San Jose Fairmont

Normally I am always on the prowl for a bargain, but on this trip I decided that it would be easier to stay in the headquarters hotel for the convention that I was attending. In this case it was the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, CA. I paid a convention rate of $130 and since I was a member of their Presidents Club I had free wireless internet access. The normal internet fee is $13.95 a day. If you don't want to pay the fee, then I suggest locating a hotspot in downtown San Jose and logging on the city's free wi-fi network.

The hotel has a good deal of security during the day and night due to the homeless people wandering around downtown. In the evening you need to use your room key to gain access from the plaza side to either tower and in the south tower a room key is needed to access any floor.

As for dining, I did go somewhat sheap by eating at the local Chinese Guormet Express where 2 items plus rice or noodles costs $5.62 with tax and provides a decent meal for the tightfisted.

For a higher level of dining there are several restaurants close to the hotel like P.F. Changs China Bistro, to the Gordon Biersch Brewery as well as many local establishments serving steak, seafood and more.

The downtown area is still devoloping, but the city has seen tremendous growth and is becoming a good travel destination for conventions.

If you can get a decent rate, stay at the Fairmont as the service is impeccable and the rooms are some of the largest that I have encountered in my travels.

For this trip I experienced luxury living at a discount and I'll take that any day of the week.