Clever Thoughts

The Hilton Santa Clara is a little disappointing. As one would expect from a name brand hotel the beds and fixtures are quite good, but the network connectivity is slow and the selection of on site restaurants a little limited. While all the food I have tried was quite good there were no simple options. I find that after a long day with customers or at a trade show (the Santa Clara Convention Center across the street being a prime draw for the hotel) all I want is something easy and uncomplicated. The simplest I could find was the pulled pork sandwich with seasoned fries on cibatta bread. The squid ink ravioli with some sort of complex sauce was probably second. No club sandwich in sight.

Also there is no lobby shop as such. There is an automated machine that takes credit cards an sells most of the stuff you expect (water, batteries, iPods, etc…) but its not the same.

All said I would not hesitate to go back when I need to stay in the area though at the moment I’m inclined to try the Hyatt unless it continues to be more expensive.

Travel Hilton, Review

The Austin Renaissance is one of my favorite hotels. The rooms and service are excellent, as would be expected at a full service Marriott, and the breakfast buffet is amazing.

The rooms differ from the Marriott standard in that they have a certain TX flavour. I can’t think of any other hotel that has  a cow hide (with hair) ottomon and pictures of suprs.

The downside is the frequent overpricing, though I have frequently found discount (corporate and weekend rates) that bring the price below that of the local Courtyards.

The buffet is a little more than Marriott standard price, though the selection is also greater. Be sure to get to breakfast on the early side as the staff trys to clear the place by about 8:30am. The lobby coffee shop is good though the selection is odd, no standard bottled water but several types of designer water in glass bottles.

Travel Renaissance, Review