If you are the type of person who would rather stay with a friend when you come into town, because you just don’t sleep well in hotels, I have a tip for you, check into The Clement Hotel Palo Alto. You’ll sleep like a baby, a well fed baby! Did I mention that the all-inclusive hotel includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as beer, wine and cocktails? It’s just like staying at your friend’s house – no hostess gift required.
“The purpose of the all inclusive experience is that you are staying in someone’s home,” said Chef Phillip Pagan. “The kitchen is not a conventional commercial kitchen. It’s about the personal touch. If you let us know of your special requests, then we’ll prepare that for you to enjoy when you arrive.”
Chef Pagan wasn’t kidding. The all-inclusive experience starts before you even arrive. Guests are sent a prearrival survey asking for your favorite food and beverage preferences and special needs. My husband and I noted that we would be traveling with our six month old Labrador Retriever and we were greeted upon arrival with a fluffy dog bed, sparkling clean food and water bowls, a dog toy and even Earth Rated lavender scented poop bags. Of course, our dining requests were acknowledged, as well. My husband had Glenlevit single malt scotch waiting for him and I was excited to see homemade brownies and fresh chocolate chip cookies on a plate in our suite. That’s right, we were staying in a suite.
All 23 one-bedroom suites feature high technology function with sophisticated Northern California comforts – think local small business partnerships such as 80 Acres amenities in the bathroom, spa services available on site or from La Belle Spa + Salon in nearby Stanford Shopping Center and don’t forget to try Tin Pot Creamery ice cream. This local favorite is stocked in the Guest Pantry so you can indulge your sweet tooth at midnight if your heart desires. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me!
The personalized luxury comes with a price tag, but the Matouk linens, Frette bathrobes and towels and Nespresso coffee machine in the room are noted and attention to detail appreciated. The bathrooms are large enough to waltz around in and if you enjoy a heated toilet, heated bathroom floors and soaking tub with bath salts, you’ll feel right at home. All rooms include 65″ Samsung tv’s, separate shower and bath and a pull out couch. You can even watch tv in the bathroom while you are getting ready for a night out on the town or from the luxury of your soaking tub by accessing the television within the high tech mirror.
“The technology in the room is amazing,” noted Sharon Randall visiting from Boston, Massachusetts. “The ports for your devices are easily accessible, as well as power cords. The in room desk drawer is filled with office supplies that you always want, but never have.”
If you are here on business in the Silicon Valley, The Clement offers The Jury Room, a state-of-the-art boardroom available for private dining or small meetings. There is also a business center, valet parking, high speed internet, overnight shoe shine, in-room dining and the use of a personal assistant at the drop of a hat. If you simply want to relax, head up to the roof-top deck with swimming pool, whirlpool and private cabanas. There’s also a fire pit to warm your soul when the sun goes down.
Clement Hotel Dining
Lunch and dinner are available from 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. with small plates offered at 4:00 p.m. including house made potato chips, organic nuts, California olives and cheese plates. Lunch includes fresh soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. I recommend the Manchego chicken sandwich with panko-crusted chicken breast, Serrano ham and Manchego cheese on toasted focaccia with a side of house made apple slaw. Dinner includes small plates, entrees such as wild boar pasta, Allen Brothers New York steak or local seafood like sustainable Arctic Char, as well as beer, wine and cocktails. I thought I knew my California Pinot Noir wines, but was very pleased to discover Meiomi Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara, Monterey and Sonoma counties. This fabulous silky red wine features hints of dark berries and pairs well with steak or seafood.
Insider Tip: Guitar lovers are in for a treat. Hotel owner Clement Chen, III has an affinity for guitars and has about 100 in his personal collection. If you’ve always wanted to play a Rickenbacker, here’s your chance, as a few of these guitars are available for loan during your stay. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and Instagram @nancydbrown and follow @TheClementHotel for local tips.
Need to know:
Rates vary from weekdays, Monday – Friday, $999.99 to weekends starting at $799.99. The all-inclusive fee includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, wine, beer and cocktails, in-room dining, mini bar, gratuities, business center, valet, twice-daily housekeeping and a nightly shoe shine. Concierge service is on site through your personal assistant. The hotel is pet-friendly and pets, up to 80 pounds, stay free!
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.
If You Go:
The Clement Hotel Palo Alto (650) 322-7111
711 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, California 94301
Article written by, video and photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. Disclosure: I was a guest of The Clement Hotel Palo Alto for review purposes, however, all opinions are my own.