daily fee, though there are free kiosks in the lobby.

The plush beds are oh-so-cozy and guests have their choice of pillow types to enable easier sleeping.

The bathrooms are stylish with vanity lighting, great toiletries, shower/tub combos, granite countertops, and elegant tile floors. I don't know how they do it, but the bathroom didn't steam up once - and that was a huge plus in my book!

Hands-down, the most appreciated amenity (after the heated pool!) was the surprise of finding Sponge Bob pillows after turndown service. The Nickelodeon bag o' fun was also delightful. (You know how the kids just love new trinkets while on the road!). Another favorite family amenity is the set of washers and dryers. It's so delightful to be able to easily do a load of laundry while traveling! (Where did that chocolate stain come from?!) Also, cribs, rollaway beds, and refrigerators are available by request. Oh, and I lest I forget the most important one of all: cookie and milk delivery from room service. (Yum!)

Other amenities include free guest-use computer kiosks in the lobby, a business center, mail service, safe deposit boxes, and same day dry-cleaning. The gift shop features snacks, toiletries, drinks, medicines, stamps, local guides, and other sundries.

The large Fitness Center features treadmills, elliptical trainers, resistance training, free weights, shower facilities, and complimentary towel service. The nearby heated pool (80 degrees!), whirlpool, and sauna are outdoors in a lovely lounge setting.

We appreciated how environmentally conscious the hotel is, in a myriad of ways, including recyclable cups at the eateries.

Hungry? Characters Sports Bar & Grill and Parcel 104 are both located on the lobby level of the hotel, offering both casual all-American meals and gourmet fare. The hotel also provides room service and poolside service. A Starbucks is also located in the hotel. As well, there are tons of options within walking distance: pizza, Thai food, Chinese, sushi, Mexican, fast food, and lots, lots more. Local malls and retail stores are within a few miles. The concierge is very friendly and eager to help with restaurant reservations, event tickets, transportation, or other needs.

"Spirit to Serve" is Marriott's motto. Not only are they partners with Children's Miracle Network, Habitat for Humanity, and other nonprofit organizations, they also truly serve their clients. If you're looking to visit the Bay Area and need to be close to San Francisco and the South Bay, the Santa Clara Marriott is a fabulous family choice!