Eastbay1K

There's a Westin (closest hotel to the airport - they probably have a car rental desk) and the Four Points (north of the airport, don't let the South Airport Blvd. address confuse you). The Four Points is alright - I've stayed there many times.

Good catch on the car rental desks at the hotels - I hadn't thought of that. And congrats on flying LAN out of the best international departure terminal in the USA. It is really a beautiful space, if you've never been there.

Transport options between SJC and SFO are really not convenient, and are only going to cause pain in your poto.

peersteve

There's a Westin across from Marriott on Old Bayshore Rd adjacent to SFO (but I find the Westin fairly mediocre..... when me and colleagues must stay there for meetings, we walk across street to Marriott for restaurant).....Don't think you have to be a Marriott guest to return Hertz car there....but check with Hertz......

Picking up rental car at SFO and returning it at SJC is easily reserved, but check on any drop-off or mileage fees. Various discount (Auto Club) or corporate codes may allow a no-extra-fees drop at SJC.

Airfare for leaving-from-SJC, but returning-to-SFO should not be much extra fare, since major California airport fares are so competitive.....so it's worth checking on AA from SJC. From what everyone says, staying the first night at SJC seems ideal......

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Off-topic: We've been enjoying the Root:1 ungrafted Carmenere, although it's from Chile, among the limited wine selections in OKC!

CDTraveler

CalTrain has a shuttle from SJC, train to Millbrae, BART to airport. Not sure about the time.

http://www.caltrain.com/stations/mil...sitcenter.html

Gaucho100K

Thanks again to all that have provided amazing information for this trip... will come back to report what I book as soon as I have my plans finalized.

Gracias !!!! ^

Eastbay1K

Not to hijack the thread - but you could say "Because it's from Chile," not "although it's from Chile." No need to make excuses!

mikel51

I usually stay at the Sofitel in Redwood Shores. This would be about half the distance from either SFO or OAK and the airport. Nice beds, good coffee and croissants available. Agree with the others that you should rent a car. Take highway 280 (via highway 92 from 101) for a scenic drive along the coastal mountains to get to the Los Altos hills.

CDTraveler

Just to clarify, Hwy 280 will get you nowhere near the coast, you will be in the inland foothills of the coastal range when on 280. Make sure you don't miss the interchange from 92 to 280, because 92 doesn't offer many places to turn around.

Gaucho100K

Thanks for the routing advice.... I will rent a car and have a GPS... to take the scenic route, perhaps I need to force it to select less freeways...?

CDTraveler

Unless you have an extra 5 or 6 hours, Hwy280 is the only practical and scenic route. Enter your Los Altos Hills destination in the GPS, and it just may route you that way. If not, as you depart the airport, head NORTH to Hwy 380 WEST, then take exit 5B to Hwy 280 south, and that will have you on the scenic way to LAH.

Gaucho100K

Thanks again to all for your input... Ive booked myself into a hotel in SFO and will operate out of this location.... will report back once my trip is completed.

Gaucho100K

Had a great drive to LAH... no traffic and the GPS came in super handy.

Eastbay1K

Out of curiosity, were you able to have a decent meal during your trip?