Crowne Plaza Palo Alto

Despite its focus on Silicon Valley business travelers, Crowne Plaza Palo Alto is far from buttoned up. In fact, interiors are a bit of a '60s time capsule, with loudly printed floral rugs and striped wallpaper, which can either feel charming or dated, depending on perspective. Two-tone, navy-and-lime-green armchairs provide vibrant seating, as do the teal Danish loungers by the floor-to-ceiling windows. All of this points to the property's fascinating history. The hotel's original owner was Doris Day, and The Beatles stayed here in 1965. (A Beatles Room has been preserved in their honor.) Though the hotel shows its age, it remains clean and well-maintained in public spaces.

Located in Silicon Valley, this hotel is convenient to business travelers. The surrounding area is made up of offices and residential buildings, and a car is all but required for getting around.

• Nine-minute drive to Mountain View
• 12-minute drive to Palo Alto city center
• 12-minute drive to Stanford University
• 14-minute drive to the Computer History Museum
• 15-minute drive to Stanford Shopping Center
• 15-minute drive to Palo Alto Golf Course
• 27-minute drive to California's Great America theme park
• 27-minute drive to Mineta San Jose International Airport
• 34-minute drive to downtown San Jose
• 36-minute drive to Thomas Fogarty Winery
• 38-minute drive to San Francisco International Airport
• 49-minute drive to downtown San Francisco

As with the public spaces, guest rooms at the Crowne Plaza keep the swinging '60s alive. Olive-and-teal bubble-print carpets, silver bedside lamps, and white plastic nightstands in a laser-cut looping design in Standard Rooms will either feel groovy or outdated, depending on taste. And decor isn't always unified: The dark ergonomic chairs and work desks don't pair well with white-lacquered consoles. Likewise color runs the gamut from autumnal tan and deep brown to springy teal and lemon yellow. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges (but no minibar snacks), and free Wi-Fi. Wardrobes also hold bathrobes, irons, and ironing boards. Bathrooms look more contemporary, and have rust-colored walls, chic vessel sinks, large framed mirrors, and shower/tub combos. Handy amenities here include magnifying mirrors, toiletries, hairdryers, and bathroom scales. 

Suites have large balconies, and kitchenettes equipped with microwaves, coffeemakers, sinks, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms have large whirlpool bathtubs and separate, spacious walk-in showers. Some rooms have mountain views, while others overlook the courtyard. 

The Beatles Room, actually occupied by The Beatles in 1965, is a tribute to the Fab Four with framed photographs and memorabilia decorating the walls. The bathroom stands out with its black-and-white checkered floor, gray patterned wallpaper, and long black counter with a vessel sink. 

Guest rooms located on the second floor are actually on a mezzanine level between the first and second floors, and are not accessible by elevator, but via a short flight of stairs, which can be inconvenient for guests carrying luggage. Past guests have complained that some guest rooms lack outdoor-facing windows, and can be dark. Also some guests have pointed out signs of wear and tear, like torn bed sheets and worn towels. Note that as of late 2016, the management is working on improving and updating the air-conditioning and heating systems, which some guests have noted are out of date.

The Crowne Plaza Palo Alto does a good job of hitting all the features one would expect of a business hotel, including a buffet of hot and cold breakfast dishes (for a fee) at the 4290 Bistro and Bar. Lunch and dinner are also served, and room service is available around the clock. There's also a free wine-and-cheese hour held here daily. A small convenience store next to the lobby and a few vending machines give spots for snack purchases.

The hotel's outdoor pool is not only exceptionally wide, but also reportedly the deepest pool in the Bay Area, with a depth of 11 feet at the deep end. There's also a spacious poolside patio and sundeck with cabanas and an outdoor hot tub. The hotel's modest 24-hour fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment offers a functional space to break a sweat. 

Fifteen meeting rooms are on the grounds, plus a ballroom for up to 500 guests that's often used for weddings. Open 24 hours, the business center is equipped with two computers, printers, and scanners, and copying services are also available. Wi-Fi is free in public spaces and guest rooms, but it costs extra in meeting rooms. 

Other features include a free shuttle that takes guests to locations within an eight-mile radius. The hotel also has free bicycles available for guest use. Self-parking and valet parking are available on-site for a daily fee. Pets weighing under 25 pounds are allowed at Crowne Plaza for a fee.