Travel: Hotel De Anza, San Jose, California

By Lisa M. Ruth, Donne Tempo Magazine

San Jose, California (September 21, 2008)…Funky and fabulous Hotel De Anza gives guests a taste of authentic 1930s art deco wrapped in 20th century luxury. 

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From the gilded lobby to the plush lounge, the intimate outdoor Palm Court Terrace to the heavenly guest rooms, the warm meeting spaces to the fantastic night-time pantry, the hotel embraces visitors with elegant, stylized comfort.

The Hotel De Anza advertises “opulence” and delivers in spades. 

The four-star, four-diamond property is reminiscent of a visit to the house of a much-loved, very wealthy relative rather than a stay at a hotel. 

The staff is warm and knowledgeable, and lacks the stuffy distance that often characterizes employees of the upscale chain properties. 

Hotel De Anza is simply friendly.

The historic property originally opened in 1931, was boarded up in the 1980s, and, after a thorough renovatoin, reopened in 1990. 

The De Anza Hotel smartly retained the 1930s feel, including the original ceiling and paintings, as well as menus and other trinkets from the 1930s hotel making this a destination that is tons of fun, as well as good nights sleep.

The refurbished property also restored the terra cotta, earth tone, and peach interior resemble the colors of the original hotel.

The welcoming lobby leads into the 1,600 square-foot Hedley Club Lounge, centered around a majestic cherry wood and marble bar. 

Again, guests are greeted by elegant abundance, where locals and visitors meet and mingle. 

The beautiful room boasts a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted ceiling and hand-sculpted archways. 

Comfortable leather chairs and couches and a wood-burning stove invite guests to dawdle and enjoy conversation with engaging bartenders, wait staff, locals, and other out-of-towners. 

Sumptuous jazz musicians, like Jessica Johnson, Pevin Everett, and Jennifer Lee entertain guests – with no cover – every Friday and Saturday.

Adjacent to the lobby bar is the enchanting Palm Court Terrace, one of our favorite spots in this spectacular property.  The outdoor courtyard garden is decorated in rich Mediterranean flavor, complete with ivy-covered walls and tiled fountains. 

The Terrace is framed by a 30-foot canopy, lined with twinkling lights, to complete the magical ambiance of the room.  The Terrace is a favorite location for weddings, receptions, or other special events.