Ask the Concierge: Chief Concierge Tavis Lampman Shares His Travel Tips for San Jose
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Planning a trip to San Jose and unsure of what to do while in town? Fairmont San Jose’s Chief Concierge, Tavis Lampman, is here to help! Whether you’re visiting San Jose for a leisurely getaway or planning to squeeze in some sightseeing between business meetings, these travel tips will help you make the most of your stay in Northern California’s largest city.
Ask the Concierge
Q: What are your top restaurant recommendations for lunch or dinner?
A: The Grill on the Alley, located inside the Fairmont, has excellent service, a classy atmosphere, and is great for any occasion, from a business lunch to a special celebration. Scott’s Seafood is the best seafood restaurant in downtown San Jose, and it also features a beautiful rooftop patio with the only elevated views of the downtown area, making it perfect for dinner. For a lively yet casual atmosphere, visit San Pedro Square, located a few blocks from the hotel. This two-block area of downtown San Jose holds a delightful collection of non-chain restaurants and bars, perfect for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
Q: What's one thing that always surprises guests about San Jose?
A: Even with world-class dining, attractions and museums located within walking distance of the Fairmont San Jose, it surprises guests to realize that the majority of our city’s retail shopping is located about four miles away in an area called Westfield Valley Fair and Santana Row. A short car ride will bring guests to this area, which offers everything from luxury, high-end shops, to department stores, to popular retail brands. Santana Row is also a great destination for dinner and cocktails!
Q: If business travelers only have a few hours for leisure, what must they see in your city?
A: The Santa Cruz Mountains offer the third-largest selection of wineries in Northern California, just behind the Napa/Sonoma and Livermore regions. All wineries are within a 25-minute drive of the Fairmont San Jose and have a vast variety of award-winning wines, ranging from Zinfandels and Chardonnays to Pinots and Merlots. The hotel offers many different tours and options for enjoying an afternoon of wine tasting.
Q: What's the best option for outdoor exercise in San Jose?
A: We have three biking/running trails within four miles of the hotel, which range from nine miles to 15 miles in length and follow scenic rivers. We average about 350 days a year of outdoor exercise weather, so you’re likely to have great weather for outdoor exercise during the majority of your stay.
About Tavis: Tavis Lampman is the Chief Concierge at Fairmont San Jose and a member of Les Clefs D’Or USA, an esteemed national association of professional hotel concierges. He has been a concierge at Fairmont San Jose for over 10 years and has a true passion for service excellence.