Hotel De Anza, San Jose

The De Anza Hotel is a striking historical landmark in downtown San Jose. Originally opened in 1931, it holds a unique place in the city's architectural and cultural heritage. Designed by renowned architect W. H. Weeks in the rare Zig Zag Moderne (Art Deco) style, the hotel once stood as the tallest in San Jose's central business district-until the arrival of modern giants like the Hilton, Fairmont, and Marriott.

Architecturally, the De Anza is a textbook example of 1930s elegance. Its façade is a stepped 10-story structure flanked by slightly shorter wings, adorned with a zigzag parapet and Mayan-inspired detailing. The second floor’s arched windows, Art Deco reliefs, and signature string course add to its geometric drama. On the west wall, visible from West Santa Clara Street, a mural by Jim Miner titled "Life Abundant in the Face of Death Imminent" adds a contemporary artistic layer to the hotel’s historic identity.

Inside, the hotel blends Art Deco with Spanish Colonial Revival flair. The grand two-story lobby features stenciled wooden beams, ornate wrought iron balconies and chandeliers, and richly decorated fireplaces and doorways-transporting guests to a bygone era of glamour.

After falling into disrepair in the 1970s, the hotel was nearly demolished. Thankfully, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency stepped in, and after a major restoration effort, it reopened in 1990, fully revitalized.

Today, the De Anza Hotel continues to charm visitors with its vintage aesthetics and modern amenities. Located just steps from the SAP Center and minutes from the airport, it's a prime destination for travelers seeking both style and convenience. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails at The Hedley Club, San Jose’s premier Art Deco lounge, or explore the city’s vibrant downtown filled with cultural venues, restaurants, and parks.