“Stay and Play in San Jose” + Win a 2 night stay at any Country Inns and Suites in USA and Canada
Calling San Jose a travel destination probably wasn’t too common twenty-five years back, and back then you wouldn’t hear of people vacationing in San Jose nearly as often as you do today. Well as they say “times are a changin”, and the transformation in San Jose and the surrounding areas has made the city an absolutely exciting place to stay. San Jose has always been on the map for my family as we love its great architecture and charm, and the fact that it’s one of the premier places to stay while visiting San Francisco. Since it’s also close to Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and other Northern California tourist destinations it always made sense for us to stay in San Jose. On our last trip up however we really embraced the growth that the city has gone through, and the many amazing things to do, eat and see that are sprouting up all around.
Here’s a short Travel Guide on San Jose, including our favorites: Where to Stay, , Where to Eat and What to See:
Where to Stay in San Jose: Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM
This hotel has it all: a pool, nice fitness center, free Internet, a 24-hour business center and a tasty complimentary, hot breakfast! It was conveniently located 4 minutes from the airport and a block from the Light Rail so we could easily hop up to San Francisco. The service there is great and they have shuttles to make your stay easy, whether you’re in San Jose on business for a big tech meeting or pleasure to see the sights or root on (or in our case against) the San Jose Sharks. The rooms have a nice color palette that are refreshing and make the room pop. I liked how our room was broken out into different areas with a good sized workspace and even a couch to lounge on. What’s unique? They have a read it and return library!
Where to Eat in San Jose: Gochi Japanese Fusion Tapas
This was no easy choice for us… the diversity of people in San Jose and highest standards of restaurants in the area brings about more great restaurants than we could cover in a month. If we had to pick one restaurant though it would have to be Gochi. The most popular item on the menu may be their pork clay pot, it’s even better than those I tried in Asia. Traditional items like tempura are showcased and presented beautifully, and unique items like Hokkai Fusion Pizza or Gyutan Kakuni (Braised Beef Tongue) will give your taste buds a wonderful adventure. What’s unique? Find me an item on the menu that isn’t unique! It’s Japanese gastronomy at its finest.
What to do in San Jose: San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
This place has been give the award of America’s best rose garden and will not disappoint! There are the most beautiful roses I’ve ever seen packed into this beautiful space (make sure to have your camera charged)! I love how this is one of those destinations that you can almost stumble upon and visit on the same day as another big attraction (like a trip out to one of the many national parks in the area, the coast or up to the Stanford University campus). We went in without expectations but our entire family (of 3 generations) had an amazing time that day walking the grounds and taking in the sights and smells. It’s a hidden gem that to me exemplifies the pride that San Jose residents take in their city. What’s unique? The collection of roses is unmatched, you’ll surely see colors and shapes that you’ve never seen anywhere else. The surrounding area also has a lot of character, we enjoyed walking around and looking at the nearby homes.
You’d probably have to be off the grid to not know about Silicon Valley, and the thousands of tech companies that are based in the San Jose area. From Apple to Google, Facebook to Yahoo, just about every big tech company you can imagine is based in or near the San Jose area. This has obviously brought phenomenal growth to the area. I’m happy to see that San Jose and the surrounding cities put so much thought into expanding those cities tastefully. From restaurants to parks there is so much character in the area, and natural beauty of rolling hills all around and gorgeous ocean views a quick drive away make it very special. Come discover for yourself why San Jose is now a destination city for all types of travelers.
Win a two-night stay good for any Country Inns and Suites hotel in the US and Canada.
How to enter :
(1) Visit San Jose Country Inn & Suites website
(2) You must leave a comment with your answer. Tell us one of your favorite amenities from the San Jose Country Inn & Suites website
(3) Tweet the message below (please copy and paste)
I just entered a giveaway {Prize: 2 night stay at any #CountryInns in US/Canada}==>https://ooh.li/373db8b @thedealmatch @countryinns #ad
(4) Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter
Our sponsor will randomly pick a winner from the comment box below. Ends August 1st, 2016
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson is a part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, which also includes Quorvus Collection, Radisson Blu®, Radisson®, Radisson RED, Park Plaza® and Park Inn® by Radisson. For reservations and more information visit, www.countryinns.com
148 Comments
Tammy Shelton
Jul 23, 2016 at 9:16 amMy favorite is the FREE hot breakfast and the Free internet. Can’t beat FREE!
