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CARDINAL HOTEL, Palo Alto
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Key details
About the Hotel
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301,
-
Close to the Farmers' markets
Great
8.2
8.7
/10
4.3
4.0
/5
Loved by Cardinal Hotel guests
historic charm
unique retro vibe
vintage Californian architecture
comfortable beds
great location
"Beautiful historic hotel in a great Palo Alto location."
Amy from United States
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"Fabulous place - one of the best historic hotels we've stayed at."
William from United States
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"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 is beautiful and elegant."
R L from United States
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"A charming boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Palo Alto."
Jeff O from United States
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Historic boutique hotel in downtown Palo Alto with a 35-year on-site barber shop
History & Character
Built in 1924, the Cardinal Hotel is a historic boutique property that has offered hospitality for nearly 100 years. The lobby retains an enchanting vintage design, including the original 1924 switchboard. This building stands out from larger chain hotels due to its preserved character and ties to Palo Alto's past.
Amenities
The hotel offers free high-speed wireless Internet access throughout all guest rooms and public areas. Complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa are available in the lobby, along with free weekday newspapers. Additional amenities include an on-site barber shop that has been in continuous operation for over 35 years, a business centre, and yoga classes offered nearby at YogaSource Palo Alto.
Rooms
Each non-smoking guest room includes a flat-screen TV, dark wood furniture, a work desk, and an iron. The rooms are bright and decorative, reflecting the hotel's 100-year history. Some rooms offer additional space with charming original details.
Dining
Bistro Maxine, located next door to the hotel, serves traditional and continental breakfasts each morning. Lunch, dinner, and dessert crepes are also offered at this French bistro. In total, the hotel has two on-site restaurants serving diverse culinary options.
Location & Business
The hotel is located 1 mile from Stanford University and within walking distance of the Stanford Shopping Center. The Palo Alto Caltrain Station is an 8-minute walk, providing convenient access to San Francisco International Airport. The hotel offers comprehensive support for corporate travelers and Stanford event attendees, with proximity to popular local coffee shops and wine bars.
Highlights
History: Historic boutique hotel built in 1924 with original switchboard
Dining: Bistro Maxine French bistro next door; two on-site restaurants
Location: 1 mile from Stanford University, 8-minute walk to Caltrain
Business: Comprehensive support for Stanford events and corporate travelers
“This hotel truly embodies Palo Alto's historic charm, offering a comfortable and character-filled stay right in the heart of downtown. Its prime location places you a pleasant stroll from Stanford University and surrounded by excellent dining, making it a smart choice for experiencing the area's vibrant pulse. I found the blend of vintage ambiance and attentive service quite compelling.”
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
Select your room type
The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value 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 calendar
See the best prices and book your dates today!
July 2026 - July 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out
Amenities & services
Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Car park
Handicap 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, guests can relish delightful French cuisine at Bistro Maxine, an inviting space perfect for family gatherings. The emphasis on vegetarian and dairy-free options ensures that every palate is catered to. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch in a traditional setting that feels like a home away from home.
Bistro Maxine
French casual dining
Ambiance
Family-friendly and traditional, featuring a cozy interior that invites shared meals and relaxed conversations.
Key Offerings
A focus on vegetarian and dairy-free options for breakfast and lunch, served with a side of warm hospitality.
Reservation
Recommended.
Breakfast and lunch only.
Cardinal Hotel Location
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301,
Explore Palo Alto
Explore Palo Alto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Arizona Garden
1 minute walking
A tranquil garden featuring native Californian plants, perfect for a peaceful stroll or relaxation.
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
Renowned university with stunning architecture, museums, and the iconic Hoover Tower providing panoramic views.
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes walking
A premier art museum showcasing over 38,000 works, including sculptures and a notable Rodin collection.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
25 minutes walking
A family-friendly destination with interactive exhibits and a small zoo featuring local wildlife.
Hiking at Arastradero Preserve
15 minutes drive
Offering scenic trails for hiking and biking, this 622-acre preserve is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yoga at The Yoga Room
10 minutes drive
A calming space for various yoga classes suited for relaxation and rejuvenation after a busy day.
Curry Up Now
2 minutes walking
A vibrant Indian street food spot with delicious curries and unique fusion dishes, ideal for casual dining.
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes walking
A laid-back pizza joint serving classic and specialty slices with a local twist, loved by families and students.
Palo Alto Art Center
10 minutes walking
A cultural hub offering art exhibitions, classes, and events for all ages in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Stanford Theatre
7 minutes drive
An elegant venue showcasing classic films with a vintage ambiance, providing a unique movie-going experience.
Getting around town
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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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 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
Reviews and Ratings
What past guests shared about their stay
Review score
Based on 250 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
75 %
Recommend
Breakfast
4.3/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free WiFi
8.0/10
Location
9.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Charming historic ambiance
Central downtown location
Friendly and helpful staff
Clean rooms and lobby
Affordable pricing
Cons
Lack of air conditioning
Street noise
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.
