by Marian Jane Sanders

nly 15 minutes from downtown San Jose, Dolce Hayes Mansion leads a double life. During the week, it’s primarily a conference center with all the business amenities you’d expect in a first-class Silicon Valley hotel. On the weekends, it’s a peaceful retreat offering an easy escape from the hectic everyday world, a place where you can enjoy resort-style facilities that include two restaurants and lounges, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, jogging paths, 20 acres of woodland park, and several nearby golf courses. The lavish new Spa at Dolce Hayes Mansion offers body treatments that range from a romantic couples massage to a lava stone massage to the enticingly-named “massage ´a la chocolat.”

Set back on wide, manicured lawns, the stately mansion was built by the socially prominent Hayes family in 1905 and is now an historic landmark. It was renovated and expanded in 1996, and then again in 2002. Many of the original features were preserved, and the halls lined with old photos of the eccentric Hayes family — headed by a faith-healing matriarch — and of visiting Presidents William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and Herbert Hoover.

The guest rooms reflect the hotel’s business orientation with a sedate, no-frills décor. A refrigerator, terry cloth robes, and extra pillows are some of the extras that enhance the soothing effect of dark polished furniture, recessed lighting, and ample space. Our moderately-priced room featured a huge terrace with umbrella table and chairs, as well as a sitting room with a second TV and mini-bar.

… the halls are lined with photos of the eccentric Hayes family … and those of visiting presidents.

Dinner in the elegant Orlo’s Restaurant was a highlight of our stay. Red-flocked wallpaper, white linen tablecloths, and a crystal chandelier created a warm, turn of the century ambience, but the cuisine was strictly contemporary. From a menu of tempting entrées, my partner chose pan-roasted tarragon mahi mahi, while I opted for charbroiled hanger steak with Argentinean chimichurri sauce. Both dishes featured fresh ingredients from the hotel’s herb garden, and were exceptionally tasty.

We spent most of our too-brief weekend at Dolce Hayes Mansion just lazing around the enormous pool and wandering the grounds. When we decided to drive into town, the concierge helpfully mapped out an itinerary for us. Once there, though, we realized we never should have left, at least not till Monday morning.

Dolce Hayes Mansion: tel. 408/226-3200; www.hayesmansion.dolce.com.

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