Residence Inn by Marriott San Jose South\/Morgan Hill

Call it the Hotel Blase. The only things that stick out are two inconveniences, and neither is great. They charge for parking at an outdated hotel surrounded by strip malls, like Little Caesar's charging you to park for its forgettable pizza. There is a gym, sort of, but it's in the sister property next door, so you have to go outside to reach it even if it's pouring. The hotel keys don't open the side doors, which means walking to the front desk to ask for entry. There isn't a locker room, and the bathrooms are down the hall, so that whole setup gets annoying fast. The gym itself is very good, though. I can't tell if the setup is meant to make you ask your colleague to spend the extra $30 for the Courtyard next door, or to make you question your choices. I did consider canceling my Marriot credit card afterward. I'm still considering it. If you remember this hotel a month later, either something traumatic happened or you've never been to a hotel before. And that foyer makes it especially rough when you realize your colleague booked you somewhere much nicer.

Everything was great, except my vehicle got broken into. There was no security on site or on watch. The basketball hoop has two floodlights, but they don't work. Bummer, playing hoops at night was my selling point.

We like the one-room suite, with a separate kitchen and family room, because the extra space is handy. The small kitchen has plates, utensils, a stove, fridge, microwave, and dishwasher. We especially enjoy the lobby breakfast area, though choices are limited. Go early for the best selection, especially on weekends. We've stayed here many times because it's convenient for visiting family in Morgan Hill and south San Jose. There's also a range of dining options nearby, along with local grocery and other stores. It can get noisy Friday through Sunday, with lots of parents bringing kids for local sports. Bring earplugs.

The pool and hot tub were a great perk, and the rooms and amenities were clean. The staff were friendly too. Only downside was having to go to the hotel next door for the gym. I'd recommend it!