Book direct
and save up to 10%
compared to Booking.com
Owners access| Independent hotel info & Booking website
logoMenu
Hotel Overview
Select currency
  • ARS
    Argentina, Peso
  • AUD
    Australian dollar
  • BRL
    Brazilian real
  • CAD
    Canadian dollar
  • CNY
    Chinese yuan
  • CZK
    Czech koruna
  • DKK
    Danish krone
  • EUR
    Euro
  • HKD
    Hong Kong dollar
  • ILS
    Israeli new sheqel
  • JPY
    Japanese yen
  • MYR
    Malaysian ringgit
  • NZD
    New Zealand dollar
  • NOK
    Norwegian krone
  • PLN
    Polish zloty
  • GBP
    Pound sterling
  • RON
    Romanian leu
  • RUB
    Russian ruble
  • SAR
    Saudi riyal
  • SGD
    Singapore dollar
  • ZAR
    South African rand
  • KRW
    South Korean won
  • SEK
    Swedish krona
  • CHF
    Swiss franc
  • THB
    Thai baht
  • TRY
    Turkish lira
  • USD
    U.S. dollar
  • UAH
    Ukrainian hryvnia
My bookings
Contact us
Read our FAQs
Top destinations worldwide
Ready to Rise
Ready to Rise
hilton prague old town
the cavendish london
the square copenhagen
rove downtown dubai
radisson blu hotel dubai waterfront
metropark hotel kowloon
principado downtown
emirates grand hotel
hillside bungalows banff
innside by melia kuala lumpur
soho residences toronto
mascagni hotel rome
hotel monterey le frere osaka
embassy suites montreal
hotel le concorde
address dubai mall
Under the Radar
Under the Radar
best western long beach california
hotel bijou san francisco
laurina 33
prince hotel seoul
hotel humanity
56 orange street luxury accommodation
hotel laurentia rome
hotel raphael italy
daiwa roynet hotel hiroshima
hotel barberini
the inn at lincoln square
le relais du marais
hotel adria sofia bulgaria
hotel amaterrace yosuga
my maison 109
relais forus inn
High Demand
High Demand
the ned doha
hyatt house nashville
gunter hotel
hollander hotel
courtyard marriott halifax
hotel presidente buenos aires
hampton inn charleston sc
the coach house salem
portrait roma
hilton garden inn rochester downtown
premier inn soho
ipoh downtown hotel
crystal lodge motel
albergo santa chiara
rome art hotel
doubletree san diego downtown
In the Running
In the Running
the tower plaza hotel dubai
al aseel hotel doha
vida residence downtown
jouri a murwab hotel
hyatt regency seattle
home 2 suites milwaukee
upcountry inn helen ga
burj khalifa hotel
hotel santa prassede
g3 hotel chungmuro
ana crowne plaza hiroshima
hotel dom henrique porto
faena hotel buenos aires
lub d osaka honmachi
the ritz london
oakwood premier tokyo
Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoCardinal Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoCardinal Hotel Palo Alto Interior photo
Hotels
United States
Palo Alto
Cardinal Hotel

CARDINAL HOTEL, Palo Alto – Your ideal downtown stay

•
8.2|Great
Check rooms and rates
From$160 /nightOnly on Our Website -10%
Check-in
13Oct
Check-out
14Oct
Guests
2 Guests
Key details

Hotel Overview

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301
-
Near Lytton Plaza
Great
8.2
8.7
/10
4.3
4.0
/5

Loved by Cardinal Hotel guests

historic charm
retro vibe
comfortable beds
clean rooms
great location
"The Cardinal is the best hotel in the Bay Area! Historic charm welcomes you and keeps you coming back again and again."
brieann from United States
read full review
"The hotel was quaint and in a terrific location."
Nesa from United States
read full review
"Beautiful historic hotel. Friendly staff."
Robert from United States
read full review
"The location was fantastic - downtown Palo Alto, near train station and plenty of dining options."
Nelson from United States
read full review
"Polite and helpful staff. Clean rooms, and great location."
Jose S from United States
read full review

Historic boutique hotel in downtown Palo Alto, just 1 mile from Stanford University

Historic Ambiance & Amenities

Built in 1924, the Cardinal Hotel operates a vintage elevator with an old-fashioned sliding door that guests slide open by hand. The lobby retains original wrought iron light fixtures, a faux wood ceramic fireplace, and a tiled floor from the 1920s. An on-site barber shop with over 35 years of continuous operation provides haircuts and shaving services for guests and locals.

