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The Cardinal Hotel

Property class: 2.5
Hotel near Stanford University in Palo Alto

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Cardinal Hotel

A grand lobby with a high ceiling, a central fireplace, and ornate columns.
A historic building with a prominent corner entrance, large windows, and a red awning.
A walk-in closet with a white robe hanging on a rack, a wooden hanger rod, and a black hairdryer on a shelf.
A grand lobby with a fireplace, two armchairs, a large rug, and a staircase.
A restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, a waiter walking by, and shelves with bottles and framed pictures on the walls.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
  • Place, Stanford University
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Stanford Shopping Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Stanford Stadium
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a chair, and a desk.

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom

A neatly made bed with a quilted headboard, white bedding, and a single decorative pillow with a monogram.

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(15 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 23 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a laptop, a chair, and two windows with blinds.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • City view
  • 24 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

Palo Alto

University South stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this University South hotel, you'll find Stanford University and Stanford Shopping Center. Also, Stanford University Medical Center is within 2 miles (3 km) and Facebook Campus is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Stanford Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Stanford University - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Stanford University Arboretum - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Stanford Shopping Center - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Stanford Stadium - 19 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • Palo Alto Station - 6 min walk
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Verve Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Curry Pizza House Palo Alto - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Macarena - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Patio - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Pho Ha Noi - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Cardinal Hotel

Hotel near Stanford University in Palo Alto
There's a coffee shop/cafe on site. Public spaces have free WiFi. The Cardinal Hotel also features a fireplace in the lobby, express check-in, and express check-out.

This Palo Alto hotel is smoke free.

  • 1 building
  • 63 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • Built in 1924
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Coffee shop
The Cardinal Hotel offers 63 accommodations with laptop-compatible safes and complimentary bottled water. Pillowtop beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. 42-inch LED televisions come with premium satellite channels.

Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and designer toiletries. Business-friendly amenities include desks and phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include hair dryers and irons/ironing boards. Housekeeping is offered daily and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

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Exterior
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room crib

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (USD 20 per day)
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Food and drink

  • Weekday full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 22 for adults and USD 22 for children
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Art gallery

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Elevator
  • Visual fire alarm

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 42-inch LED TV with premium satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per day.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

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.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 22 for adults and USD 22 for children
  • Nearby parking fee: USD 20 per day (39 ft away)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

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 and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
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, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

The Cardinal Hotel Hotel
The Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto
The Cardinal Hotel Hotel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Cardinal Hotel to the airport?

The Cardinal Hotel is 10 mi (20-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 The Cardinal Hotel?

As of Aug 16, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cardinal Hotel on Aug 21, 2026 start from CA $209, 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 The Cardinal Hotel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Cardinal Hotel.

Does The Cardinal Hotel offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at The Cardinal Hotel, but full breakfast is offered for a fee of USD 22 for adults and USD 22 for children.

Is there a casino at The Cardinal Hotel?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Cardinal Hotel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at The Cardinal Hotel?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does The Cardinal Hotel have a pool?

The Cardinal Hotel does not have a pool.

Does The Cardinal Hotel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Cardinal Hotel to downtown Palo Alto?

The Cardinal Hotel is 1 mi away from Palo Alto.

The Cardinal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 325 out of 475 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 84 out of 475 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 39 out of 475 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 475 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 475 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location for good restaurants and shops.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place. Location 10/10. Staff was amazinig!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location and close by parking and car charging.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jesper

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location and a decent price.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kasey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A hotel with a great personality in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Great location and quaint atmosphere. Had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and clean room!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
One-hundred-year-old hotel in the heart of Palo Alto, with walking to all the shops, Whole Foods, restaurants and the theater. The rooms are comfortable, the beds very nice, and the staff is terrific. If you don't have a car, it's a perfect location.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very conveniently located
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff was outstanding!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, old, nostalgic hotel that has been well maintained and upgraded! We stayed in a King Deluxe room with private bath and corner room views with lots of daylight (and shutters for sleeping-in in the morning). City location is great with lots of restaurants and shopping within a short walk. We would definately stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
it was awesome
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A fantastic hotel, and a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Knowledgeable and helpful staff, beautiful property, and excellent location. We will be back!
View from our room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Great!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! Definitely recommend if you will be in the area
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

sneha

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Location
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Aaron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Liked proximity to Stanford University.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Smooth check-in/check-out process, comfortable + clean room!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Ambiance and very comfy beds
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Parking was easy and the neighborhood was fantastic. Very comfortable room, would have been nice to have a small fridge but it was a great stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a great place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marlene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Cardinal Hotel was everything we wanted!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was fantastic and hotel was beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024