Tammy Shelton
Jul 23, 2016 at 9:20 amhttps://twitter.com/QueenB_Tammy/status/756886467381751808
Daddy lovin Deals
Jul 23, 2016 at 9:26 amMy favorite would have to be the free internet! It seems like a lot of hotels are charging $15 for that these days and I can’t live without it, glad it’s free at this hotel!!
Shelia Gamel
Jul 23, 2016 at 9:39 amYee hah Bring on the mini vacation. Vacation can be as simple as getting away from home.
Shelia Gamel
Jul 23, 2016 at 9:43 amI would absolutely love the pool and whirlpool. i sure like to get away from home though.
Carolsue Anderson
Jul 23, 2016 at 2:49 pmThe fitness centers are my favorite amenity at these properties
Carolsue Anderson
Jul 23, 2016 at 2:49 pmTweeted
https://twitter.com/cezovski9/status/756969143719473152
sportsnyfan
Jul 23, 2016 at 5:55 pmComplimentary Be Our Guest Breakfast is my favorite!
sportsnyfan
Jul 23, 2016 at 5:58 pmtweeted
https://twitter.com/CTSweeper/status/757016588793044993
Leigh Anne
Jul 23, 2016 at 7:22 pmI would love to take advantage of the outdoor pool they have! laborders2000@yahoo.com
Leigh Anne
Jul 23, 2016 at 7:23 pmhttps://twitter.com/leighanne000/status/757038317636648960
laborders2000@yahoo.com
dailydealsjc1
Jul 23, 2016 at 8:45 pmLove their free breakfast!! Tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MunchTalks/status/757059087360155651
latanya t
Jul 24, 2016 at 11:32 amFree High-Speed Internet Access
latanya t
Jul 24, 2016 at 11:33 amhttps://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/757282295111749632
David
Jul 24, 2016 at 12:41 pmI like the free breakfast, especially the warm foods, not just donuts or bagels like other places.
David
Jul 24, 2016 at 12:43 pmI tweeted at https://twitter.com/1brisket/status/757300015450755072
Stefanie Gladden
Jul 24, 2016 at 5:11 pmFree High-Speed Internet Access is my favorite!
Stefanie Gladden
Jul 24, 2016 at 5:12 pmtweeted https://twitter.com/stephcouponsxx/status/757367809492090884
Mitzi Fisher
Jul 24, 2016 at 6:02 pmMy favorite is the fitness center
Elena
Jul 24, 2016 at 7:07 pmI like the free breakfast
Elena
Jul 24, 2016 at 7:08 pmhttps://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/757396966997241856
Mary Cloud
Jul 24, 2016 at 7:09 pmThe Outdoor Pool and Whirlpool is a must
Mary Cloud
Jul 24, 2016 at 7:10 pmTweeted – https://twitter.com/Annabellainla/status/757397507429179392
Julie
Jul 24, 2016 at 7:17 pmi love the complimentary breakfast!!
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/showstopper474/status/757399302108876800
Liked on facebook and twitter @showstopper474
Sonya Morris
Jul 24, 2016 at 8:11 pmI love the complimentary breakfast!
Sonya Morris
Jul 24, 2016 at 8:14 pmTweeted and following:
https://twitter.com/MorrisPartyof6/status/757413417078710272
melissa goodspeed
Jul 24, 2016 at 9:20 pmOutdoor Pool and Whirlpool, would be my favorite amenity, complimentary breakfast is definitely a close second tho.
Lee Morelli
Jul 25, 2016 at 4:23 amFree High-Speed Internet Access
Catherine Shaw
Jul 25, 2016 at 4:39 amThe amenity I prefer and find indispensable is the Free High-Speed Internet Access. Thanks!
