Because I was late in making my plans to attend a convention in San Jose, there were only two hotels left which were available at the convention rate: The Fairmont, and the Montgomery. I chose the Montgomery because it was slightly closer to the convention center than the Fairmont, and because it was in a quieter area.
Boy, did I make the right choice! I know Fairmont hotels are well-known for their luxury, but the Montgomery and its boutique Joie de Vivre chain (which I had never heard of before) can easily give them a run for their money. From the moment I entered the lobby, I could see the hotel's architectural history. I could sense it was one of those hotels that was part of a once-thriving downtown area that hit hard times, and was renovated for a more modern city center. At every step, particularly the retention of the hotel's original check-in desk, there were touches that honored the hotel's history, and yet the Montgomery is on par with any modern luxury hotel.
And that was just the lobby. The room was splendid! Beautiful earth tones, very plush bed with a ton of soft pillows, free wireless internet (though it could use some acceleration), and every conceivable amenity you could think of available for purchase from the mini-bar area.
The location is perfect! Two blocks from the convention center, but half a block off of San Carlos, the main thoroughfare, so it's very quiet (the occasional light rail notwithstanding). It's also right next door to a promenade that includes multiple restaurants and a movie theater, so you're never far away from any entertainment.
My best encapsulated description of the Hotel Montgomery was if the W Hotel brand wanted to put their touch on an old hotel without overpowering it with their trademark 21st century kitsch.
The only thing missing from the hotel is a pool and/or spa, but that was likely a limitation of the building's original architecture, which I will not disparage. At least they have a fitness center.
This is now my new favorite hotel in downtown San Jose (including the St. Claire).
hotel reviews