Homewood Suites by Hilton San Jose Santa Clara

The game room has both a pool table and ping pong, and the rooms and suites were very clean and nice. The best thing was how easy it was to get to your room from the parking lot. The lot wraps around the building, so you can reach your room easily wherever it is. Great location.

The parking charge is the reason I won't return to this Homewood Suites. I paid over $500 for three nights, then was charged another $45 to park in a private lot that stayed about 85% empty. I asked to have the fee waived because I'm Honors Gold, but the staff said no. Hilton needs to get a handle on these fees. Most hotels don't charge them, and those are the ones that will get my business. Parking was $15 a day, which felt ridiculous. The room itself was spacious, with plush, comfortable mattresses and lots of light. The common areas were clean and nicely decorated, and most staff were friendly. There are two elevators and plenty of parking near the front entrance. But the low-flow shower was awful, the freeway noise was loud enough that I thought a window was open and tried closing both several times, and the luggage carts were tiny, airport-style ones that can't carry much. Bathroom and sink lights ran on motion sensors and timers. They all came on brightly when I got up at night, then switched off while I was showering if I didn't move enough. The hallways and common areas were freezing. Getting from the lobby to the elevators meant passing through several doors and an outdoor courtyard, which was frustrating with luggage. The hotel is surrounded by business parks, so expect a drive for food and shopping. This was mostly a standard Homewood, but next time I visit the area I'll choose another Hilton property.

We stayed while in town for the 49ers game against the Bears, and it was a wonderful visit. The rooms were clean and spacious, the staff were very friendly, and the full continental breakfast was good. The heated pool was a nice bonus, and the stay was worth every penny. Thank you, Homewood suites by Hilton San Jose Santa Clara.

The free internet kept disconnecting and wasn't very good. I could also hear people in other rooms talking or watching TV at night because the walls are a bit thin. Cleaning and room service were good overall, though once they left wet wipes behind and another time forgot to refill the bathroom shampoo.