Rich G
Jul 25, 2016 at 4:46 amCan’t go wrong with free internet!
Eric Ross
Jul 25, 2016 at 4:53 amFree breakfast is soooo good. When I’m picking a place to stay that’s literally all I care about.
Amy S
Jul 25, 2016 at 5:17 amI’m torn between the outdoor pool and the free breakfast!
Steve Z
Jul 25, 2016 at 5:39 amIt’s all good, but the fitness center!
Jonathan Love
Jul 25, 2016 at 6:25 amThe tasty complimentary, hot breakfast! That’s my favorite.
Chris Lange
Jul 25, 2016 at 7:00 amLike that its only four min from the airport
jill oleary
Jul 25, 2016 at 7:01 amhot breakfast
james doyle
Jul 25, 2016 at 7:28 amFree parking is hard to come by these days in nice cities <3
Kathleen Southern
Jul 25, 2016 at 8:19 amI love the unique rooms The Country Inn and Suites provide in all the hotel’s
Bill B.
Jul 25, 2016 at 9:17 amMay sound silly, but I vote for the pool. My son always looks for a nice pool when we travel.
Soo H.
Jul 25, 2016 at 9:36 amI like the free wi-fi!
Nana'sFineThingz
Jul 25, 2016 at 9:52 amMy favorite is the free breakfast -great way to start the day!
Olivia Tapia
Jul 25, 2016 at 9:54 amI love the free hi-speed wi-fi
Jessica miller
Jul 25, 2016 at 10:04 amMy favorite amenity from that hotel is the Free Shuttle to the Airport! that is nice!
Jessica miller
Jul 25, 2016 at 10:06 amtweeted https://twitter.com/jessicamillerrm/status/757622908705509376
Crystal Warren
Jul 25, 2016 at 10:48 amI love not having to get out of my (respectable) pj’s and look for a place to eat breakfast..just walk down and grab a bite in the hotel! Free Breakfast is my pick
Crystal Warren
Jul 25, 2016 at 10:50 ami tweeted: https://twitter.com/happyenchilada2/status/757634065637994496
Nicole
Jul 25, 2016 at 11:41 amSo many great amenities for me and my family! We love the free breakfast and the airport shuttle!
Lisa Bourlier
Jul 25, 2016 at 12:03 pmThe Pool!
Teresa
Jul 25, 2016 at 12:46 pmOne of my favorite amenities is the free shuttle to SJC Airport!
Teresa
Jul 25, 2016 at 12:49 pmTweet: https://twitter.com/didyouyarnthat/status/757663592644698112
David
Jul 25, 2016 at 12:53 pmFree Shuttle to SJC Airport
grouponroundup
Jul 25, 2016 at 12:54 pmFree breakfast!!!
Shawn Stover
Jul 25, 2016 at 1:12 pmpool and whirlpool
Will G
Jul 25, 2016 at 1:27 pmI like the free shuttle to the airport.
Ronda Patrick
Jul 25, 2016 at 1:54 pmThat beautiful swimming pool!!!
Livivua
Jul 25, 2016 at 2:05 pmI would love the free wifi
Landis
Jul 25, 2016 at 2:06 pmI like the pool and the whirlpool
livivua
Jul 25, 2016 at 2:08 pmhttps://twitter.com/vivaciousgold/status/757683717682987008 I tweeted
Chandler
Jul 25, 2016 at 2:10 pmI like the gym and wifi
Carol P
Jul 25, 2016 at 2:20 pmhttps://twitter.com/Angelodrag/status/757686532312403970 Favorite amenity is the hot free breakfast
kellierose wilson
Jul 25, 2016 at 2:51 pmThe free and fast internet is an amazing perk for me!
kellierose wilson
Jul 25, 2016 at 2:52 pmtweeted: ) https://twitter.com/kellierose914/status/757695018618515456
mixedreviewsblogger
Jul 25, 2016 at 3:01 pmMy favorite amenity is the Fitness Center!
