on the Sunset Strip

San Jose is the third largest city in California. It is located in the Santa Clara Valley at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay area. The “Capital of Silicon Valley” became its nickname. This is when a large development of high-technology computers, microprocessors, and engineering companies settled down in this region. With a total of area 178.2 square miles (461.5 km²), it is originally known as El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, in honor of Saint Joseph.

Moreover, San Jose experienced earthquake activities along the areas that fall under and near the San Andres Fault. It also has a Mediterranean climate, which is similar to most areas near the bay area. Three sided mountain shelters within the city make it more semi-arid in its environment.

Historically, San Jose was inhibited by groups of Ohlone Native Americans. In 1769, the Europeans began with a series of Franciscan missionaries. In fact, San Jose was founded as the first town in the Spanish colony of Nueva California. This was on November 29Th of the year 1777. It was made possible by a certain Lieutenant José Joaquín Moraga. By the year 1825, San Jose was ruled by Mexicans and became part of the United States. This was after surrendering on stipulated terms in the year 1846. It also supports military installations at Monterey and San Francisco, which were farming communities. Thus, between the 1960s and the 1990s; it became a magnet for suburban neophytes, particularly in new housing developments.

Hence, San Jose served as its first capital when California gained statehood in the year 1850. During 1970s, there was a growth in businesses. Hence, after four decades of fast developments and growth in population, it became the third most populous city in California. San Jose shifted from agriculture to industrial manufacturing as the World War II started. In 1943, IBM established the West Coast headquarters and opened its doors for research and developmental facilities.

Aside from this, a rapid heightening of technological industry was gained by San Jose in the year 1990. By then, Silicon Valley gave more economic and population expansion which led to an increase in housing costs. This is along with the highest rating of 93.6% between the years 1976 up to 2001. San Jose also got the highest median household income as compared to any other city, with over 300,000 residents by year 2000.

The cost of living in San Jose became high when the 25 companies began expanding. This included:
• Flextronics
• Adobe Systems
• Cisco
• Hewlett-Packard
• BEA Systems
• eBay
• IBM
• Lockheed Martin
• Hitachi. U.S. – invested and received about thirty-five percent of all venture capital funds at San Jose. This is along with Silicon Valley companies.

There are several federal and state agencies settling in San Jose, even courthouses. It also houses schools like:
• San José State University Stanford University
• University of California
• Berkeley
• Santa Clara University – specializes on computer and engineering courses.

San Jose also became one of the safest large cities in the United States, along with a population of 989,496 as of January 2008. Furthermore, San Jose continually attracts tourists and more hotels now, offering great accommodations that would fit ones relaxing moments.

Hotels to choose from are as follows:

1. Best Western Airport Plaza

Price: $90 up to $215

Address: 2118 The Alameda

Phone number: 408-243-2400

Check-in time – 1:00 PM

Check-out time – 11:00 AM

Best Western Airport Plaza is located near the airport, universities, restaurants, convention centers, museums and amusement parks. It is a boutique styled property situated just a drive away from Santa Cruz or San Francisco.

Amenities:
• Common areas wheelchair accessible
• Non-smoking room
• Crib/rollaway bed
• Parking (free)
• Multi-lingual staff
• Smoke alarms
• Sprinklers
• Elevators
• Fax (for guests)
• Indoor/Outdoor Pool
• Hot Tub

2. Comfort Inn San Jose

Price: $72 up to $229

Address: 875 N 13th St

Phone number: 408-287-9380

Check-in time – 3:00p

Check-out time – 11:00a

Amenities:
• Complimentary breakfast
• Wake-up service
• Business center
• Copy service
• Electronic keys
• 24 hour security
• Outdoor parking
• Multi-lingual staff
• Iron
• Ice machine
• Fax
• FREE High Speed Internet Access in all rooms
• Brailed elevators
• Laundry room
• Photocopier service
• Smoke detectors
• TV remote control
• Microwave
• Non-smoking room
• Phone service

3. Crowne Plaza Hotel
Price: $113

Hotel Front Desk: 1-408-9980400
Hotel Fax: 1-408-2899081
Located at 282 Almaden Boulevard, San Jose Downtown, Crowne Plaza Hotel provides a 100% smoke free environment. The hotel is accessible to all freeways, train stations and light rails. Crowne Plaza is a 4 mile distance from the tennis court, 1 mile from a shopping mall and 3 miles from a golf club. It is also across the Tech Museum of Innovation, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, the Adobe headquarters, and a walking distance to HP Pavillion.

