Considering a trip to Paris, France, but not interested in the long flight from California? Or perhaps you’re headed to Silicon Valley for a staycation in Los Altos? Enchante Hotel, situated in the heart of downtown Los Altos, offers sophisticated Parisian flair without the long haul flight hassles. Upon entrance to the 19 room boutique hotel, you’ll be surrounded by antiques from the 1700 and 1800’s, along with a little history and design from the 18th and 19th century, in addition to whimsy and French art.
Beyond the lobby, within the hotel, Campagne One Main Bistro offers hotel guests a place to relax for afternoon wine and cheese, included in the price of your room. If you are traveling with your pet, the Parisian style outdoor patio is dog-friendly and is the place to be for a light evening dinner, as well as the complimentary breakfast the next morning. We enjoyed our cheese plate and afternoon libations, while our waitress brought out a water dish and homemade, organic cookie for our dog. Needless to say, our dog was happy to lounge on the outdoor plaza for the rest of our weekend stay, as locals and guests stopped by to pat her on the head and whisper sweet nothings in her ear.
After we brought our luggage up to the third floor room, we still had daylight to enjoy the charming village of Los Altos. Main Street was very pet-friendly, with a water dish outside nearly every storefront business. Both sides of the street were lined with flowers and benches were strategically placed on every block of this postcard perfect downtown. Crossing the street at the end of Main, as it intersects University Avenue, we ran into Lincoln Park. Totaling 4.44 acres, this was a very accessible park to walk our dog. We met plenty of locals during our outing and more than one person recommended the burgers at Campagne One Main, along with the decadent French fries. How refreshing to learn that Los Altos residents dine at the bistro, along side hotel guests.
That evening we retired to room 39, a deluxe king room named Chateau du Chien (Dog of the Castle) one of 10 pet-friendly rooms at Enchante. No two rooms are alike at this Parisan hideaway and if pets aren’t your thing, the second floor of the hotel is completely pet-free.
Our room featured a gas fireplace and large marble shower in the bathroom. All rooms include Naturepedic organic mattresses, handmade by Amish craftspeople in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. The beds are draped in Comphy microfiber sheets and are also available for purchase. I owned a set of Comphy sheets myself and can personally attest to their comfort and durability.
So what’s a Francophile doing living in Los Altos, California? Hotelier and owner Abby Ahren had an immediate affinity for French culture after her first trip to Paris in her early 40’s. The Northern California resident recounts fondly her encounter with a Parisian flea market vendor, resulting in a purchase of Napoleon Bonaparte’s not-so-authentic hat – now on display with plenty of other Napoleon-influenced items, throughout the hotel.
Need to know:
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.
Hotel rates range from $250-$750, depending on season and room type. Our pet-friendly king room rented for $250. plus tax during our weekend stay, rates are higher during the week. The property is pet-friendly with a $30 pet fee per stay. This fee includes the use of dog dishes and dog bed, in addition to homemade, organic dog treats. Complimentary WiFi, plush terrycloth robes, hair dryer, Keurig coffee machine, in room safe, clock/iPod docking station and 42 inch flat screen tv are included in rooms. Chandelier lights are on dimmer switch. Some rooms have bathtubs. Evening wine & cheese & breakfast is included with your stay. Breakfast is served from 6:30 – 10 a.m. Monday – Saturday, 7:00 – 10:3:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by brunch.
Insider tip:
There are so many things to see and do in San Jose and within Los Altos and the entire San Mateo County area. My husband and I went for a Bay Area back roads drive from La Honda to the Santa Cruz mountains, with dog-friendly stops in between from our home based of Enchante Hotel. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter and Instagram @Nancydbrown and @enchante_hotel on Instagram and Twitter.
If You Go:
Enchante Hotel (650) 946-2000
One Main Street
Los Altos, California 94022
Enchante Hotel review, YouTube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Enchante Boutique Hotel for purposes of review. As always, all opinions are my own.