Highlights: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

•Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is in central Silicon Valley, close to Stanford University and exclusive Palo Alto

•Superb levels of service in all areas of hotel, as one would expect from a Four Seasons hotel

•Sleek, modern style in guest rooms and suites

•Rooftop pool offers televisions, telephones, and Internet access-‑ideal for business travelers

•Full-service spa features all the latest relaxation treatments

•Chic restaurant, Quattro, serves up northern California cuisine with an Italian twist

Amenities: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

• 200 rooms. Check-in 3 pm, check-out noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness room, spa. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Business center.

General Impressions: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

True to its name, Silicon Valley is home to some of the world’s most renowned high-tech companies, but there is more to this community than microchips. Stretching from San Francisco to San Jose, Silicon Valley is also home to one of the country’s finest institutions of higher learning, Stanford University, and the exclusive town of Palo Alto, which charms visitors with its boutique-lined downtown.

The Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is right in the heart of this thriving community. The hotel is an ideal base for those doing business in the Valley, yet it’s also a great choice for visitors wanting to soak up the sun, mountain vistas, and local culture. Legendary for its fine service, the Four Seasons captures the innovative spirit of the area in its stylish modern design. The lobby is a masterpiece of contemporary design, featuring dark woods and minimal furniture, and the sleek look continues throughout the hotel, especially in the chic bar and restaurant.

Floor-to-ceiling windows take center stage in the soothing guest rooms and suites. And, as you might imagine, the rooms also come equipped with the latest technology that you’d expect from the computer capital of the country. The Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto ensures that all guests can take a little pleasure with their business by providing a full-service spa and scenic rooftop pool, but those guests who simply can’t leave their Blackberries behind will be delighted by the hotel’s poolside televisions, telephones, and Internet service.

The Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is an obvious choice for those conducting business in the area, but the hotel also caters to leisure travelers and families, with a variety of onsite and offsite activities. Children are pampered in high style with pint-sized bathrobes, children’s menus, and babysitting services.

(+) Sleek, modern, high-tech hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers

Guest Services: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

The Four Seasons is well known for its service, and the Silicon Valley hotel is no exception. During my stay, the hotel’s staff was clearly well trained, and guests were treated with professionalism and respect. My check-in process was smooth, efficient, and courteous, as my baggage was whisked away and I was escorted to the front desk. The front desk quickly and succinctly advised me of the property’s amenities and provided directions to and operating hours of the fitness center. Once I was inside my room, I was given a helpful overview of the room’s features. All staff members wished me a pleasant stay and their greeting me by name made me feel especially welcomed.

The positive attitude and professionalism seen at check-in extended throughout my stay. Upon entering the bar, I was greeted by several smiling, gracious servers who were attentive and provided prompt and attentive service. Similarly, the restaurant’s staff made me feel welcome and was gracious and accommodating to all of my special requests. It was clear that they were dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience.

The concierge was a pleasure to deal with and was very proactive in providing assistance. When I called for directions to a local pharmacy, she asked what was needed and offered to send some up to my room. On another occasion, I called to ask about travel time to the airport and she offered to arrange transportation. She anticipated my needs perfectly.

My room was very well maintained and clean, and housekeeping did an excellent job of keeping it fresh during my stay.

(+) Fantastic, anticipatory service across the board

Guest Rooms: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

The Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto offers 200 guest rooms, including 27 suites. The rooms and suites mirror the community’s modern edge with a high-tech yet unassuming design that incorporates natural woods and state-of-the-art technology. Floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms focus your attention on the surrounding mountains. Simple, contemporary furnishings add to the sleek style, while creature comforts, such as Italian bed linens, plush, oversized bathrobes, and luxurious bath products, pamper guests.

