Domain Hotel, A Joie De Vivre Boutique Hotel

"3 stars for families, 4 stars for business folks"

The Domain Hotel is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and caters mainly to a business clientele.  We decided to check it out with our 3 and 6 year old boys to see if the Domain can be both swanky and family friendly.

First impression: Walking into the lobby made me feel like we were walking into a super modern spaceship with the dim blue lighting.   What really struck me about the décor of the lobby and rooms was how well an old hotel building can be transformed into a modern beauty using colors, textures, room dividers, fabrics and lighting.  

Welcome: Our host was polite and professional, exactly what you’d expect at a business hotel.  However, she didn’t take the time to greet our kids.
Rooms:  Flawless!  For the price of $159 per night, it was more than what I would have expected.   Beautifully appointed rooms, impeccably clean rooms, nice toiletries, really comfortable beds and bedding.  All of us, including the boys loved the sleep number beds.  The white sheets and spotless room immediately set me at ease. We ordered a crib and I was excited to receive a wooden crib and not just a pack and play.  The sheets were clean, but the scratchy mattress liner was on top of the sheet instead of under the sheet.  The mattress for the crib was very thin and would be uncomfortable except for a small infant.  The crib was clean and felt stable and in great condition.  It fit easily in the room with two queen beds.
A big plus for families staying at Domain is the availability of adjoining rooms and suites.  The suites have a door between the bedroom and living area.  Except for the Domain Suite, none of the suites have adjoining rooms.  
Food: We arrived on a Saturday night and I was disappointed to discover that the restaurant and room service was not available because this is mostly a business hotel that is empty on the weekend.  When the host told us there is no food in house on the weekend, she mentioned that there were restaurants nearby. I was hoping for some delivery menus so that I didn’t have to leave my kids to head out for food.

Hanging Out: What I loved about Domain Hotel is the number of sitting areas in the lobby area, at each level and in all four corners of the hotel.  After putting our two little ones to bed, we were able to hang out on the second floor sitting area that wasn’t more than 20 feet from our room.  We were excited that we didn’t have to sit the dark reading a book with headlamps.  Seriously, that’s what we do if there is no sitting area nearby.

Breakfast – our kids loved the selection of food at breakfast.  Mom was excited that there was healthy cereal selections, but the kids were way more interested in the white bread, plain bagels, blueberry muffins, and pancakes.   For a complimentary breakfast, I was really impressed.

Facilities: We checked out the swimming pool, but didn’t end up swimming because it was overcast in the morning.  But the water felt nicely hearted.  The fitness room was really sad.  But guests can also make use of Fitness 19 - a no frills fitness club - across the street.  There is no kids club, so if you’re determined to get exercise, mom and dad will have to take turns.
Location: Sunnyvale isn’t really the first place I would choose to spend a weekend away with the kids.  Most families are looking to stay at a place where you there are lots of kid-friendly activities and attractions nearby to reduce traveling time.  When I sought the advice at the front desk about what kid-friendly activities where were to do in the area, the host was able to suggest Golf land, Great America, Santana Row, and Tech Museum, but she was not familiar with any of the nearby playgrounds or parks that young kids would enjoy.  

Forever Young Package:  At Domain Hotel, the family package includes a welcome basket for the kids.  The includes some goggles, and a road-trip coloring book.  It also includes milk and cookies.  Our kids were absolutely beyond themselves with the milk and cookies. That really made them feel it was a special occasion. We really appreciated that the cookies were freshly baked and that there was enough for mom and dad.

Loved:
• Microwaves that can be delivered to your room
• Cookies and milk
• Well sound-proofed rooms
• Sitting areas around the hotel
I’d Love to See:
• Delivery Menus offered to guest on the weekends
• List of nearby kid-friendly attractions and playgrounds at the front desk

In a nutshell:
Need a comfortable room for a night or two on a road trip, the Domain Hotel fits the bill.  But if you’re looking for a hotel stay that is a special treat for your kids, don’t expect it at Domain.  I rate this hotel 3.5 stars for a family.

This review is based on a complimentary stay at the Domain Hotel - a Joie De Vivre Boutique Hotel in Sunnyvale, CA.  I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and the hotel did not express any requirements that I express a particular point of view.