Hotel Clariana

The staff and location deserve five stars, while the building itself is more like four. Everyone working there was friendly and accommodating. We could walk to SAP and plenty of restaurants and bars, and getting on or off the highway was easy even though I'd never been to San Jose. Parking came with the room, which was a big perk. It's an older hotel, but the room was clean and had useful touches like a light breakfast, coffee and minibar, cable TV, trial-size soaps, and plenty of towels. The walls are thin. We didn't hear neighboring rooms, but hallway conversations came right through. Our street-facing room also got a lot of noise through its single-pane windows: arguments, loud mufflers and speakers, and unhoused people yelling. It's downtown, so there's a transient presence, though nothing wild. I'm a heavy sleeper and it wasn't too much trouble for me, but anyone sensitive to noise or needing quiet for work should keep it in mind. The wifi was quite weak. I'd still stay again.

The security arrangements stood out to me. The lobby doors stay locked around the clock and only guests can enter, and food deliveries are left at the lobby door instead of letting delivery staff into the hotel. That felt like a real plus in a busy downtown area where nightlife and street life continue into the early morning. There was no outside foot traffic coming in to use the restroom or hang out in the lounge. I booked three nights at the last minute and they were accommodating, including my request for the highest available floor with a downtown view. The concierge and staff were friendly and professional, and the room was spotless and much bigger than I expected. When an accidental fall left me with a serious injury and several stitches in my head, my doctor's orders meant 72 hours of bed rest. I unexpectedly needed to stay three more nights. Tina went above and beyond, checking in each day and making sure I had what I needed. She was kind and attentive. The mini-fridge came with two free bottles of water a day, and the other drinks and snacks were inexpensive compared with hotels that charge exorbitant prices for everything. Full-size sodas and energy drinks were $2.00, nuts and crackers were $1.00, and candy was $1.50. I'll definitely stay here again when I'm back in December.

The deposit still hasn't been returned, and the breakfast was disgusting. The elevator at least exists, though it only works sometimes. During several days of our stay we kept finding cockroaches, in the bathroom, on the carpet, and even by the bed. The place was filthy and smelled awful, especially the hallway, which reeked of dirty socks. There was dust and dirt under the bed, stained walls, and brown water when we scrubbed the bathroom floor. I also saw that the sheets hadn't been changed between guests. They had hairs on them and smelled bad. Avoid this hotel. It was more like a survival challenge than a comfortable stay.

The room was cute, clean, and comfortable, with a roomy bathroom. Even though it faced the street, it was quiet and relaxing enough that I kept the window open all night. Tina at the front desk was helpful and accommodating. I was looking for a convenient downtown SJ hotel and found this spot. Coffee, breakfast, and 711 were all within walking distance, as was the bus stop literally around the corner. I could hop over to Valley Fair and Santana Row and didn't have to waste money on Lyft. I'll most definitely stay here again.