Located in the South Bay of the San Francisco Bay area, San Jose is better known as Silicon Valley. With hi-tech fueling the city’s development over the past 20 years, San Jose has become an uber modern and global city with incredible affluence.
Despite the high cost of living in the area, it’s a great alternative place to stay because it’s a cheaper than staying in the San Francisco downtown and gives you quick access to places along the bay and other attractions like Santa Cruz and Monterey. I recommend you check out these boutique hotels whether you’re looking to base yourself in San Jose or are passing through.
More California travel inspiration
- Where to go in California for first timers
- A perfect weekend in San Diego
- 9 day Northern California road trip itinerary
- Best California destinations along the Pacific Ocean
- USA travel guide
How to get the best deals in travel
- Hottest deals – Bookmark the travel deals page.
- Car rentals – stop getting ripped off and learn about car rental coupon codes.
- Hotels – Use corporate codes or get Genius 2 tier with Booking.
- Flights – Have you ever heard of the “Everywhere” feature?
- Insurance – Make sure you’re covered and learn more about where to buy the best travel insurance.
Arena Hotel
While this hotel may not look like much from the outside, it more than makes up for it with its incredible support staff, cookies upon checking in, and great value. Sure, their rooms aren’t going to be like those in a five-star hotel, but for most it’ll be just the right amount of comfort and will have everything you need to sleep well.
As an added bonus, this hotel is located right across the street from SAP Center, where the San Jose Sharks play. Expect to pay at most $150 USD per night at Arena Hotel.
Dolce Hayes Mansion
This 20th century mansion is a hidden gem of a property in a suburban area of San Jose. It’s rare to find a hotel that provides as high a level of service and luxury at such an affordable price. The upscale rooms are spacious and plush with amenities like bath robes, upscale bath amenities, free WiFi, fridge, and premium cable.
You’ll also equally enjoy the meticulously manicured gardens, clean pool, and spa services. Priced at an average of $250 a night, you’re guaranteed to be blown away by the elegant Hayes Mansion, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Extended Stay America San Jose – Airport
You can’t go wrong with Extend Stay America because it really is the best bang for buck. With amenities such as a fully equipped kitchens with utensils and plates, free breakfast, and free WiFi, it really is your home away from home.
In addition, this Extend Stay America San Jose – Airport is right by the airport and just minutes from Highway 101, which makes it easy to get to wherever you need to go. Expect to pay less than $200 a night here.
EZ 8 Motel San Jose I
I couldn’t have gone through this list without showing you guys one of the cheapest hotel on the scene. Located right by the San Jose airport, the EZ 8 Motel San Jose I is also along the light rail line which takes guests to key locations throughout the valley.
The rooms themselves are a bit dated, but the TVs do have HBO. The property also has a pool, jacuzzi, laundry facilities and WiFi. Despite WiFi costing an extra $5.99, the nightly rates only go as high as $100.
Extend Stay America San Jose – Edenvale – North
Locate on the southern tip of San Jose, this hotel is right along Highway 101, which gives you access to downtown San Jose. Just as close is Gilroy, which has an outlet mall that is great for shopping. Drive a little further and the beautiful Monterey is within an hour and a half reach.
Like all other Extend Stay Americas, the Edenvale – North location suites are equipped with a full kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave, cooking utensils, and dishes which give you the option to cook your own meals. This property is also relatively new, so you’ll find the building and rooms very clean and modern. Prices here range from $200 to $250 a night.
Featured image via Flickr by memoriesbymike
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Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit Cards
Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights
In our opinion, of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check.
Car Rental
If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and Booking’s car rental platform are great places to start.
Rideshare
You probably already have accounts but if you don’t, for new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code cbh4j6plxt8p for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
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You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM
eSIM: This is our go-to way of staying connected. Below are the discounts we have acquired for our readers.
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Make sure to read our article on breaking down the cheapest eSIMs for travel to learn more.
Wifi Hotspot
We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels
Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Tours and Activities
When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance
Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
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Check Out Our Toolbox
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
