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Downtown SJ The Hensley House

Vacation home with kitchen, steps from Silicon Valley

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Photo gallery for Downtown SJ The Hensley House

Exterior
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 5700 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor Space
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
San Jose, CA
  • Place, San Pedro Square
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, CSU San Jose State University
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, SAP Center at San Jose
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪4 min drive‬

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About the neighborhood

San Jose

Located in Hensley, this vacation home is adjacent to Silicon Valley and within a mile (2 km) of other popular sights like CSU San Jose State University. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a sofa bed.
View more Vacation Homes in San JoseOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • San Pedro Square - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • CSU San Jose State University - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • SAP Center at San Jose - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • San Jose McEnery Convention Center - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • San Jose Civic Auditorium - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • San Jose College Park Station - 5 min drive
  • Japantown - Ayer Station - 6 min walk
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cardenas Markets - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪tōno coffee project - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪IHOP - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Hobee's Breakfast and Beer Garden - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪La Victoria Taqueria - ‬6 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Downtown SJ The Hensley House

Welcome to the Hensley House of San Jose. It gained historical landmark distinction in 1990. It was the former home of San Jose Mayor Samuel Hensley who was responsible for developing San Jose from a small settlement to a large city in the Mid 1860’s. This house was originally built in 1894 and still retains it’s old world charms, but updated with modern amenities for your comfort. All seven units enjoy their own bathrooms, and large common living area, dinning area, and outdoor garden. Unit 6 is only for the entire 3rd floor of the property with its own small kitchen, en-suit bathroom, small living and dinning area. It stands out with original antique wood furnitures, wool carpet, marble sculptures, and original oil paintings. There is also a Tempur-pedic mattress replete with high count 100% cotton sheets, a single bed, a full-size sofa foldable bed, a fireplace, and a 65” smart tv to help you wind down after a fun day. Our common area for staying guests only. The first floor living dinning room available daily between 10am-8pm. No party, gathering, or more than one visitor without permission from the host before use the common area. To reserve our common area for small gathering, please contact the host. Additional fee may apply.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a sofa bed.

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SJ Landmark The Hensley House Master Suite with Bathtub Unit 1
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  • Dryer
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Video games

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In the city center

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 700 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see within easy reach of this vacation home?

This vacation home is situated in Hensley, just steps from Silicon Valley. You'll also find SAP Center at San Jose and PayPal Park within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.

Is this vacation home adjacent to a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Is Downtown SJ The Hensley House a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this vacation home include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.

Are there hot tubs at Downtown SJ The Hensley House?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home offer breakfast?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Are there connecting rooms at this vacation home?

No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.

What is the closest airport to this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is 3.3 mi away (7 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is located 24.6 mi away (28-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Downtown SJ The Hensley House?

No, there aren't any accommodations with balconies at Downtown SJ The Hensley House.

Reviews

Downtown SJ The Hensley House Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 31 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Frank L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

Very nice accommodations in San Jose
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ayako Y.

Liked: Cleanliness
We’re from Japan. The Hensley House, a historic building, is old but kept clean, and I think the owner's care was reflected in the room. Five people were able to live enough. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Convention Stay

We stayed here to attend a local convention I found this place while trying to find reasonably priced accommodations, as all nearby hotels wanted 500 - 1,000 a night and the convention hotels sold out in minutes. This was perfect, located near the local transit, very reasonably priced, plenty of room for me and my sister in fact I'd say you could've fit five people in this room comfortably easily. I'd highly recommend staying here if you're looking to attend any event at the Mcenery Convention Center.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tala P.

Liked: Cleanliness
This rental was a perfect size for the price, and everything matched the listing and previous reviews. The kitchen, air conditioning, and bathroom all worked as expected, and the bed was incredibly comfortable—one of the best I’ve ever slept in outside my own home. The location is convenient, with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby in San Jose. We also enjoyed using the rental bikes just down the street. Street parking was easy and hassle-free.Just a heads-up: there are quite a few stairs to reach the unit, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility concerns. That said, the space itself worked for three adults and one teenager, and I’d stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Stay

Property was great. Street parking was easy and free. Fun stay
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family reunion

Had an awesome stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Beth M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

ELIZABETH B.

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sterling I.

Liked: Cleanliness

As promised

We were in town for a volleyball tournament and needed room to sleep for myself and 2 teens. It was great to have 3 separate sleeping areas and a kitchen to cook quick breakfasts and dinners. The only issue we had was with the heater, I couldn't figure out how to easily adjust it so at 4am each morning the temps got unbearably warm. I never had the time nor occasion to address it with the owners but if I had, I'm sure they would have addressed it quickly.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arturo E.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place

Nice and heartwarming private place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvette G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Georgina P.

