Looking Back, The Obon Festival Getaway

Hotel Zico, located in beautiful Mountain View, CA, is a close 10-minute drive to Palo Alto CA, where the Palo Alto Obon Festival took place over the weekend. That meant that all weekend guests of Hotel Zico were able to visit the lovely Palo Alto Buddhist Temple free of charge and enjoyed all the cultural festivities.

Some of the exciting events were folk dancing called Bon Odori, where everyone watched and joined in the dances to the tunes of some of the greatest live folk music and “talkino” in the area. One of the folk dances, known as, the “Life of the Buddha,” a Koto Performance, was played with Japanese harps, and so much more. At the festival was everything from fun carnival rides to the beautiful cultural exhibits and from the best traditional foods and beverages to the most exciting festival games, music and fun. All of this was free of charge! Stay tuned to our blog for more event updates and how you too can benefit from Mountain Views’ most hippest hotspot.

This blog post was brought to you by Hotel Zico. Hotel Zico is a Mountain View based hotel that is Silicon Valley’s newest certified green hotel and boutique experience, it melds stylish modern Mediterranean decor, welcoming service and a wealth of wonderful amenities. To book your room today, visit us at http://www.hotelzico.com/

Possible Joint Stadium For Local NFL Teams

With the end of the NFL Lockout looming, the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders have been discussing the possibility of a joint Stadium. According to sources, there would be a better chance of raising funds for a joint stadium rather than for a stadium dedicated to the 49ers. With no end in sight for a possible new stadium, the San Francisco 49ers have already sold roughly $140 million worth of luxury suites — a positive sign for the popularity of football in the Bay Area. However, one of the bigger issues revolves around the possible location of the new stadium. In recent years, the 49ers have begun the pursuit for a stadium to be built in Santa Clara but a joint deal with the Raiders could potentially complicate the matter. If Oakland Raider owner Al Davis chooses to explore other destinations, this would likely lead to a standstill between the two sides. Considering the economic conditions in the state of California, a shared stadium would make the most sense with the lack of possible public funding that would go towards the stadium.

If this plan of a shared venue is realized, local businesses like Hotel Zico are likely to prosper from the influx of visitors and football fans. While nothing is certain as of this minute, be sure to follow us for possible news regarding this issue.

This blog post was brought to you by Hotel Zico. Hotel Zico is a Mountain View based hotel that is Silicon Valley‘s newest certified green hotel and boutique experience, it melds stylish modern Mediterranean decor, welcoming service and a wealth of wonderful amenities. To book your room today, visit us at http://www.hotelzico.com/

Harry Potter: A Magical Journey Enjoyed by Many

Last week, Mountain View movie theaters were packed with hundreds of Harry Potter fans waiting to watch their favorite wizard and friends for the last time on the silver screen. After Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 debuted last November, the long wait ended last Friday as the thousands of fans, dressed up in their favorite characters,  lined up to witness the sequel. From the perspective of many fans, they have been blessed and are saddened by the end of this cultural phenomenon created by British author J.K. Rowling. The Harry Potter series has won the hearts of children, teenager, and even adults as different generations became united by the magic that will be remembered for a long time. While the series has come to a screeching end, much like The Beatles, the excitement and artistry will be enjoyed by future generation of Harry Potter fanatics.

The movie franchise that was Harry Potter largely bucked the trends of the law of diminishing returns experienced by many other movie series. Over the weekend, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 topped the previous best opening weekend record held by Batman blockbuster, “The Dark Night.” Unsurprisingly, its opening day revenue topped the previous record help by Twilight saga: new Moon by over $20 million dollars. Its stunning success can be attributed to the loyal fans that have come to acknowledge Harry Potter and others as their childhood heroes.

Sadly, all good things must come to an eventual end. Fortunately, you can catch the last of the Harry Potter series at any of conveniently-located local theatre during your stay at Hotel Zico.

This blog post was brought to you by Hotel Zico. Hotel Zico is a Mountain View based hotel that is Silicon Valley’s newest certified green hotel and boutique experience, it melds stylish modern Mediterranean decor, welcoming service and a wealth of wonderful amenities. To book your room today, visit us at http://www.hotelzico.com/

Palo Alto Art Center Renovation

The $7.9 Million dollar renovation project is finished and the city of Palo Alto will celebrate the re-opening of its Art Center with a free public celebration on Saturday (July 16) from 1 to 3 p.m.This momentous occasion will  feature official groundbreaking by Mayor Sid Espinosa and for ice-cream lovers out there,  free Foster Brothers ice cream. This 40 year old art center originally catered to the adult audience but over the past decade, has become a popular destination for children as well. Aside from funding the air-circulation and building-code upgrades, this long-awaited fund also made possible the creation of a children’s wing and new courtyard. City officials expect the new improvements will enhance the viewing experience which was previously compromised by the dimly-lit and “cave-like” characteristics of the art center. In addition to the aesthetic improvements, this renovation provided an opportunity to shape the art center into a more eco-friendly by using wraparound decks made of recycled woods, rubber and cork, and counters incorporating recycled paper.