• Check-in 3:00 PM
• Check-out 12:00 PM

Nearby Attractions:
• Children’s Discovery Museum (0.2 MI / 0.32 KM )
• St Joseph’s Cathedral (0.5 MI / 0.8 KM )
• Center for Performing Arts (0 MI / 0 KM )
• San Jose Airport (2.9 MI / 4.67 KM )
• Valley Fair Shopping Center (4 MI / 6.44 KM )
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk (30 MI / 48.28 KM )
• San Jose Center for Performing Arts (0 MI / 0 KM )
• SJSU (0.9 MI / 1.45 KM )
• McEnery San Jose Convention Center (0 MI / 0 KM )
• HP Pavillion (formerly San Jose Arena/Compaq Ctr) (0.9 MI / 1.45 KM )
• Tech Museum of Innovation (0.2 MI / 0.32 KM )
• Paramount’s Great America (6.5 MI / 10.46 KM )
Amenities:
• Hotel Shops – Gift Shop, Newsstand
• Public Space Data Services – Wireless Data Connection (Ibahn) Fee: $9.95 )

- High Speed Internet Access

Initial Fee: $9.95 (USD)
• Health & Fitness Center (On-Site) – Universal Weight System, Dry Sauna, Extensive Cardio Equipment, Spa Facilities and free weights

• Business Services – Facsimile, PC available, Courier Service, Printer , E-mail & Internet, Copying, Executive Suites, Dedicated Lounge (or 24 Hour Lounge), Unstaffed Business Center, Porter/Bellman, Executive Floors
• Housekeeping & Laundry Services – Dry Cleaning Pickup/Laundry, Daily Housekeeping, Same Day Dry Cleaning, Weekly Housekeeping
Room Features:
• Free Morning Newspaper Delivered to Room
• Valet Service
• Buffet Breakfast – complimentary, daily
• Turndown Service
• In Room Movies (pay per view/ premium cable)
• Video Review / Checkout
• High-end Video Equipment
• Cable / Satellite TV
• Tea Maker
• Mini Refrigerator
• CD Player
• Coffee Maker
Others:
• Workspace desk
• Phone / Fax
• data services
• Bathroom / personal care facilities
Dining:

• Cocktail Lounge
• Room service – available from 6:00 AM up to 11:00 PM
• Crowne Plaza San Jose Lounge
Event Facilities:
• Smallest Room Measurements: 37.0 ft/11.28 m x 19.0 ft/5.79 m
• Largest Room Capacity: 640 Reception Style
• 6 Sales & Meeting Professionals On Site
• Largest Room Measurements: 99.0 ft/30.18 m x 60.0 ft/18.29 m (ceiling height = 10.0 ft/3.05 m)
• 5 Meeting Rooms
• 35 – 8′x10′ Booths can be accommodated
• 6643 ft²/ 617.15 m² of Meeting Space
• 6000 ft²/ 557.42 m² of exhibit space
• The Park Center Plaza Ballroom – can accommodate up to 640 people
Equipments:

• Microphone
• 35mm Slide Projector
• Flip Chart and Markers
• DVD Player
• VCR
• Modem Lines
• Lectern
• Overhead Projector

4. Dolce Hayes Mansion

Price: $131 up to $221

Address: 200 Edenvale Avenue

Phone number: 1-408-226-3200

Check-in time – 3:00 PM

Check-out time – 12:00 NN

Dolce Hayes Mansion is adjacent to the renowned Edentale Park and six miles from the downtown area of San Jose. It is a historic mansion. Aside from this, it is also once the grand home of the socially prominent, wealthy and politically powerful Hayes family. It is in close proximity to the Oakland Airport, San Francisco International, Nonnan Y Mineta San Jose International Airport and it is also a drive away from Santa Cruz or Monterey.