Liked: Cleanliness

San Jose Getaway...

We have a lovely stay in room 6 of the Hensley House. This space was the entire top floor of the property. With events at SJSU planned it was a centrally located, peaceful, quaint, and lovely place to come home to at the end of the day. Coffee and chocolate croissants were a definite perk too!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah U.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mother/Daughter Trip

This property was perfect for our girls trip. Parking was on the street but we didn't have any issues finding a spot near the home. Beds were comfortable and room was clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Gem in Downtown San Jose!

We loved our stay! This home had tons of character, great location and everything we needed to have an awesome stay in San Jose. Would for sure stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krystal P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Incredible Experience!!!

This was not just a stay, this was an experience! A GREAT experience. The home was just stunning. From the gorgeous decor, the cleanliness, the antiqueness.... we cant wait to come back. We rented unit 6 which is a full apartment on the top floor. Host was extremely responsive and very polite and helpful. They left snacks that the kids just loved ❤️. They neighborhood is peaceful and quiet. The other guests were quiet as well. Thank you! If you are considering traveling to San Jose, you wont regret renting at the Hensley house.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elisabetta P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Historical Home

Worth every penny, incredibly beautiful home. I loved every minute, thank you for providing such a welcoming space!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Courtnay Hudson B.

came for halloween

Lovely home, not perfect but comfortable. we appreciated the laundry facilities. the fans and some other appliances we had problems with, would stay again if in area. hosts did return calls in a prompt manner. thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Good location

We came for the half marathon and had a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Tyler H., Marietta, Georgia

Liked: Cleanliness

Electricity

When we were no at the place, somehow the breaker became overloaded. I had to reset the breaker with the help of the owner but other than that it was a great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Tiffany C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Sister trip!

My sisters and niece and I had a great stay!! Very cute and accurate to the listing!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Alice H., Bakersfield, USA

Liked: Cleanliness

One night would be enough

While this place was historic, which was interesting, it was not a great place to stay for multiple nights. We did get a parking ticket on the street because the different sides of the street do street sweeping on different days-not just Thursdays as the listing stated. Also, there was not hot water for the shower. We were told that if we turned the sink hot water on, it would make the shower hot. This did not actually work though. And was a waste of water. The keurig spit out brown water and the hot water kettle did not work. There are only two real beds on the top floor-one fabulous king, and one small twin. The other “bed” was the couch and it was not comfortable at all. The house was cute, and we did get discounted tickets to Winchester mystery house (not free though, as their Instagram implied). Walking to campus was doable, but we had to walk by a number of homeless people to do that. Again, if we’d only stayed one night, we would have been fine with the other things, but three nights was to much for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

Sarah T., Fillmore California

Needs more attention

No solutions to issues. Contact using emails not responded to.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Jolyn

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The communication was a sub-par; I asked multiple times for the entry code details. Unfortunately, an item was left and I informed both contacts but I haven't heard from them. Too many steps - need to be candid about that.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bec T.

Liked: Cleanliness

The honestay was magnificent. Beautiful heritage house! Convenient to amenities.

Have a great experience. Would love to stay more. Will recommend this VBRO. Thank you for the stay and experience. Thank you Mnady. We will come back to stay in the future.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Joanne Y.

Historic apartment style rental

This was a interesting experience given the nature of the old home , the eclectic mix of decor and hostel style stay. The surrounding area was charming and close to dining and freeways. It was also very quiet noise levels were almost non existent. We enjoyed the large layout of the upper floor, double flat screen televisions and art work. The kids enjoyed the large stuffy dog that was provided to cuddle with. Overall the space was clean but lacking in high traffic areas, like stains on the rugs and chairs , chipping and peeling sofa bed and not to mention our sheets had not been changed out on the master bed. Luckily we had all of our own bedding from camping , we had to pull out our sleeping bags and pillows. The fold out sofa had no extra sheets provided but 2 large blankets and one pillow. This was not ideal for a family of 5 staying . This space was lacking in some guest amenities such as soap and shampoo ( oddly 3 conditioners?) extra towels for more than 2 guests, dish towels, frying pan and extra silver ware. The shower was freezing and we had to mess with the settings to get lukewarm water. We appreciated the large TV but Netflix would not work. I would not recommend this space for those traveling with young children, there are many breakables , noise ordnance, and a open window with no screen. Luckily our children are older but I had to remind them to not touch many things. There is a provided parking behind a very large gate, we managed to figure out how to use the back door to the kitchen to load and unload out things. The back garden needs some work to be able to enjoy. This space might work better for a couple passing through . Don’t expect all the bells and whistles like the photos display. Communication with the host was fine and she responded to my questions promptly.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022