Don't have the energy to deck your halls this season? Get all of the experience with none of the effort at this urban holiday haven

When I was growing up, one of my favorite annual rituals was decorating my bedroom for the holidays. I spared no expense of effort in gift wrapping my wall hangings, stringing lights from corner to corner, and showering the room in yuletide cheer. As an adult I still get pretty stoked about holiday decor, but don't really have the time to go all out, especially when I'm traveling. Shashi's holiday-themed suites appeal to my inner child as well as my adult sensibilities, with festive decor, tasteful treats, and thoughtful touches like turn-down service and holiday hot cocoa. The best part? I don't set it up, take it down, or store it in between.

On arrival, I made myself a cup of hot chocolate and settled in to check e-mail and wrap up some work. The sunset views from the upper floors of the hotel make for a beautiful backdrop whether you're finishing meetings, connecting with a partner, or indulging in an afternoon glass of chablis.

Make your way downstairs to grab a pre-dinner beverage at the Emerald Hour, where the menu is a mix of seasonal specials and year-round favorites that feature local ingredients and actual artistry. I've had a lot of "craft" cocktails in my day, many of which don't live up to the name. The drinks at the Emerald Hour do. I took the bartender's recommendation and tried the Jimbo Sour—a balanced and refreshing seasonal quaff featuring gin, persimmon, and a hint of cinnamon. Also recommend—the Falling Leaves with its brown-butter wash and infusion of sage. Nibbles are available at the bar, which also offers a modest selection of savory plates. You could make a meal out of it, but you'd be missing the hotel's headliner.

Inspired by the flavors of Spain and Portugual with culinary inspiration taken from all over, Broma is equal parts eatery and experience. Michelin-starred chef Jarad Gallagher and Executive Chef Aubree Arndt present a regional experience that features local and imported ingredients six nights a week (closed Sundays).

Start off with select cheeses and charcuterie, including an incredbile in-house sobrasada, or an array of pinxtos, such as charred Spanish artichokes, and traditional chicken croquetas that are anything but ordinary. Move on to a fall chicory salad and duck empanadas or jump straight to the Catalan fideuà, a signature dish in the style of a paella featuring toasted pasta, seafood, linguica, and green garlic aioli. If you're dining solo, or in the mood for something more meaty, the dry-aged Iberico pork chop is not to be missed, and served with the perfect pairing of a mizuna-apple salad and savory cassoulet.

Speaking of pairings, Broma's wine program is top notch, and if you're someone who is even a little into wine, I highly recommend letting beverage director Scott Klein guide you to the perfect pour to pair with each dish. I sampled a selection of well-matched beverages starting with a nutty Spanish sherry and finishing with an Eden ice cider that was the perfect partner to a Basque-style cheesecake garnished with passionfruit curd and compressed mango. A bold Pinot, delicate Grenache, and reserved yet voluptuous Zinfandel were also served.

Following the meal, take a stroll around the main floor, enjoy the outdoor patio, and then make your way back to your room, where you can pull up a holiday favorite, sink into a plush bathrobe, and let the day drift as you settle into slumber.

Coffee's ready when you are the following morning at Carte Blanche Cafe, where breakfast opens early and light bites and beverages are served from 6am-4pm daily. Dig into to a hearty pork sausage scramble or an elegant avocado toast. I'm more of an oatmilk latte and croissant girl myself, and my needs were easily satisfied by Carte Blanche's full array of espresso drinks and pastries. Hang out in the cozy cafe or take your breakfast in front of Broma's steamy fireplace. The front lobby is also a great location for anything from Christmas letters to online shopping. Halls come pre-decked for the holidays.

Shashi Hotel

Mountain View, CA

‍shashihotel.com‍

(650) 420-2600

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