Best of a Weak Lot
Downtown San Jose is very peculiar. The 10th largest city in the U.S. (yes! By population larger than San Francisco) with no real downtown. There is not a retail store in sight. The hotels are generally the weaker one in the chain (I have stayed at four others) but the Fairmont is the best downtown in my opinion. The rates are competitive. The rooms are large and comfortable and clean. The amenities are "fine" if not outstanding (pool, fitnress). Lobby bar is a good spot for meeting up. Restaurants are uneven (Grill on the Alley fine but not as good as others nearby) and the breakfast/lunch restaurant consistently weak. There may be new management as the staff attitude and attentiveness has much improved over the past year. A good choice.