Ryan S
Lorraine M in SFV
Jul 25, 2016 at 5:48 pmClub CarlsonSM hotel rewards program for frequent travelers and meeting planners
William Wilson
Jul 25, 2016 at 5:50 pmMy favorite amenity is the nearness to the light rail system. 😀
Deb Butterflys (@debbutterflys)
Jul 25, 2016 at 6:49 pmlove that Children 18 and under stay free in the same room with an adult, so tired of hotels charging for kids
Deb Butterflys (@debbutterflys)
Jul 25, 2016 at 6:52 pmtweeted and follow https://twitter.com/debbutterflys/status/757754964953489408?lang=en
Michelle Snow (@zengrrl)
Jul 25, 2016 at 9:55 pmDefinitely the Free High-Speed Internet Access. I won’t even consider staying at a hotel that doesn’t offer it.
Michelle Snow (@zengrrl)
Jul 25, 2016 at 9:57 pmTweeted: https://twitter.com/zengrrl/status/757801870320541698
Angela Heaven
Jul 25, 2016 at 10:38 pmI love a few things but these are my favorite…..sorry couldn’t limit it to 1!
King Suite or Two-queen Suite
The living area features a pull-out sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchenette and a 42-inch television.
Free high-speed Internet access
Free weekday USA TODAY® newspaper
Hot Be Our Guest Breakfast (complimentary)
Michelle Balvin
Jul 25, 2016 at 11:12 pmMy favorite amenities are the Free high-speed Internet access and the complimentary Hot Be Our Guest Breakfast…YUM
Loc V.
Jul 25, 2016 at 11:17 pmOutdoor Pool and Whirlpool is a nice perk.
Michelle D.
Jul 25, 2016 at 11:21 pmFree High-Speed Internet Access is great!
kathy
Jul 26, 2016 at 1:00 amThe fitness center!!
carol clark
Jul 26, 2016 at 7:02 amComplimentary Be Our Guest Breakfast
Sandie Aliprantis
Jul 26, 2016 at 7:09 amI like the “Be our Guest” complimentary breakfast. I love lingering over breakfast.
Deana Kneen
Jul 26, 2016 at 8:15 amOutdoor pool and whirlpool
Elaine Kindell
Jul 26, 2016 at 11:17 amTotally the outdoor pool!! Ugh…It’s been so hot.
nidhi chauhan
Jul 26, 2016 at 12:08 pmMy favorites are free internet, free breakfast and outdoor pool. Love all these.
nidhi chauhan
Jul 26, 2016 at 12:10 pmTweeted and following
https://twitter.com/ReviewsMall/status/758016421137879041
Kimberly Flickinger (@kaflickinger74)
Jul 26, 2016 at 12:30 pmI love the outdoor and indoor pool as well as the fitness center.
Kimberly Flickinger (@kaflickinger74)
Jul 26, 2016 at 12:32 pmFollowing and tweeted https://twitter.com/kaflickinger74/status/758022045800108033
Karen Jaras
Jul 26, 2016 at 5:24 pmI follow you on FB (Karen Jaras) and Twitter (@squirrelbaitt)
Karen Jaras
Jul 26, 2016 at 5:25 pmRetweet: https://twitter.com/squirrelbaitt/status/758095351358251008
Karen Jaras
Jul 26, 2016 at 5:27 pmI love the outdoor pool and hot tub. You do not find that much here in the Midwest!
GeraldLee (@IWantcoffeeasap)
Jul 26, 2016 at 6:33 pmhttps://twitter.com/IWantcoffeeasap/status/758112744210038784 tweet
GeraldLee (@IWantcoffeeasap)
Jul 26, 2016 at 6:35 pmLove th free parking , since I travel alot its really nice to have free parking, some hotels it really adds up quick, also liked on fb
Kathy Hanley
Jul 26, 2016 at 7:11 pmThe best amenity is a free shuttle from the airport. The hotel is two blocks away from the city’s light rail system. You can fly in for the weekend, get picked up from the airport and be close to transportation so you don’t have to rent a car or worry about driving.
