In October, I am planning a romantic 2 night stay in the San Jose area. Any ideas on where to stay? or which restaurants ?
Also, should I rent a car?
Thanks!

I would suggest staying downtown at the Fairmont. You'd be in the thick of things...walking to museum, dining, etc.
You can probably get a shuttle from the airport...but to explore anything else from that area, I would still get a car. You can drive from SJ over the Santa Cruz mountains or up to SF quite easily. Los Gatos is also a nice little drive and fun to explore...wineries nearby. The Fairmont has very fine dining, but they can also recommend the best alternatives nearby.

Any particular reason why you've chosen the San Jose area? Are you flying in? I ask because San Jose wouldn't be my first choice for romantic but it is possible. The Fairmont is an excellent suggestion for downtown. Also the Hotel DeAnza looks very nice and has a beautiful bar with live jazz most nights.

Or, alternately, you can rent a car and stay in Los Gatos or Saratoga, both in my mind more romantic, lovely small towns with shops, great restaurants, etc. In Los Gatos there's the Toll House for lodging. In Saratoga the Inn at Saratoga looks beautiful but is pricey. For dinner in Los Gatos there Pigalle or Cafe Marcella. In Saratoga we had our wedding reception at The Plumed Horse so it always ranks up there as romantic to me. While in the area go for a stroll at Villa Montalvo. Beautiful gardens and very romantic. There's also some nice wine tasting in the Saratoga foothills. Have fun!

Maggie, I agree wit Susan. Also, Villa Montalvo and the Mountain Winery are both beautiful concert venues.

Unless you are doing San Jose for romantic reasons - your first date was there, or something like that - I would never think of SJ for a romantic getaway.

Los Gatos, Saratoga, Half Moon Bay or the Santa Cruz mountains would be MUCH more "romantic".

But romance IS more about the company than it is about the place - so if San Jose is where you want to be, the Fairmont is probably the best place. Do get a car - or you will be stuck in downtown San Jose (but maybe that's where you want to be?)

There's plenty to do in SAn Jose, but I agree it's not the most romantic destination. The Inn at Saratoga is great and the little town of Saratoga is very charming. Lots of little restaurants--probably the best is the Mouton Noir or the Plumed Horse. Definitely rent a car and drive around. You can taste wine at Ridge and Bonny Doon and the Big Basins State Park has beautiful redwoods at the top of the Santa Cruz Mtns. From San Jose you can also drive over to Santa Cruz and up the coast a bit. The Fairmont or De Anza are the best in San Jose, the other hotels are big corporate meeting places. Emile's is a pretty French restaurant in San Jose.

I think Emile's is one of the best restaurants in the country. Very intimate, classy, wonderful food. ROMANTIC!

Thanks for all of the suggestions!
I hear what you are saying. Actually, I am going to SJ to see a friend. I am taking my boyfriend with me and its his birthday!