My DD and I spent two nights this last week at the HGI Milpitas. We have stayed here several times in the past when visiting family in the San Jose Area. The hotel is located in the McCarthy Ranch shopping area. There is an In-N-Out as you come in to the parking lot, as well as a Mc Donalds across the street. Applebee's, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Black Angus and a couple of other restaurants are also close by. There's Borders Books, Michaels Crafts, and a Walmart in addition to dozens of other stores and food outlets. It is a handy place to stay if you're traveling with family. It is also very convenient to the freeways.

I hadn't been here in a couple of years, so I was fully prepared for the hotel to be showing some signs of aging. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the property has undergone a recent refurbishment which appeared to include all the carpets, drapes, wall coverings, beddings, and lighting. The hotel looked as good as new, in fact, even better since they have switched over to the softer greens and golds of the newer HGI properties.

Our stay was 1 night on reward points and 1 night on regular rate; I was able to check in to one room and not have to move to a different room the next day for the second part of the reservation (which I have had to do before at other hotels). My request for room location on my reservation was granted, and we were on our way up to our room (with our complementary water bottles and free evening cookies) in under 10 minutes from our arrival at the front desk.

The public areas were clean and well kept, and the elevator was clean and not too hot (a huge pet peeve). We were able to grab a luggage cart by the door and take everything up in one load. The room was HGI standard: Two double beds (not queens), desk, chair with ottoman, armoire with TV, double closet, and a food/beverage area with a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. The bathroom is a nice size and now has the curved shower rod. A hairdryer is provided. They offer Neutrogena toiletries, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, lotion and a shower cap.

The only negatives (which are not really even negatives to me) about the room:

The lighting in the bathroom seemed sort of darkish, which I don't mind, (especially when I first wake up!) but if you wanted to put your makeup on in the bathroom it might be a problem.

The towel rack is actually in the shower on the wall opposite the shower head. This isn't a problem when I travel without my husband, but he is super tall and ends up spraying the towels if I don't take them down before he showers. So I would just suggest taking them off the rack when you get in the shower. Problem solved. The towels, by the way, were not too small or too thin, just right. Of course they are sort of scratchy, but you're in a hotel. I kind of like that.

Other than the three drawers under the TV in the armoire there are no other drawers for clothes in the room. Not a problem for a short trip, but I suppose if you were there for a long business trip it could be a problem. There is, however, ample room in the closet, and a luggage rack is in the closet.

All in all this was a very nice stay. I was pleased with everything from check in to check out, and would definitely stay here again.

This was our first stay here, and definitely won't be our last. The room was clean, spacious, and filled with thoughtful amenities including adjustable firmness bed, lots of pillows, and coffee maker, refrigerator and microwave, all on a separate "hospitality center" , high tech desk chair, and free wireless that actually works. We booked a rate that included breakfast, and the service in the dining room was excellent, including made to order hot dishes delivered to us at our table while we enjoyed fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, etc. The business center, with 2 computers, free color printer use, and even the little things like pens and sticky notes, was so convenient. They even put out "hotel baked" cookies in the evening!

I stay at HGI's quite regularly and this place is just as nice as the rest. Whenever I stay I receive coupons for a free breakfast and $5.00 coupon for items in the Pantry. I will stay here again.

Arrived mid-evening and paid $69 for a room, which turned out to be large, well equipped and very comfortable. Friendly staff, and the hotel was very clean and fresh throughout. In & Out burger across the street for dinner (I wish we had them in the UK!), and McDonalds next door for breakfast the next morning - though the $10 breakfast buffet did look good in the hotel. Free business centre for internet access & free printing which is always nice when travelling without a PC.

All in all, a good place to stay. Nothing negative to fault it on. One thing that made me laugh though was the letter from the hotel manager stuck inside the elevator apologising for the elevator safety permit being expired by 6 months - apparently due to "budget cuts in local government"