I had a great stay at the Sainte Claire. The staff were friendly and helpful, my room was clean and pretty and the lobby and meeting rooms were really nice. I loved the feel of history in the hotel and the location and price were great. I just have two complaints. One is that yes, the rooms aren't super soundproof to the street, which is to be expected in an older place. I did hear the light rail from my room, but as an urban dweller myself it wasn't that distressing. But if you're sensitive to noise mention it or bring some white noise.

Second, one of the reviews here on Travelocity promised ghosts. I was out quite late and so I was rambling about the hallways well into the witching hours and there was not so much as a peep, no weird chills, no wispy visions and no strange noises. Not so much as a bad dream. So really, if you're looking for haunted houses I wouldn't count on seeing anything odd here.

The bed was bliss, window opened and everything worked and was in top notch condition! The food was fresh and fabulous, coffee was superb and the staff were. Incredibly helpful and kind. Situated blocks from everything in San Jose, this hotel is the perfect boutique hotel environment.

My room was comfortable, but I was disappointed. The TV picture was fuzzy and hard to watch. I forgot my deodorant and when I checked with the front desk, they informed me that they were out and I had to walk 4 blocks in the rain to the nearest Walgreen's. Ugh!

I basically spent a night here for my birthday, intended to be a safe, nearby place to crash without having to drive home under the influence. I didn't get to enjoy much of the hotel's amenities to say the least.

The rooms are relatively modern, equipped with Wi-Fi, nice sheets, and wonderful L'Occitane toiletries. As many reviewers note, it is quite a noisy location for a hotel. New Yorkers would scoff at such comments, though, and keeping the fan running all night helped white noise-out a lot of the city/hotel soundtrack.

The bathroom is just darling, what with the sky painted onto the ceiling. I know for some it might feel like a colonic spa, but I enjoyed the wood appointments, the tiled floors, and nicely-pressured shower. Oh and those toiletries. Also yes.

My criticisms are hard to level, because it fits to a T that hotel at California Adventure with the elevator ride, down to the font they use on their signage. And for some reason I find it spooky, charming, and kitschy. I'd bring earplugs next time and perhaps some NyQuil. Business travelers might be better served at the Marriott across the street, or the Hilton a few blocks down. But for those looking for a bit of history (and looking to put up with a few service/facilities hiccups here and there), the Sainte Claire is a lore-filled landmark sure to tickle your nostalgia and/or ghost humor.