The Fairmont San Jose in San Jose, CA 95113

The beautiful Fairmont San Jose offers a luxurious heart-of-the city stay for families visiting the area. The downtown hotel is close to the Tech Museum of Innovation, Children’s Discovery Museum, HP Pavilion, Museum of Art, and the San Jose Historic District. During our stay, we booked two adjoining rooms, with an oh-so-comfortable king bed for mom and dad, and a second room, with two queens, for the kids. This is a terrific option for parents with older children or teenagers. Parents with little ones are certain to be comfortable in a room with double beds. The rooms are spacious with subtle and sophisticated decor in hues of gold, green, black, and white. Tables with two padded chairs double as desks or dining tables. The wide windows sport panoramic views of the urban area around the hotel, as well as the distant hills of Mount Hamilton. Each room has a huge marbled bathroom with both bathtub and shower, two cotton robes, hairdryer, and tea/coffeemaker (Our six-year-old loved the jasmine flower tea). Parents traveling with wee ones can ask for a crib, available at no additional charge. A complimentary gift of baby powder, baby lotion, baby shampoo, and a sweet "Fairmont Bear" are provided with each crib. The outdoor heated pool is a favorite with the kids. Parents love the lovely gazebo offering drinks and simple fare while the kids are splashing around. One of our favorite amenities is the In Room Dining Menu which offers a huge selection of breakfast items, beverages, and all-day dining that appeals to adults (sushi, pasta, chickens, salads, filet mignon, pork chops, lobster tail) as well as children (silver dollar pancakes, fish sticks, grilled cheese, ice-cream). The Movie Snacks Menu includes on command movie paired with thematic treats such as American in Paris that comes with French cheeses, fruit, and wine. Even the family dog can order in some room service (yep, dogs are welcome at the hotel!). Dogs Delight menu items include treats from Barkaroo Bakery such as Mini hot “cats,” banana biscotti, and special breakfast for “business dogs on the go.” Families who choose to venture out of the gorgeous rooms to eat can try The Grill, located at lobby level, that serves steaks and seafood. The Gazebo Bar & Grill offers casual poolside fare such as salads, nachos, burgers, and cocktails. The Pagoda Restaurant serves Asian fare featuring sushi and ahi tuna. There is breakfast, lunch, and brunch at the Fountain Restaurant. Brunch is a splendid spread of to-order omelets, sushi, salad, jumbo shrimp, fresh fruits, blintzes, braised meats, chicken, waffles, pancakes, chocolate covered strawberries, a dozen deserts, and more. "Mmmmm" is all we could say. Over and over. There are also plenty of local restaurants for very casual meals. The Fairmont's friendly concierge treated our son with great respect when he asked, “Is there anywhere close by where I could wear my bathing suit and just have, um, a simple kid's dinner?” Just across the street is Johnny Rockets Diner. The Fairmont is close to Great America, Raging Waters, and Winchester Mystery House. There are many golf courses nearby, as well as tennis, ice-skating, and lots of shopping – including the Great Mall of the Bay Area with over 150 outlet stores and Valley Fair Mall with 179 shops and restaurants.