Hotel Los Gatos Provides Ambience, Comfort To Satisfy Every Whim

LOS GATOS, CA — When in Greece or Los Gatos, do like they do Mediterranean style.

After all, location, location, location is everything. And Hotel Los Gatos is no exception to that rule. Its exceptional location on East Main Street, impeccable service, added touches, luxurious comfort and unique quality in the heart of one of the most desirable towns in the Silicon Valley make it an exception that stands above the rest in every way.

This is the place that's spot on for a special occasion or if you're acting like there should be one, especially from the looks of the parade of wedding groups going through. Love is in the air here, and what's not to love in Los Gatos. Even the town's banner signs say so.

The heart of this love for the town envelops this resort built in 2002, taken over by the independent, San Francisco-based Greystone Hotels steps from historic downtown Los Gatos nestled at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The hills jut up right behind the hotel, allowing for a majestic scene. In those hills is a world-class winery that's a short drive away.

On foot, the downtown area beckons a visitor wanting to take in all Los Gatos has to offer — Music in the Park, cafes, quaint novelty-gift shopping, farmers markets and direct access to the world-class Los Gatos Creek Trail designed ideally for cyclists, pedestrians and dogs seeking shade on those hot South Bay days.

"They're an awesome part of our business community — very involved," Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Marketing and Events Coordinator Randi Chen said, adding the hotel is hosting a three-town chamber mixer on Aug. 13 at 5:30 p.m. that includes the town, Saratoga and Campbell.

Unique and successful is the hotel's proximity to the rest of the business community. Often times, a sprawling resort is situated "off the beaten path." Being close to the heart of downtown across from the 130-year-old Los Gatos High School adds to the charm and hometown feel for the resort, thus making it an instrumental part of the community.

"I think it's great that people who stay there go out to coffee and restaurants," Chen said.

But part of the beauty of the Hotel Los Gatos lies in its ability to keep a guest from wanting to leave.

The 72 rooms resemble private villas as if throwing open the french doors to the balcony would grant a view of the Mediterranean Sea. The pool and hot tub courtyard, with its ample cushy lounge seating will suffice.

The property has an aura of an adults hotel without being exclusive in that way. If anything, the property with its accommodating staff is off the charts inclusive. It's laid back and welcomes pets, in this dog friendly oasis that even locals on the street say is part of the Los Gatos life filled with creature comforts.

General Manager Brayton Gosling likes the sense of community and the style of living he's grown accustomed to while running the property for the last decade.

"I really like the sense of community that Los Gatos offers for both the businesses and residents a like which directly translates into a welcoming experience for our guests,"Gosling told Patch.

Other features include a full Verde Touch Spa specializing in holistic and prenatal treatments, business center, meeting rooms, concierge, small breakfast buffet and laundry services as well as free WiFi, access to a full gym across the street and plentiful parking to appreciate as the San Francisco Bay Area is home to some of the slimmest, priciest conditions for leaving a vehicle overnight.

Once at the Hotel Los Gatos, small bites and bar service at the heated pool will get a guest straight into relaxation mode. On sizzling summer nights, a dip in a pool that maintains a perfect temperature may add to the perfect contentment when guests decide they could easily fall asleep curled up on the padded chaise lounger wrapped in a towel and a room-issued plush robe.

When a guest does decide to retire, the cozy room — in particular the deluxe king that starts at $291 a night — is comfy and comes with amenities like a fridge and mini bar to ensure a guest's whims are answered.

If a table at the onsite restaurant has been reserved, expect leftovers a diner will want to savor for a later meal.

It'll be all Greek to you

Dio Deka offers a taste of Greece like no other. It's not every day a hotel's anchor restaurant demonstrates a Greek flair. But the Greek restaurant General Manager Nikos Kalauris must be doing something right. The restaurant has achieved California's Michelin-star rating, an offshoot of the renowned international classification with a little buy-in.

The Golden State is home to 90 Michelin-starred restaurants. Michelin guides which contained the rankings of top restaurants and hotels were initially designed as free promotion from the French tire company at the turn of the century, according to Business Insider Now the distinction bears the weight of exclusivity, excellence and expense.

For starters, the Argyoros Santorini white wine from Greece that's similar to a regional Sauvignon Blanc will pair nicely with the opening number the Tzatzki created as a melding of yogurt, garlic, cucumber and dill. The appetizer courses continue to reopen the palate with the assortment of spreads.

The Chef's Showcase features a full vegetarian entree plate with an exquisite sauce. Fish lovers will relish the Seafood Melange that showcases Dio Deka's house-made squid ink pasta, octopus sugo, lemon and oregano sprinkled in as a symphony of tastes.

But it is the epitome of a Greek-style restaurant, so a must on the menu is the braised lamb "volcano" shank that explodes with flavor and melts in your mouth.

Diners who have a penchant for a quick snack may want to order up roasted baby potatoes with lemon and oregano, foraged mushrooms or seasonal veggies as sides to rid the hunger pangs.

The restaurant known to bring out an even mix of locals and out-of-towners alike also includes a full page of cognacs, brandy, ports, scotches and dessert wine to complement the intimate atmosphere and stunning art decor.

Dio Deka is acclaimed for being named on Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards list for "Greek fare" and "outstanding wine."