If you’re staying at Hotel Zico or will be in the area this weekend, hop on over and help celebrate the re-opening of the Palo Alto Art Center. With its newly-built children’s wing and captivating artwork, this local attraction will provide an exciting and enriching experience for all.

A “Nip/Tuck” Job Approved for San Antonio’s Shopping Center

Mountain View’s vice mayor, council member, and developers alike are all stoked at the idea of giving the Center a long overdue “face-lift.” The decision was made unanimously just two short weeks ago. The Vice Mayor even went so far as to say that the Center has been a “sorry piece of property for as long as I’ve lived here, which is over 30 years.” These sentiments weren’t always agreed upon by the powers that be. In fact, there have been multiple obstacles they’ve had to overcome to make the deal really appeal to council members. There were concerns about the pedestrian and bicycle accessibility. The cherry on top of the cake was that developer Merlone Geier agreed to pay an estimated $5.5 million in park fees and make 10 of the apartment units below market rate.

Demolition is expected to start next month, and construction will start a few short months later. This construction is more significant than just another shopping center, local officials and residents hope that this will spur on area-wide improvements. These changes will drive up the costs of property in the area; a benefit for those trying to sell their property or those who don’t want to see their land depreciate even further in these hard economic times. Small projects like this create a local stimulus, with enough small renovation projects nation-wide we just may be able to pull ourselves out of this economic slump after all.

Since this shopping arena is a short distance from Hotel Zico you too will be able to benefit from the regions renovations!

Mountain View Voice “Best of” 2011 Ballot

It’s that time of year again! Mountain View Voice is inviting readers to vote for for the best places in Mountain View. But hurry! The deadline to vote is June 26.

Voting is easy. Just go to the Mountain View Voice ballot web page and select your favorites in at least five of the available categories. Don’t forget to include your favorite hotel on your ballot.

Casting a vote is a great way to help promote the businesses that provide you with the best goods and services. It’s a way to point others toward the best that Mountain View has to offer.

Think of how much it means to you to be able to bring your car for quality, trustworthy service. You can steer others to the best auto body, auto repair, and oil changes in town. What about acupuncturists, chiropractors, and dentists? Voting for the best is a way to help others to improve their health and well-being.

Don’t forget accommodations. Who offers the most comfortable rooms and the best amenities? Many travelers check to see who the local people recommend. Hotel Zico is on the ballot again this year.

Don’t see your favorite? Just write it in. If it’s one of the top 15, it will be included on next year’s official ballot. This is your chance to let others know about lesser-known gems of Mountain View.

Remember, everybody who completes a ballot will be automatically entered in a prize drawing. Fire up that mouse and vote!

This blog post was brought to you by Hotel Zico. Hotel Zico is a Mountain View based hotel that is Silicon Valley’s newest certified green hotel and boutique experience, it melds stylish modern Mediterranean decor, welcoming service and a wealth of wonderful amenities. To book your room today, visit us at http://www.hotelzico.com/

Pixar Animator Picked For San Carlos City Council

A decision has been made. Former San Carlos City Council member, Brad Lewis, will return to public service on June 13. Lewis is said to be “very excited” about, once again, serving the city. The producer and director at Pixar Animation Studios added that he has “a lot of enthusiasm and energy to jump back in.”

Lewis’s appointment comes after the unexpected death of Mayor Omar Ahmad on May 10th. Before deciding on a new mayor, officials wanted to fill the vacant council seat. Four women and seven men interviewed for the position, but it only took incumbents a little less than an hour to unanimously choose a replacement. Mr. Lewis edged-out other candidates in large part due to the fact that he held office between 2005 and 2009.

With the council seat now filled, members must get down to the business of picking a mayoral replacement. A decision on who will fill the top spot is expected to be announced next week. Current acting Mayor, Andy Klein, expressed interest in the position early on; his hopes, however, were dashed after an unfortunate drunk driving scandal. Though, there is new hope for Klein, as the San Mateo District Attorney’s office announced their decision not to file charges after tests proved Klein was not over the legal alcohol limit when pulled over.

San Carlos, California, is located in the Bay Area, near other popular towns like Mountain View – home to the famed Shoreline Amphitheatre and the eco-friendly, Zico Hotel.

This blog post was brought to you by Hotel Zico. Hotel Zico is a Mountain View based hotel that is Silicon Valley‘s newest certified green hotel and boutique experience, it melds stylish modern Mediterranean decor, welcoming service and a wealth of wonderful amenities. To book your room today, visit us at http://www.hotelzico.com/