Built in 1924, the Cardinal Hotel is a recently renovated vintage boutique property in downtown Palo Alto. It offers affordable accommodations suitable for visitors to Stanford University, corporate travelers, and vacationers. The hotel provides comfortable rooms and is within walking distance of many local attractions and businesses, making it a convenient base for exploring Silicon Valley.
Should you book Cardinal Hotel?
Best for
- Downtown Palo Alto exploration
- Visitors to Stanford University
- Corporate travelers
- Budget-conscious stays
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests seeking resort-style amenities
Historic downtown setting
This vintage boutique hotel, built in 1924 and recently renovated, sits in the heart of Palo Alto. Its historic character blends with modern updates for an elegant ambiance.
Conveniently located
Walk to University Avenue's restaurants, shops, and theaters. It's close to Stanford University, Stanford Shopping Center, and Silicon Valley landmarks.
Comfortable accommodations
Enjoy classic guest rooms featuring private bathrooms and modern conveniences like Direct TV, bedside USB ports, and high-speed wireless internet.
On-site dining and parking
The hotel features an on-site restaurant and coffee house.
Rooms & rates
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Free Wifi
- Baggage storage
- Safe
- Express check-in/out
- Daily housekeeping
- Non-smoking rooms
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Restaurant
- View
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Flat-screen TV
- Street parking
Bathroom
- Towels
- Slippers
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
- Dressing room
View
- View
Kitchen
- Cleaning products
Location
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States, Palo Alto, California
Cardinal Hotel is located in Palo Alto, California.
5 sights nearby, the closest being Lytton Plaza at 400 ft; the nearest train station, Palo Alto, is 0.2 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- Lytton Plazapark400 ft
- Cogswell Plazapark0.2 mi
- Museum of American Heritagemuseum0.2 mi
- Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Churchplace of worship0.3 mi
- Hewlett Packard's Garageattraction0.4 mi
Getting around
- Palo Altotrain station0.2 mi
- Palo Alto Transit Centerbus station0.3 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
8.3 / 10 · Very good on Booking.com, from 266 guest reviews
The Cardinal Hotel earns consistently positive sentiment for its unbeatable Downtown Palo Alto location, notable cleanliness, and vintage charm, with staff hospitality and value for money also frequently highlighted. However, the absence of air conditioning is a recurring practical concern, and street-facing rooms can suffer from noise; one guest also reported a frustrating check-in experience. Guests who prioritise character and walkability over modern amenities will generally leave satisfied.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 11 · average 9
They wrote about: location, room, cleanliness
Reviews scoring 7–9: 18 · average 7.4
They wrote about: location, room, cleanliness
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 2:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Check-out
Until 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
- Groups
When booking more than 2 rooms, different policies and additional fees may apply.
Frequently asked questions
What room types are offered?
The hotel provides Standard Rooms with one queen, two double, or one king bed. There are also Deluxe Rooms with one king and Shared Bath Style Rooms with one queen bed.
Can I check in or out early or late?
The hotel offers express check-in/out services for guest convenience.
Are there accessible rooms or parking?
Yes, accessible parking is available at the hotel.
What amenities are in the rooms?
Rooms include a private bathroom, Direct TV, bedside USB ports, high-speed wireless internet, slippers, bathrobes, hairdryers, and a dressing room.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
Yes, the hotel provides free high-speed wireless internet throughout the property.
What is the hotel's location?
The Cardinal Hotel is located in downtown Palo Alto, California, close to Stanford University, University Avenue, and Silicon Valley businesses.
Does the hotel have an on-site restaurant?
Yes, the hotel has an on-site restaurant and a coffee house.