Our spring consists of week days spent on the baseball field and weekends at Bay Area convention centers for dance competitions. We found ourselves performing at the Flint Center in Cupertino just a few weeks ago and because of our long days and early mornings we chose to book a hotel rather than commute to Silicon Valley. The boutique Joie de Vivre (JDV), Hotel Avante is in Mountain View, a mere 5 miles from the venue (easy on and off the highway) and it was chock full of the amenities needed to make a wonderful weekend!
For leisure and business travelers alike, Hotel Avante is a quick drive to the Shoreline Amphitheatre, El Camino Hospital, Google Headquarters, Stanford University and shopping center and so much more. The property doesn’t jump out at you from the road, but once you’ve checked in, you see the special appeal and you’re treated like family. My girls and I told another dance mom (last minute) about the hotel and they booked it the morning of their stay. She mentioned of all the hotels she priced in the area it had the best accommodations for the money, a great review before even checking in! I totally agree, from the lobby to the rooms to the pool, the amenities plus all the little details make for a stay that everyone will enjoy.
We loved the contrasting style of the hotel’s decor, a flash from the past with old typewriters and phones, amidst Silicon Valley’s futuristic technology vibe. Amanda and Lyle at the front desk were a pleasure and so accommodating as we got into our room earlier than usual. A few calls to the front desk and for maintenance (toilet issue) was all taken care of quickly and with a friendly smile. Just outside the elevators you’ll find hot water, coffee, and fruit-infused water all day long, still deciding which we love more, watermelon or pineapple water!
Our king suite was just the right size for the three of us. My husband debated joining us which would have been fine, but I’m not arguing a king bed to myself once in a while, it was a treat! 
During the day the sofabed was pulled in and gave us plenty of space to move about the room and play with the fun board games included. 
I believe business travelers would also get a kick out of taking a break from masterminding their work to play a game of Mastermind. I loved that game as a kid, we played at my grandmother’s house whenever we would visit so it brought special memories. My 11 year old had never played before, caught on quickly and beat me 2 times out of 3. Now we have to purchase this game for our home!
More little things that end up being most meaningful in a hotel room…remote temperature controls, turn down service with ice water and chocolate, fruit, wine and fizzy water, and hand-written notes from housekeeping along with more chocolate! 
There’s still more! Starbucks coffee in the room, cozy robes, a mini bar/snacks, and even the best fidget-spinner of my time: a Rubik’s Cube! Right in the nook of the desk the popular 80’s toy plus a Etch A Sketch, playing cards and Tootsie Rolls will put a smile on even the most over-stressed guest! 
The bathroom was on the smaller side but had up to date fixtures and a luxurious rainfall shower head that will always please me! There’s a huge mirror outside the bathroom for those who need to apply makeup or do hair while the bathroom is occupied.
Sunday through Thursday nights, a happy hour with complimentary wine, beer and snacks is available though I missed out due to our dance schedule. Also weekend and weekday breakfast times are different, make note if you stay over both like we did. We did have to report to the Flint Center at 6:30am on Sunday, a half-hour before the complimentary breakfast started. Because we were so close to the venue, I was able to return in a 10-minute turnaround and get some goodies for the girls to-go.
With a midday gap on our second day, we grabbed a few friends plus those staying at the hotel and enjoyed the pool. Heated year-round the large pool area provided sun and shade, plus plenty of seating and lounge chairs for some much deserved fun.
Business travelers will appreciate the board room, small gym on the 4th floor, and the complimentary shuttle within 6-miles of the hotel offered during the week. Though there is no on-site restaurant, on Tuesday evenings, SodaCraft Popart food truck will park and provide Italian food and drink for guests.
The 3rd floor offers a lounge to guests to unwind, read, work, or casually hang out. It’s decor is unique and one chair reminded me of being in the dentist’s office, but I promise without the harsh drilling sound.
Our last morning found us with no where to rush to but the breakfast room. Plenty of seating for families, the hot breakfast included a plethora of items like eggs, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, steamed rice, potatoes, and french toast. A variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and breads round out the great breakfast plus juices, milk, coffee and a great tea selection.
Our stay was comfortable and with all the things we needed. With so many choices to stay in Silicon Valley, we highly recommend a JDV property, and we love the Hotel Avante in Mountain View. For more information or to book, visit http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotel-avante/.
Our stay was offered at a discounted rate, all opinions are 100% our own.
Boomerang Bay
Unique food items for sale individually in and around the Hometown Square area are: a brisket mac and cheese conewich with crispy brisket tips, crispy onions and BBQ sauce; red, white and blue funnel cakes topped with strawberries, vanilla ice cream and blueberries; tantalizing bourbon peaches and cream with cinnamon cream and candied walnuts; and cinnamon dessert nachos, which are fried tortillas paired with vanilla ice cream and chocolate and caramel syrup.
