Among California places of similar quality, CordeValle offers excellent value for money, well worth the trip no matter where you live. If you live in the San Francisco Bay area, it's closer than Napa and less expensive than other "name brand" properties in the area. It doesn't have the two-night minimum that other places do, making it perfect for a really quick retreat - but take it from me, you'll want to stay longer.
- Unparalleled location, in an isolated valley surrounded by rolling hills
- Top-notch service from friendly, well-trained staff
- Fresh, innovative cuisine
- Crafstman-style architecture, soaring ceilings, especially pretty at night
- For people living south of San Francisco, it's closer and easier to get to than Napa Valley
- Expensive
One CordeValle Club Drive
San Martin, CA
408-695-4500
Website
Compare Prices- 45 rooms in bungalows, villa suites and fairway homes on 1,700 acres
- High-speed Internet access (free)
- Two restaurants and a bar overlooking the golf course
- All the amenities you'd expect in a high-end property, including a complimentary bottle of Clos LaChance wine
- Spa, fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts
- 72 par, Robert Trent Jones golf course ranked among California's top 30 by Golf Digest
- Tripadvisor hotel reviews
The hills are not only wonderfully undeveloped, but covered in grass that turns golden in summer and dotted with oak trees, a quintessentially California landscape whose character changes all day long. Its facilities are as good as any in the state, its staff friendly and well trained, its cuisine delectable and its rooms as perfect as the views from their private patios.
Long before the golf resort occupied this little valley, it was a vineyard in the 18th century. Today, Clos LaChance winery exists alonsgside the resort. Guests can hitch a ride over to the winery in a golf cart, enjoy wine tasting, attend a summer concert or play bocce ball on their courts.
Before you get the idea that CordeValle is all sophistication and luxury, I admit I saw a few turkeys - the wild kind, on the hillside in late afternoon - an owl silhouetted against the moon at twilight - and California quail bobbing along at the edge of our patio. At dinner, the view was so enchanting that I almost forgot to eat. Afterward, we sat beside the outdoor fireplace outside the bar and before we could say "chilly," the bartender arrived, bearing a blanket to keep us warm.
The only problem with our stay is that it was too short.
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary accommodation for the purpose of reviewing it. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
