Members-only rates
4.1 / 5 Great

The Cardinal Hotel

The Cardinal Hotel
The Cardinal Hotel – Palo Alto, CA
The Cardinal Hotel – Palo Alto, CA
Check in 2:00 PM
Check out 11:00 AM

About The Cardinal Hotel

Built in 1924, this historic Palo Alto hotel is just 1 mi from Stanford University. Guests can enjoy dining at Bistro Maxine, located next door. A flat-screen TV and dark wood furniture are found in each bright, decorative room of the nonsmoking Cardinal Hotel. A work desk and an iron are also included. Bistro Maxine serves both traditional and continental breakfasts each morning. Lunch, dinner and dessert crepes are also offered. Guests of the Cardinal can enjoy free weekday newspapers as well as coffee, tea and cocoa in the lobby. A business center is available as well. The Palo Alto Caltrain Station is an 8-minute walk from the hotel. The San Francisco International Airport is less than 21 miles away.

Amenities

  • On-site parking
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Café / coffee shop
  • Breakfast available
  • Express check-in / check-out
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Luggage storage
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Spa / sauna
  • Smoke-free property
  • Elevator
  • In-room safe
  • EV charging

Reviews

4.1 / 5
Great 457 reviews
  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    We loved this hotel! It is a beautifully maintained old hotel right in the middle of Palo Alto, walking distance to everything. The hotel rooms were comfortable and very clean, with great beds. The rooms do not have air conditioning, but they have a ceiling fan and a space fan/air conditioner that we didn’t use because we didn’t need it. We really loved this space. Every time you walk into the lobby you’re transported back in time to a world of glamour and simple grandeur. If you like modern, this hotel is not for you. But if you like comfort, location, and charm, this is the place!

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    The room was spotless and the staff was friendly. Lot’s of places to eat and drink within walking distance. The beds were very comfortable too.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Nice and clean. Bathroom needs some updating

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Superb

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Location We held a reservation for 10 minutes and they charge me full price and would refuse to refund me my money back for holding a reservation for a room with a public hallway shared bathroom for 10 minutes that they themselves called me to let me know what a public bathroom and when I said oh wait I don’t want that they made me pay full price for the room anyway anyway. I went through booking to get my money back and called and emailed them and they have refused to refund my money. Beware.!!

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    .

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Helpful friendly staff. Nice coffee/tea options. Good ceiling fan as there is no air conditioning. Great place to stay!

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Staff was great and the property is quite unique and charming.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Good

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Exceptional

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Exceptional

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Great location.

  • Engine customer Jun 2026

    Very good

  • Engine customer May 2026

    Very good

  • Engine customer May 2026

    Staff were incredible, super friendly and helpful. Everything was super.

  • Engine customer May 2026

    Superb

  • Engine customer May 2026

    Great location. Lots of restaurants close by. Everything was walkable. Hotel was charming. Room was very clean. No parking at the hotel so had to walk a few blocks, but no big deal given everything was walkable.

  • Engine customer May 2026

    This would be my favorite Palo Alto hotel if it had AC. The room was sweltering and even with fans this made the stay unbearable. Otherwise it is a lovely hotel and great staff.

  • Engine customer May 2026

    The experience was great. The temperature was still cool, I’m just wondering how it will be when summer is here and there is no air conditioning in the room.

  • Engine customer May 2026

    Great place to stay if you're attending an event or concert at Stanford. It's situated less than 10 minute walk away from Palo Alto Caltrain station.

Frequently asked questions about The Cardinal Hotel

Does The Cardinal Hotel have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, The Cardinal Hotel offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Does The Cardinal Hotel offer parking?
Yes, paid self-parking is available on-site at The Cardinal Hotel.
Does The Cardinal Hotel have meeting spaces, conference centers, or conference rooms?
The Cardinal Hotel does not list dedicated meeting or conference facilities. For business event venues in Palo Alto, see business hotels in Palo Alto.
Does The Cardinal Hotel have a fitness center?
The Cardinal Hotel does not list an on-site fitness center. Some properties partner with nearby gyms — check directly with the hotel.
Where is The Cardinal Hotel located, and how walkable is the area?
The Cardinal Hotel is located at 235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301. With a Walk Score of 97, the area is rated Walker's Paradise. Most daily errands can be done on foot — ideal for travelers without a car.

What's nearby

Map of points of interest near The Cardinal Hotel
  • Stanford University 1.3 mi
  • Stanford prison experiment 1.3 mi
  • Googleplex 4.5 mi
  • Coursera 4.8 mi
  • Ames Research Center 5.8 mi
  • Silicon Valley 6.9 mi

Why no public rates?

Hotel partners contractually require business-email verification before showing the negotiated B2B rate. Hotel partners offer Engine exclusive business-traveler rates that aren't available to the public.

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