Hence, it is also close to recreational activities such as:

• Fabulous entertainment
• Exciting nightlife
• Local wineries
• World-class dining
• Golf courses
• Beautiful beaches of Santa Cruz.

Moreover, they have 214 guestrooms which would include 22 suites. Their units also have guestroom beds that are triple-sheeted and equipped with foam and feather pillows. This mansion offers a unique setting for business and social activities.

Amenities:

• Electronic keys
• computer rentals
• Meeting facilities
• Gift shop
• Spa
• free parking
• business center
• airport shuttles
• room service
• outdoor swimming pool
• laundry services
• sand volleyball court
• woodland park with children’s playground
• billiards
• sauna
• fitness center
• Sprinklers
• Photocopier service
• Car rental
• Wheelchair
• Computer use available
• Bar
• Complimentary transportation
• Uniformed security
• Health club and spa
• Tennis (outdoor)
• Pool (outdoor)
Room features:

• wake-up calls
• telephones
• free wired high-speed internet access
• alarm clocks
• iron/ironing boards
• coffeemakers
• hairdryers
• free daily newspapers
• movies on-demand
• refrigerators

5. Extended Stay Deluxe San Jose – South – Edenvale

Address: 6189 San Ignacio Avenue

Phone number: 408- 229-9188

Check-in time – 3:00 PM

Check-out time – 11:00 AM
Extended Stay Deluxe is a 25.00 USD per day, along with a non-refundable cleaning fee (cleaning fee). As a guest, you will receive free local phone calls and weekly housekeeping services. You will also receive free movie channels, access to a 24-hour, coin-operated laundry facility, and a two-line phone that has a computer dataport. To add comfort, there is a large work desk, comfortable arm chair, oversized studio suites and a sofa sleeper. Only one pet is allowed per unit.
Amenities:
• Sprinklers in rooms
• Shower
• Air-conditioned
• Copy service
• Smoke detectors
• Recliner
• Heated guest rooms
• Fax
• International direct dial
• Bath tub
• Family plan
• Queen bed
• Phone service
• Maid service
• Iron
• Microwave
• Kitchen
• Vending machines
• wheelchair
• Temperature control
• Sofa bed
• Outdoor parking
• Heated guest rooms
• TV and TV remote control
6. Highland Inn Bed and Breakfast

Address: 16203 Highland Dr.

Highland Inn Bed and Breakfast provides business travelers with a comfortable, hassle-free and relaxing stay. It is a 4 bedroom and 4 bath executive home with a great view of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Amenities:

• Continental breakfast
• Hi-speed DSL
• WiFi Internet Access
• Computer with printer
• Telephone
• Electronic combination safe.
• private bath
• Oversized towels
• Toiletries
• Dell Docking stations
• Office supplies
• Weekday mornings, with fresh seasonal fruit, gourmet cereal, and fresh roasted coffee

7. Holiday Inn, SAN JOSE

Address: 1740 NORTH FIRST STREET

Hotel Front Desk: 1-408-7933300

Hotel Fax: 1-408-4530259

Check-in 3:00 PM

Check-out 12:00 PM

Location:
• Local Time: 12:49 AM PDT
• Distance from Hotel: 3.0 MI
• Hotel is located at or near an Airport
Facility:
• 250 Single-Bedded Room(s)
• Storage
• 3 Floor(s)
• 238 Double-Bedded Room(s)
• Exterior Corridor
• 494 Non-Smoking Room(s)
• Interior Corridor
• 12 Suite(s)
•
Amenities:
• Spa Facilities – Whirlpool
• Health & Fitness Center (On-Site) – accessible 24 hours with hotel room key
• Television
• AM/FM stereo
• Showers

This hotel is newly renovated. Its facilities include stairmasters, lifecycles and treadmills.

Housekeeping & Laundry Services:
• Dry Cleaning Pickup/Laundry
• Same Day Dry Cleaning
• Daily Housekeeping
Others:
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Convenience Store
• E-mail & Internet
• Unstaffed Business Center
• Newsstand
• High Speed Internet Access
Initial Fee: $5.00
• Wireless Data Connection
Initial Fee: $9.95