"Beautiful historic hotel in a great Palo Alto location."
Amy 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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"Historic property with great charm."
Scott from United States
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"The hotel was quaint and in a terrific location."
Nesa from United States
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"The Cardinal Hotel was perfectly located downtown with access to all of the great PA options."
Angela R from United States
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Historic 100-year-old boutique hotel near Stanford University
Historic Boutique Experience
Built in 1924, the Cardinal Hotel is a 100-year-old boutique property in downtown Palo Alto. The lobby retains original wrought iron light fixtures, a faux wood ceramic fireplace, and the original 1924 switchboard. An on-site barber shop with over 35 years of continuous operation serves guests and locals alike.
Rooms & Accommodations
The hotel offers rooms with en-suite bathrooms and rooms with shared bathrooms, maintaining its 1920s boarding house feel. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and dark wood furniture, and guests can fill a reusable water bottle at the filtered water station in the lobby. Dyson fans are provided in rooms to compensate for the lack of air conditioning.
Dining
Bistro Maxine, located directly next door, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner including crepes and French cuisine. Breakfast is included for guests who book a room with en-suite bathroom (shared bathroom rooms do not include breakfast). The bistro operates daily except Mondays, and guests order via a QR code system at their table.
Location & Nearby Attractions
The hotel is 1 mile from Stanford University and an 8-minute walk from the Palo Alto Caltrain station. Guests can walk to the Stanford Shopping Center, Pace Gallery, and dozens of restaurants and cafes on University Avenue. Yoga classes are available nearby at YogaSource Palo Alto.
Business & Events
The hotel caters to corporate travelers attending Stanford-related events with comprehensive support and a business center. Free weekday newspapers are available in the lobby, and the hotel offers luggage storage for early arrivals and late departures. Electric vehicle charging stations and accessible parking are available on site.
Highlights
Location: 1 mile from Stanford University
History: 100-year-old building with original 1924 switchboard
Dining: Bistro Maxine next door serving French cuisine
Amenities: On-site barber shop with 35 years of service
Rooms: En-suite and shared bathroom options
Services: Electric vehicle charging stations
Business: Corporate-friendly with business center
Must-do experiences
Stroll through Stanford University's beautiful main quad and gardens.
Visit the Cantor Arts Center for free entry to stunning art collections.
Enjoy a slice of California-style pizza at Pizzeria Delfina nearby.
Explore the historic Gamble Gardens for peaceful nature walks.
Check out the Palo Alto Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings for local produce.
Select your room type
Cardinal Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special 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
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Cardinal Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at true.
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
Cardinal Hotel Location
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301,
Explore Palo Alto
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
Renowned for its stunning architecture and expansive campus, it offers beautiful gardens and cultural exhibits.
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes walking
Home to an impressive collection of art, including works from Rodin. Admission is free, with guided tours available.
Hewlett Packard Garage
10 minutes walking
Known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historic site offers a glimpse into tech history.
Arizona Garden
1 minute walking
A serene garden featuring desert plants and a peaceful ambiance, perfect for a quick nature escape.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
25 minutes walking
A family-friendly attraction featuring interactive exhibits and a small zoo, great for kids of all ages.
Mountain View Trail
10 minutes driving
A perfect spot for biking and hiking, offering stunning views and various trail lengths for all skill levels.
Yoga Studio
5 minutes driving
Offers relaxing sessions and classes for all levels, promoting wellness just a short drive away.
Farmers' Market
4 minutes walking
Held weekly, this vibrant market features local produce, artisan goods, and a lively community atmosphere.
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes walking
Casual eatery known for its delicious pizzas and relaxed vibe, ideal for families and groups.
Curry Up Now
2 minutes walking
Offers a creative twist on Indian cuisine with vibrant flavors in a fun, eclectic setting.
Gelato Classico
5 minutes walking
Specializes in authentic gelato with a variety of flavors, perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
New York New York
2 minutes walking
New York-style deli providing hearty sandwiches and breakfast all day in a cozy atmosphere.
Stanford Theatre
25 minutes walking
A vintage movie theater known for screening classic films and hosting special events, appealing to all ages.
The Masonic Hall
10 minutes driving
Hosts live music events and performances in an intimate setting, with a diverse range of shows throughout the year.
Palo Alto Arts Center
20 minutes walking
Features rotating art exhibitions and community events, offering workshops and activities for all ages.
The Oak Cafe
10 minutes walking
Charming cafe featuring live music nights and a cozy atmosphere for relaxation after a day of exploring.
Getting around California
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 USD 27.0 per person.
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 and Ratings
Feedback about Cardinal Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 256 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
76 %
Recommend
Breakfast
4.3/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Historic charm
Central location
Comfortable beds
Cons
No air conditioning
Thin walls
Extra amenity fees
Guest reviews
based on 265 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.
Guest reviews
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