el PRADO is a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, California. Its Spanish Colonial-style architecture is blended with contemporary design. The property was named one of the seven best boutique hotels in the United States by TheStreet and recognized by Forbes as a top hotel in Silicon Valley. The hotel offers 62 rooms and suites, catering to business travelers, couples, and leisure guests. It provides a refined, residential-feeling retreat, situated less than a mile from Stanford University and major technology campuses.
Should you book el PRADO?
A refined, residential-feeling boutique hotel in downtown Palo Alto with Spanish Colonial-style architecture and contemporary interiors.
Best for
- Business travelers
- Couples
- Proximity to Stanford
- Tech industry visits
Maybe not ideal for
- Guests seeking an on-site full-service restaurant
- Budget-conscious travelers
Spanish colonial architecture
Experience a blend of Spanish Colonial-style architecture with contemporary design in this luxury boutique hotel. Many rooms feature private balconies offering city views.
Refined accommodations
The 62 rooms and suites include plush pillowtop beds, robes, slippers, and minibars. Molton Brown bath products and Tivoli Bluetooth speakers add to the upscale experience.
Downtown Palo Alto location
Steps from upscale shops and restaurants on University Avenue. Less than a mile from Stanford University, Cantor Arts Center, and major tech campuses.
Fitness and business amenities
Stay active at the fitness center or utilize the business and meeting facilities. Pet-friendly rooms are available upon request.
Rooms & rates
What you'll enjoy
Gallery
Amenities & facilities
Most popular facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Fitness center
- Parking on site
- Room service
- Free Wifi
Great for your stay
- Parking
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Pet friendly
- Free Wifi
- Fitness center
- Non-smoking rooms
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
- Alarm clock
Outdoors
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
Location
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States, Palo Alto, California
el PRADO is located in Palo Alto, California.
5 sights nearby, the closest being Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church at 0.2 mi; the nearest train station, Palo Alto, is 0.5 mi away.
Things to do nearby
- Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Churchplace of worship0.2 mi
- Cogswell Plazapark0.3 mi
- Museum of American Heritagemuseum0.3 mi
- Lytton Plazapark0.3 mi
- Hewlett Packard's Garageattraction0.4 mi
Getting around
- Palo Altotrain station0.5 mi
- Palo Alto Transit Centerbus station0.5 mi
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
What guests say
9.1 / 10 · Wonderful on Booking.com, from 258 guest reviews
El Prado earns overwhelmingly positive sentiment for its unbeatable central Palo Alto location, genuinely warm and attentive staff, and spacious, well-appointed rooms with notably comfortable beds. A handful of guests flag the absence of breakfast, no in-room Wi-Fi or refrigerator, and occasional housekeeping or room-service lapses — minor friction points in an otherwise well-regarded boutique experience.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 25 · average 9.8
They wrote about: staff, room, location
Reviews scoring 7–9: 5 · average 8
They wrote about: location, room, staff
No reviews in the selected score range.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 3:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
- 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 allowed. Charges may apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hotel's location?
The hotel is centrally located in downtown Palo Alto, California, close to University Avenue's shops and restaurants, and under a mile from Stanford University.
What are the room types available?
Room options include Deluxe Queen, Deluxe King, Deluxe Queen Queen, Deluxe King Suite, Courtyard King with Fireplace, and King Suite with Balcony, among others.
Does the hotel offer breakfast?
Yes, the hotel provides breakfast service via in-room dining, offering fresh coffee and dishes delivered directly to your room.
Is parking available?
On-site parking is available, including valet parking for an additional fee. Electric vehicle charging stations are also on site.
Does the hotel have Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for guests throughout the hotel.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, the hotel offers pet-friendly rooms. Please check availability and any specific policies when booking.
What attractions are nearby?
Nearby attractions include Stanford University, Cantor Arts Center, Palo Alto Farmer's Market, and various parks and historic sites. Upscale shops and restaurants are also within walking distance.
What is the price range for rooms?
Room rates start from $550 per night.