MOHAMMAD ANJUM
Jul 27, 2016 at 8:57 amLOVE FREE WIFI AND OUTDOOR POOL
Amy Heffernan
Jul 27, 2016 at 9:32 amI LOVEEEE that they have a Fitness Center!!! Thanks! Following on FB and twitter and tweeted.
Email: amyjaneheffernan@gmail.com
Happy Summer!
Jennifer R
Jul 27, 2016 at 10:00 amfree breakfast!
steven r.
Jul 27, 2016 at 11:26 amFree parking is always a plus in my book of checkmarks.
Evangeline B
Jul 27, 2016 at 11:55 amLove the outdoor pool and whirlpool and yes to free wifi!
swandad
Jul 27, 2016 at 3:34 pmAny hotel that offers high speed internet gets an “A+” in my book!
Celia Miller
Jul 27, 2016 at 4:01 pmFree WiFi and breakfast
Angela Garland
Jul 27, 2016 at 4:26 pmBreakfast!
beewbedard
Jul 27, 2016 at 5:24 pmWe totally love the location – so convenient to the light rail system (us Canadians LOVE our hockey) lol
brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com
beewbedard
Jul 27, 2016 at 5:25 pmhttps://twitter.com/BeeWBedard/status/758458194305781760?lang=en
joy
Jul 27, 2016 at 6:25 pmOUTDOOR POOL AND WHIRLPOOL
joy
Jul 27, 2016 at 6:26 pmhttps://twitter.com/Jemrah1/status/758473341741232128
Carl Mizell
Jul 27, 2016 at 7:27 pmFree Breakfast. A great way to start your day.
ankur vyavaharkar
Jul 27, 2016 at 7:30 pmFree Breakfast is always the best thing to start the day with
Natalie Krall
Jul 27, 2016 at 7:36 pmI love the free breakfast and the pool.
K. Finn
Jul 27, 2016 at 8:17 pmI like their outdoor pool and the palm tree by it. (The landscaping looks simple but pretty).
Shanna Uptergrove
Jul 27, 2016 at 8:28 pmWhen I travel with the kids- I always make sure we get a place with free breakfast. That has to be the best amenity ever because there’s 5 of us! Usually 6, with my mom too 🙂 And we also love a nice pool as well. Tweeted and following on both FB and Twitter!
Alison Michaud
Jul 27, 2016 at 9:38 pmThe must have feature for my family (after the spacious suite room) would be the high speed internet.
Daria
Jul 27, 2016 at 9:57 pmThe free breakfast, its my favorite part. I feel like I’m getting ripped off otherwise 😛
Michael Lopez
Jul 27, 2016 at 10:53 pmFitness Center (5:30 a.m.-11 p.m.) is my favorite amenity! Gotta stay in shape! Great hours! https://twitter.com/Mike17815/status/758540011356590080
Carly Williams
Jul 28, 2016 at 7:39 amMy favorite amenity is the complimentary breakfast!
Lyvona Perry
Jul 28, 2016 at 8:20 amMine and my kids favorite is the Outdoor Pool and Whirlpool
giantsis
Jul 28, 2016 at 8:24 amFree breakfast and free internet! I LOVE it when hotels offer that!
giantsis
Jul 28, 2016 at 8:25 amTweeted – https://twitter.com/Giantsis/status/758684708762976256
cyndi br
Jul 28, 2016 at 2:05 pmI like the fitness room and free internet
Ally
Jul 28, 2016 at 4:36 pmThe hot breakfast would be awesome, but so would the airport shuttle–one less stressor on travel days!
Tyneisha Fondren
Jul 28, 2016 at 7:21 pmI absolutely love that beautiful pool, as well as the fact that it is only 4 minutes from the airport!
Tyneisha Fondren
Jul 28, 2016 at 7:23 pmI tweeted!! https://twitter.com/LuvMyHubz/status/758850230041194496
Kat McQuaid (@KouponKat)
Jul 28, 2016 at 7:58 pmThe Hot Be Our Guest Breakfast (complimentary) is great, espcially if there is a make your own waffle station.
Ellen Casper
Jul 28, 2016 at 8:58 pmFree hor breakfast is my favorite feature.
