#jdvhotels

Well, new hotel is not technically a startup, especially if founded by the 2nd largest boutique hotels group in the US. But it’s definitely a new start in Silicon Valley, and I would like to see it scale.

If you visited Silicon Valley and tried to stay in a hotel, you probably will understand why I am so excited about this new place. Not that San Francisco and Bay Area ever tried to claim the name of the fashion hub (deep sigh...), but I am still not losing hope that there are places here also for those who want to live with taste and style, not just sustainability and efficiency.

It’s still very much a hub for tech cloud and they brand themselves so, but there are two things that make it stand out from the crowd. One - it’s new and so it has the most modern look and feel one can find here. Two - it’s a more social place due to its location, design and its focus on connecting with local community. I am still hoping that this hotel will also get its own Instagram or Tumblr to share events and and experience with the travel and hotel freaks like myself.

There’s another important fact which should not be forgotten that will tell quite a few things to hotel-aware folks. This is a hotel from San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hotels, proud owner of a few dozens boutique hotels in California and around the US. Two of my favourites among them are Saguardo in Palm Springs and Lincoln Hotel in Chicago.

And so here comes The Epiphany - the youngest in this sophisticated family, but well positioned for success. I just stopped by to say "Hi" to this new and warm property, and wanted to share a few things that attracted my eye.

This is possibly the newest and coolest hotel in Silicon Valley, which opened its doors on Mar 10th in Palo Alto, just a couple of blocks away from The University Avenue - center of life around Stanford.

On the outside this hotel looks really organic, woody and warm. A 8-story pine tree painted on the side wall looks like a reflection of the actual pine tree growing right next to it.

The restaurant terrace with French windows looks truly edenic, and allows you to enjoy not-so-mild California sun in a cool shade with an unobstructed view of the street (the best of California & Berlin combined).

Their cocktail bar also looks really spiced up, so you would not be bored even if you spend your evening alone there.

Lightning inside is guaranteed to catch your eye even during the day. It’s a coordinated dance of 100 lights moving in a slow mo fashion like swan dance that makes you realize this place is up for tech + art.

  But don’t hide yourself from the sun all the time. When the weather is nice, nothing will serve you better than a green balcony with colorful lounge chairs and fun animals as a company. Check it out!