Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto

2.5 star property
Hotel near Stanford University in Palo Alto

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Photo gallery for Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto

Property grounds
Reception
Free daily continental breakfast
Desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Room, 1 King Bed | Bathroom

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
3305 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, Nikola Tesla Statue
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Peers Park Dog Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Stanford University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(47 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Double Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(27 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

Standard Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(8 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Suite

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

Palo Alto

Ventura stay.Your stay at this Ventura hotel places you within 3 miles (5 km) of Stanford University and Stanford University Medical Center. Also, Silicon Valley is within half a mile (1 km) and Stanford Stadium is within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Nikola Tesla Statue - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Peers Park Dog Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Stanford University - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Stanford Stadium - 5 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Stanford Shopping Center - 6 min drive - 4.3 km

Getting around

  • Whisman Station - 10 min drive
  • California Ave Station - 18 min walk
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zareen's - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Yutori - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Starbird - ‬11 min walk

About this property

Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto

Hotel near Stanford University in Palo Alto
Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. The business-friendly Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto also features a vending machine, a picnic area, and coffee/tea in a common area. Self parking is free.

This Palo Alto hotel is smoke free.

  • 37 guestrooms or units
  • Continental breakfast (free)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • No smoking on site
Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto offers 37 air-conditioned accommodations with DVD players and coffee/tea makers. LCD televisions come with premium cable channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Palo Alto hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Housekeeping is provided on request.

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free continental breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • -32-inch LCD TV with premium cable channels
  • DVD player

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 40.00 per accommodation, per stay, plus a deposit of USD 40.00 per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet deposit: USD 40.00 per stay
  • Pet fee: USD 40.00 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property is also known as

Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto
Stanford Motor Inn
Stanford Motor Palo Alto
Stanford Motor Hotel Palo Alto
Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto Hotel
Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto Palo Alto
Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto Hotel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

How close is Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto to the airport?

Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto is 12.1 mi (16-min drive) away from the San Carlos, CA (SQL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto?

As of Jun 13, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto on Jun 25, 2026 start from CA $232, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto.

Does Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto offer free breakfast?

Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto offers free continental breakfast every day from 7:00 AM to 10 AM.

Is there a casino at Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto have a pool?

Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto does not have a pool.

Does Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto to downtown Palo Alto?

Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto is 1.5 mi away from Palo Alto.

Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 279 out of 550 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 162 out of 550 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 66 out of 550 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 30 out of 550 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 13 out of 550 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Vishaal

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean rooms Great hosts at check in
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

EDWIN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Just ok
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, quiet area, friendly staff and plenty of parking
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I stayed there a few times. It was fine.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Room needs renovation Staff were nice and helpful
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
In high-priced Palo Alto, the price was very reasonable, and the owner is extremely friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Haven’t had breakfast yet, but staff were super nice and very helpful
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Wayne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Everyone was so nice and ready for anything we needed help with. Would return anytime we are in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The woman at the front desk was very kind but very efficient!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

MICHELLE

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and quiet room. Soft bed. Good for a motor inn.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed here three nights while daughter at Stanford Medical and service was excellent, rooms very clean, good bed. The owner of this Inn went above and beyond to accommodate me for extra nights that were not expected. Would recommend this Inn to anyone. I.M
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Parking was safe and easy. Rooms updated and clean with big mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Bathroom stocked with choices for various amenities. TV instructions very clear! Restaurant nearby for dinner. Breakfast was take out items back to room to enjoy with in room coffee.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was clean and comfortable. Parking was very good. The continental breakfast was packaged pastries and coffee-machine coffee. Some fruit and fresh brewed coffee would make it much better. The staff was very friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chrisanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent friendly staff. Great location for Stanford medical facilities. Clean and safe. Pet friendly.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen

Liked: Cleanliness
Great greeting at check in. Rooms are clean but dated. The rooms could use a little updating, painting
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

teresa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A good place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

SUSAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
very friendly office staff, efficient cleaning staff and very close to Stanford Hospital, which is why we are here.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randall

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff is SO nice! The older rooms are clean and everything works fine, which makes for a comfortable stay. We will always stay at the Stanford Motor Inn when get medical care from Stanford!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DARBY

Liked: Cleanliness
The motel is an older motel kept in pretty good condition. My room was very clean. comfortable beds, nice pillows, nice sheets, and blankets. the owner Neil is very kind very considerate always had a smile on his face. I Enjoyed him immensely! housekeeping very friendly. Anything you’d ask for they would make sure it was in your room. even though it was on a busy road. It was quiet. Definitely will be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Just as others have said. The staff at this property make the visit. They are wonderful. Now that sounds odd to be saying that there is such importance on how the front desk deals with routine and unforeseen issues, and I wouldn't have thought it would until I stayed here. Simple tasks like dead batteries in the TV remote can be very frustrating at many hotels; even chain ones. And they all loved having my dog stay there! :-)
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Randall

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Stanford Motor Inn is our go-to....

Stanford Motor Inn is our go-to when we're staying in the area. Staff is very helpful and friendly, and we have a quiet stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Frank

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
The room was small but cozy. The gentleman at the front desk was a very nice person.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice & quiet stay
Verified

8/10 Good

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I've stayed here before and will stay here again. It's a budget hotel/motel but honestly, the bed was as comfy as a place 3X the price. Everything was clean. The staff was super nice. Check in took 30 seconds. For my tastes, the place is def worn around the edges, decor a bit dated and not appeal to some, and it's not what I would say -- pretty. But everything worked, I got a good night's sleep, things were clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. If you're a fussy type and have a certain aesthetic, you won't like it. If you can see past old (but functional) elements, and don't need everything to feel like a designer layout, you could do OK here.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026