Dining

Bistro Maxine, located next door, serves traditional and continental breakfasts each morning, plus lunch and dinner crepes. The hotel offers two on-site restaurants, including the bistro, which also provides a $22 breakfast allowance for guests with qualifying room bookings. Free coffee, tea, and cocoa are available in the lobby throughout the day.

Rooms & Accommodations

Each room contains a flat-screen TV, dark wood furniture, a work desk, and an iron. Some rooms include a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, while others use shared bathroom facilities down the hall. The shared bathrooms are cleaned multiple times daily, and guests in shared-bath rooms receive a robe and slippers.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The hotel is a 1-mile walk from Stanford University and an 8-minute walk from the Palo Alto Caltrain station. Guests can reach the Pace Gallery and Stanford Shopping Center on foot within 10 minutes. Yoga classes are offered nearby at YogaSource Palo Alto.

Business & Events

The Cardinal provides comprehensive support for Stanford-related events and accommodations, including corporate traveler services. A business center is available for printing and faxing, and free weekday newspapers are offered in the lobby. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and express check-in/check-out for quick departures.

Highlights

Historic Charm: 101-year-old building with original 1924 elevator

Dining: Bistro Maxine with French cuisine 5 steps from lobby

Rooms: Options with private or shared bathrooms, both immaculately cleaned

Location: 1 mile to Stanford, 8 min walk to Caltrain

Unique Perk: On-site barber shop operating since 1989

Business: Dedicated support for Stanford conference attendees

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Stanford University Campus for stunning architecture.
  • Sample local pastries at the historic Main Street Bakery on Santa Cruz Ave.
  • Visit the Cantor Arts Center for world-class art and free admission.
  • Explore the vibrant Palo Alto Farmers' Market every Saturday morning.
  • Discover the hidden gem of the Gamble Garden for beautiful serenity.

Choose Your Room

Our listed hotels offer a variety of room types—double rooms, family suites, or deluxe options—all with features like breakfast, flexible cancellation policies, and exclusive deals.
    Standard Queen Room
    2 persons
    205 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    room details
    Standard King Room
    2 persons
    220 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    room details
    Standard Double Room
    2 persons
    240 sq. feet
    2 Double beds
    room details
Show all rooms

Room Rates & Availability Tracker

Find Deals for Your Travel Dates
October 2026 - October 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
October 2026
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
September 2027
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities

Thoughtful hotel amenities for a comfortable stay
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Public parking is possible at a location nearby at USD 15 per day.

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Heating
  • Dressing area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At the Cardinal Hotel, dining is a delightful affair that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. Guests can savor exquisite French cuisine at Bistro Maxine, where a family-friendly atmosphere invites visitors to enjoy breakfast or lunch with loved ones, all while immersing themselves in the comforting essence of traditional dining.
Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Bistro Maxine

French
Ambiance
Family-friendly, Traditional
Key Offerings
Offering a range of vegetarian and dairy-free options, Bistro Maxine serves up breakfast and brunch favorites that highlight the elegance of French cuisine, in a warm and inviting setting.
Reservation
Not needed
Breakfast and Lunch only; hours may vary.

