CARDINAL HOTEL, Palo Alto – Your ideal downtown stay
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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
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"The hotel was quaint and in a terrific location."
Nesa from United States
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"Beautiful historic hotel. Friendly staff."
Robert from United States
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"The location was fantastic - downtown Palo Alto, near train station and plenty of dining options."
Nelson from United States
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"Polite and helpful staff. Clean rooms, and great location."
Jose S from United States
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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
21 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard King Room
2 persons
21 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Queen Room
2 persons
13 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Room Rates & Availability Tracker
Find Deals for Your Travel Dates
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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
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Sports & Fitness
Golf course
Services
Housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Dining
Restaurant
Children
Cots
Room features
Heating
Dressing area
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.
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.
Hotel 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
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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 true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of US$27 per person per day.
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?
Review score
Based on 250 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
75 %
Recommend
Breakfast
4.3/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
8.5/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free WiFi
7.9/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Historic character
Central location
Helpful staff
Cons
Shared bathrooms
Street noise
Lack of air conditioning
Guest reviews
based on 266 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.
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