Though I stayed in a standard-sized room, its layout and fashionable taste made it feel exceptionally comfortable and airy. Minimalist, yet far from spartan, the contemporary California style was dominated by golden woods, modern artwork, and sleek stainless steel and glass light fixtures. The room featured a spacious work area, and the bathroom’s rolling doors gave the room an open-concept feel. The large, inviting bed made for a wonderful night’s sleep, and the two wall-mounted flat-screen televisions and Bose stereo/CD player made the room feel like my own private apartment. The bathroom was very large, with double sinks, separate shower, and deep-soaking tub.

(+) Fresh, modern yet comfortable style with high-tech amenities

Facilities & Activities: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Though many visitors to the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto are here for business, this hotel is equally well equipped to cater to leisure travelers. The hotel’s rooftop pool makes for a relaxing afternoon, and since it is equipped with Internet service, telephones, and televisions, it’s easy to stay in touch with the office.

A fitness center and full-service spa appeal to athletic and health-conscious travelers. The spa has seven treatment rooms, including a wet treatment room, and in-room or poolside services are also available. The treatment menu offers a variety of facials, massages, and body therapies for men and women. The fitness center, though somewhat small, was very well maintained and featured state-of-the-art equipment, as well as such thoughtful touches as beverages and fruit.

Outside of the hotel, Palo Alto awaits with its many charms. Home to Stanford University, many Four Seasons guests take the opportunity to tour the campus or enjoy a cultural or sporting event at the university. Palo Alto is lined with shops for those travelers in need of a little retail therapy. Area parks are ideal for hiking, and golf is just five minutes away at the Robert Trent Jones-designed Palo Alto Municipal Course or at a handful of other courses, all within a half hour’s drive.

(+) Nice balance of leisure activities in an area better known for its businesses

Dining & Lounge: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

The Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto invites guests to dine in its chic restaurant, Quattro, as well as enjoy pre- or post-dinner drinks at its equally stylish bar. Quattro echoes the hotel’s commitment to modern design with its light-filled, gallery-like ambience. The restaurant features indoor and outdoor dining, though the dining room features three glass walls that simulate an outdoor experience.

Quattro’s menu features Italian-accented California cuisine at breakfast and lunch, while dinner focuses on classic Italian dishes along with an extensive wine list showcasing boutique California wines, as well as a wide variety of Italian wines. Some dinner highlights include Fennel Smoke Pork Tenderloin with Mascarpone Polenta and Parmesan Crusted Chicken Scaloppine. Featuring a large wraparound bar, fireplace, and cozy setting, as well as a spacious terrace for alfresco cocktails, the bar at Quattro enjoys a thriving after-work scene. In addition to the restaurant and bar, the hotel offers 24-hour room service.

I enjoyed breakfast at Quattro and was delighted with the ambience, fine service, and quality food. The servers were very attentive and were able to assist with any questions or special orders. Refills were issued promptly, and while I felt that I was under the watchful eye of a professional, I never felt that she was intrusive. The presentation was exquisite, making for a very elegant start to my day.

During my stay, I was also able to enjoy room service. When I rang for service, the attendant offered concise and clear descriptions and provided helpful suggestions. Though the order arrived later than promised, the presentation, complete with an elegant place setting, was more than worth the wait.

(+) Restaurant and bar stand out for fine service, excellent food, and memorable ambience

Business Services: Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

There is no question that the Four Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is a businessperson’s hotel. Located in the heart of one of the country’s burgeoning business capitals, this hotel caters to business clients with high-tech amenities and services. The guest rooms and suites are equipped with large workspaces, multi-line telephones, in-room fax machines and computers (upon request), and wireless, or wired, high-speed Internet service. Solo business travelers are also accommodated with a 24-hour business center offering translation and secretarial services in addition to computers, copiers, printers, fax machines, and courier services.

The Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is particularly well suited to corporate events. The hotel’s 7,050 square feet of meeting space includes a variety of indoor and outdoor venues perfect for small or large functions.

(+) From its location to its amenities, this is a perfect business hotel for solo or group business travelers