MaryAnn
Jul 29, 2016 at 4:12 amI like the free airport shuttle
MaryAnn
Jul 29, 2016 at 4:14 amTweeted: https://twitter.com/cochran_maryann/status/758983599660015616
Heather S
Jul 29, 2016 at 8:49 amMy favorite San Jose Country Inn & Suites amenity is the outdoor pool! So FUN!
Heather S
Jul 29, 2016 at 8:49 amTweeted the message on Twitter here —>
https://twitter.com/bohofoxbabe/status/759052858322919425
jeepingeos
Jul 29, 2016 at 1:05 pmI love their high speed internet. Coupled with an outdoor pool…is perfection!
jeepingeos
Jul 29, 2016 at 1:07 pmTweeted https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/759117932303704069
Jaclyn Reynolds
Jul 29, 2016 at 5:07 pmThe outdoor pool and high speed internet! Can’t live travel without either! 😀
Jaclyn Reynolds
Jul 29, 2016 at 5:07 pmhttps://twitter.com/jaclynfett/status/759178215428612096 Tweet!
http://smallspacedecorideas.com
Jul 30, 2016 at 8:55 amMy favorite amenities are the complimentary delicious breakfasts and the complimentary USA Today newspaper.
Cheryl Kohan
Jul 30, 2016 at 8:57 amSorry…I should have posted my name instead of my site…I’m Cheryl Kohan
Gina Rock
Jul 30, 2016 at 9:24 amI like the Outdoor Pool and Whirlpool! We would love to do some swimming and stay cool!
Gina Rock
Jul 30, 2016 at 9:28 amFollowing on fb Gina Traeger Rock, Following on twitter @Sweeprocks. Tweeted: https://twitter.com/Sweeprocks/status/759425196805779456
Kristen
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:43 pmIt looks like they have a nice pool! I’d love to go for a swim.
Kristen
Jul 30, 2016 at 12:43 pmtweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/759473841982742528
neiddy
Jul 30, 2016 at 6:56 pmMy favorite is the complimentary Airport Shuttle. Thanks for the chance to win!
neiddy
Jul 30, 2016 at 6:58 pmShared on twitter https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/759568574365196288
Karen Shiau
Jul 30, 2016 at 8:48 pmFree Wifi. Free shuttle to the airport.
Michelle Palin
Jul 30, 2016 at 10:16 pmI love that they have Suites with 2 queens that have kitchenettes! Hotels with kitchenettes are my favorite since we have food restrictions and need to bring along our own food.
jeremy mclaughlin
Jul 31, 2016 at 11:12 amMy favorite would be the free internet. Thanks for the chance.
Jeffrey
Jul 31, 2016 at 3:10 pmOne of my favorite amenities is the free high speed internet. This day in age its a necessity for so many reasons.
Jeffrey
Jul 31, 2016 at 3:11 pmI posted a tweet: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/759874137338839040.
Annette
Jul 31, 2016 at 5:03 pmI like the Free High-Speed Internet Access.
KT
Jul 31, 2016 at 9:11 pmMy favorite Country Inns & Suites amenities have always been the free breakfast and internet, so specifically for the San Jose location, the free airport shuttle seems to be my fave one there.
KT
Jul 31, 2016 at 9:15 pmLiked on FB and Twitter! Tweet: https://twitter.com/blitzsnack/status/759965075881005056
Linda
Aug 1, 2016 at 9:20 amI like the Free Shuttle to SJC Airport. This makes visiting very handy.
heather scherer
Aug 1, 2016 at 9:47 amI’d love the outdoor pools!!!
heather scherer
Aug 1, 2016 at 9:48 amhttps://twitter.com/Heatherfaye90/status/760154660762071040
Ellen Casper
Aug 1, 2016 at 1:11 pmhttps://twitter.com/usnamom2014/status/760205948040384514
my villa
Aug 1, 2016 at 8:53 pmi think the Fitness Center is great! I also like the free Shuttle to SJC Airport
dailydealsjc1
Aug 10, 2016 at 6:58 pmHas a winner been chosen? 🙂