Location

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301
Explore Palo Alto
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
25 minutes walking
Children-friendly zoo featuring hands-on exhibits and live animals, ideal for family visits and education.
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes walking
Art museum with a diverse collection, including Rodin sculptures. Free admission and engaging tours available.
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
Prestigious university with beautiful architecture and gardens, ideal for a leisurely stroll or educational exploration.
Hewlett Packard Garage
10 minutes walking
Birthplace of Silicon Valley, offering a nostalgic view of tech history. A must-see for tech enthusiasts.
Yoga at Stanford
10 minutes driving
Relaxing yoga sessions in serene settings, perfect for rejuvenation. Schedule in advance for the best experience.
Cycling along Baylands Park
15 minutes driving
Scenic cycling trails in a beautiful park, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, with bike rentals nearby.
Farmers' Market
4 minutes walking
Weekend market offering fresh produce and local goods, great for foodies. Open every Sunday for local flavor.
Curry Up Now
2 minutes walking
Casual Indian eatery known for vibrant flavors and quick service. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes walking
Fun atmosphere with delicious pizza slices and creative toppings. Ideal for a quick bite or casual dining.
Gelato Classico
5 minutes walking
Artisan gelato shop offering a variety of flavors, perfect for a sweet treat anytime. Outdoor seating available.
Professorville Historical Tour
10 minutes walking
Guided tours showcasing fascinating local history, great for all ages. Learn about local architecture and stories.
Live Music at the Stanford Theatre
25 minutes walking
Classic film screenings complemented by live music events, offering a nostalgic vibe for cinema enthusiasts.
Palo Alto Art Center
15 minutes driving
Dynamic exhibitions and art workshops. Family-friendly activities and community events are regularly scheduled.
Transportation Tips
  • City Centre
    Palo Alto 21 min  ·  1.1 mi
  • Airports
    Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 40 min  ·  16.4 mi
    San Francisco International (SFO) 50 min  ·  20.6 mi
  • Train
    California Ave Caltrain 29 min  ·  1.5 mi
    Train 2 min  ·  400 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 min  ·  400 ft
Unlock Early Booking Discounts
Grab Your Special Rates Today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at USD 15 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish
Year renovated:
2008
Number of rooms:
44

Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Guests Are Saying?
Breakfast
5.5/10
Cleanliness
8.9/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.6/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
9.1/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Historic character
Central location
Helpful staff
Cons
Shared bathrooms
Street noise
Lack of air conditioning
Guest reviews
based on 262 reviews
8.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Show more reviews

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Nobu Hotel Palo AltoNobu Hotel Palo Alto
Palo Alto, United States
7.953 reviews
605 USD/night
Sheraton Palo Alto HotelSheraton Palo Alto Hotel
Palo Alto, United States
8.4131 reviews
139 USD/night
Coronet MotelCoronet Motel
Palo Alto, United States
8.6127 reviews
89 USD/night
The Westin Palo AltoThe Westin Palo Alto
Palo Alto, United States
8.489 reviews
349 USD/night
Marina Inn BerkeleyMarina Inn Berkeley
Berkeley, United States
7.8113 reviews
121 USD/night
Sunnyside Hotel-Downtown San FranciscoSunnyside Hotel-Downtown San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
5.0193 reviews
45 USD/night
Graduate By Hilton Palo AltoGraduate By Hilton Palo Alto
Palo Alto, United States
8.628 reviews
561 USD/night
El PradoEl Prado
Palo Alto, United States
9.175 reviews
524 USD/night
Hotel KeenHotel Keen
Palo Alto, United States
7.8124 reviews
183 USD/night
Rafi HotelRafi Hotel
Amman, Jordan
8.0237 reviews
42 USD/night
Quartier Libre MaraisQuartier Libre Marais
Paris, France
8.411 reviews
481 USD/night
Rasinovo Nabrezi - Riverside ResidenceRasinovo Nabrezi - Riverside Residence
Prague, Czech Republic
8.7
71 USD/night

Popular hotels all over the world

Find your perfect hotel stay today
6.9/10252 reviews
A&O Wien HauptbahnhofHotel A&o Wien Hauptbahnhof
Vienna, Austria
100 m from Vienna Central Station, Rooftop terrace with Vienna skyline view
View hotel
8.4/10277 reviews
Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District, FlHampton Inn & Suites Miami Wynwood Design District Reviews
Miami, United States
7 km from Miami city centre, Wynwood Walls 6 min drive
View hotel
8.7/10662 reviews
Room Mate Alicia, MadridHotel Room Mate Alicia
Madrid, Spain
Plaza de Santa Ana location, Historic 20th-century industrial building
View hotel
Quality Suites Fort Myers Florida
13 min from Southwest Florida International Airport, Outdoor swimming pool
The Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno Tokyo Hotel
2 min walk from Ueno Station, Direct train to Narita Airport
Hotel Graham Georgetown
The Observatory rooftop bar, The Alex speakeasy restaurant
Cda Casino
5600 m² casino floor, Chinook Restaurant with wild salmon
Hotel Encanto De Las Cruces
10000 m² indoor event space, On-site Cantina restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Cartagena Hotel
Rooftop pool with city views, Spa and wellness centre with steam room
See Location on Map
logo
The Hoteldowntown Insider
Sign up for special offers & promotions
Cardinal Hotel
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301
Booking.com
Travellers review
8.2
Cardinal Hotel
© 2022-2026 Hoteldowntown. All rights reserved.