Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’d like to tell you I’m about to have a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with the bf, but I’d be lying. Today I’m writing from my bed really sick with major stomach problems. I’m trying to figure out what I ate yesterday that’s making me feel this horrible, but that’s another chat for another time!
I at least got to spend time with my boyfriend this past weekend on a mini staycation on Santana Row. For my non-Bay Area readers, it’s a San Jose destination where people can live, shop, work, eat, drink, etc. It’s basically a fun place to walk around!
So when the Hotel Valencia on Santana Row invited me to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I jumped at the chance. I’ve always visited, but I’ve never stayed on the Row and let me tell you, it’s a completely different experience when you stay. Right now, the hotel is offering Valentine’s Day packages up until next week, so I highly recommend you book a room! I ended up booking the Valentine’s Day Rendezvous Package and Fondue for Two.
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This boutique hotel is nestled in between shops, so you have to enter through an elevator to get to the lobby. It has major European vibes – think Southern Italy! And because we were blessed with a warm weekend, I really felt like I was transported away from the busyness of San Jose. There’s a pool, an outdoor courtyard, a bar, and few restaurants too.
The room itself was spacious and I think my favorite part was that we had an mini balcony. Santana Row can get quite crowded, so it was fun people watching from above.
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American Eagle Jeans (similar here) | Madewell tee | Zara cardigan (similar here) | Saks Fifth Sandals
Since we were celebrating Valentine’s Day, I brought over some wine and Christopher Elbow truffles from Cameron Hughes (if you haven’t heard of this company, they offer super affordable luxury wine!!) and a personalized Harry’s razor set that I wanted to give the bf.
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Dress: Criv (similar here & here, under $30!) | Zara Jacket (similar here) | Zara Sandals (similar here) | Necklace (similar here)
To get into vacay mode, we started off the night with drinks at Vbar downstairs. It’s a swanky bar with dim lighting, perfect to start a date. 🙂 But even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s open to the public and they even offer happy hour too! Based on personal experience, it seems to be a popular spot on the weekends.
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Being the sugar monster that I am, I cashed in on the fondue before dinner. I couldn’t help myself! I haven’t had fondue in very very long time, so it was nice to indulge just like how I would on vacation. Included with the fondue were brownies, blondies, pound cake, strawberries, and two glasses of sparkling red wine. The Terrace was also able to accommodate my non-dairy chocolate request, YUM!!!
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After fondue, we headed off to dinner. One of the things the bf and I love to do is to go restaurant hopping to get a chance to try a variety of things. There are a bunch of restaurants on Santana Row, but some of our favorite places to stop by for bites (which is what I’d recommend doing) are:
We ended our night by dancing at Blowfish and it was so convenient to just walk across and go back to the room. Complimentary breakfast is available downstairs, but we ordered breakfast in bed with the balcony doors open. Why not, right?! To say the least, our stay at the Hotel Valencia was SO magical, even if it was only for one night. I can’t wait to go back – thank you Hotel Valencia!
I always wondered what the Valencia looked like on the inside, I always pass by it!
You should stop by, at least check out Vbar! They have happy hour and it’s open to the public. 🙂