Escape to Four Seasons Silicon Valley Palo Alto

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Four Seasons Palo Alto photo © Nancy D. Brown

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley is bringing sexy back. While business travelers know this East Palo Alto hotel where buzzwords such as accelerator, quickstart and venture capital are bantered about faster than you can pour an espresso, weekend travelers listen up. This luxury Four Seasons property, only 30 minutes from San Francisco, has paid attention to what city-weary people are looking for when it comes to relaxing in style.

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Sexy meets Silicon Valley. Lobby photo © Nancy D. Brown

From the changing digital art wall featuring local artists and pieces inspired by the Bay Area to highlighting local business products in the in-room snack bar (think Cliff Bar, Jelly Belly, Lolli and Pops Signature Bars & Cornology popcorn) this Four Seasons high tech hotel is doing it right in Palo Alto. What used to be a sterile and businesslike atmosphere, the front desk now offers two check-in counters with a light and flower-filled casual lobby. Escape the office after 5:00 p.m. to the restaurant and wine bar. [Esc] is a clever play on the “escape” key on the top left of your computer keyboard, after all, we are in Silicon Valley! The sophisticated wine bar and lounge restaurant is buzzing with energy. House made charcuterie and local cheeses from purveyors such as Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove & Point Reyes, will compliment a wide array of many California wines.

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Slayer espresso machine photo © Nancy D. Brown

In the morning, [esc] serves up the best cup of coffee from their state of the art Slayer espresso machine. This sexy looking machine is handmade with Peruvian walnut handles. You’ll only find the Slayer in a handful of locations, including Four Seasons Beverly Hills and FS New York. Yes, there’s grab and go healthy yogurt parfaits with house made granola and fresh juices, but you’ll want to try Pastry Chef Eric Keppler’s Koign Amann. If you aren’t a fan of rich, buttery pastries, at least make your kids happy and splurge on the milk and cookies from the room service menu. Can you tell I had a good time eating my way through Palo Alto?

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Four Seasons Relaxation Room photo © Nancy D. Brown

If this is a girls weekend or romantic getaway, book the Western Healing 60 minute massage, inspired by the California Redwoods. This signature massage uses a combination of essential oils with anti-aging and healing elements to help reduce inflammation and the woody aroma is calming and grounding. Before your spa treatment, grab a lounge chair by the pool and order a cocktail or cleansing juice if you’re opting for a detox weekend.

For an extra fee ($175 during my visit) you can arrange for a private yoga class held on the pool deck. While there is thankfully no resort fee, valet parking will set you back $24 or the self park option is $12. Good news dog lovers, the property is pet-friendly and there is no charge for your well-behaved dog!

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Executive king room Four Seasons Silicon Valley. Photo © Nancy D. Brown

With 200 rooms, there are plenty of luxurious options. My Executive Suite King #902 had a view of the bay (and Highway 101) but with triple pane glass, you could only hear the faintest of, what sounded like, white noise. Watching the sunrise from my bed was had with the simple push of a button to raise the blackout shades electronically. In the bathroom there was a separate tub and shower with Mer & Mistral amenities from L’Occitane in France. Frankly, I was a little surprised that the Four Seasons didn’t opt for a local soap maker, but you gotta love L’Occitane products.

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Butter poached lobster at Quattro restaurant. Photo © Nancy D. Brown

In addition to esc (Escape), there’s also Quattro restaurant, featuring Italian cuisine. Breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner are offered in this contemporary restaurant. My butter poached lobster appetizer, with chantrelle mushrooms, baby artichokes and black garlic was as pretty to look at as it was to eat.

Need to know

Checkin 3:00 p.m.
Check out noon (late check out upon request on weekends)

Complimentary Wi-Fi, additional fee for super fast speeds because…we’re in Silicon Valley. Rooms feature slippers and plush robes, hairdryer, tv & mini fridge. I loved the USB ports in the majority of the lamps; thank you Silicon Valley.

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Oysters & caviar in [esc] lounge. Photo © Nancy D. Brown

Inside tips:

If you arrive on Friday, look for oysters & caviar in [esc] wine bar. My other favorite thing: PLUM. This at home wine preservation device is making its way into select hotels with the Four Seasons rolling out the first machines into executive hotel rooms. After a long day of meetings or to celebrate in the privacy of your room, Plum chills and preserves wine, allowing guests to pour the perfect glass every time. The machine holds two bottles, including background information on the varietal, vineyard and winemaker. I anticipate this good-looking appliance will be showing up in a lot of luxury properties and high-end homes. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and @fspaloalto on Instagram.

If You Go:

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto (650) 566-1200
2050 University Avenue
East Palo Alto, California 94303

Four Seasons Palo Alto review, YouTube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley to experience the new [esc] lounge concept restaurant in the hotel lobby. As always, all opinions are my own.