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Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto

2.5 star property
Hotel near Stanford University in Palo Alto

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto

Free daily continental breakfast
1 bedroom, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board
Property grounds
Free daily continental breakfast
Reception

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
3305 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Stanford University
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Stanford Stadium
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite

1 bedroom, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

Suite

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | 1 bedroom, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(40 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

1 bedroom, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

Standard Twin Room, 2 Twin Beds

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

View all photos for Double Room

1 bedroom, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

Double Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(21 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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About the neighborhood

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. Stanford Stadium and Stanford Maples Pavillion are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Stanford University - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Stanford Stadium - 5 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Stanford Shopping Center - 6 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 7 min drive - 2.9 miles

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

  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Starbird - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬6 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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  • Parking included
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  • Air conditioning
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Sep 5 - Sep 6
Total with taxes and fees
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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

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 Sep 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Stanford Motor Inn Palo Alto on Sep 5, 2025 start from $175.5, 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. 237 out of 465 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 141 out of 465 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 52 out of 465 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 465 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 465 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

MICHELLE, FRESNO

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

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

Stay in Palo Alto

Great stay in Palo Alto-close to the sights and parks of the area for family entertainment and then the concert at Stanford. For the overall cost, the property was great and quiet and we appreciated the drink service in the lobby area and free breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Simple but ok
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Bryant

Liked: Staff & service
The a/c wasn
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ana Carolina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Alsatia

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Room was clean and staff was great. Bed was very firm and uncomfortable, AC took hours to cool down room in a heat wave and we were also right above a smoking section with an infant. Our door wouldn’t open unless you pulled the handle in a very specific way. Breakfast was some pastries, granola bars, oatmeal, and coffee/juice.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Richard

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Nice paintings but rooms need updating.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kuan-Tsae, Rockville

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lenore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Ronald

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Yee Lam

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Mark

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The bedding was terrible cheap polyester sheets that were uncomfortable and didn’t breathe. People upstairs literally were running, slamming doors, moving furniture for hours.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Yang

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Just an average overpriced hotel in a sketchy neighborhood
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

carrie

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
I don't want to give a bad review, but the owners are struggling to "improve" this old motel and they just have terrible taste. (My opinion) The room is old. It seems to cater to construction workers on remote jobs - they sit around all evening on a patio and talk loudly (and topics not cool if you had kids around) into the night. Same early in the morning. The owners are extremely friendly and are very proud of the place. I don't want to dampen their enthusiasm or be overly critical - So, I'll just say the price is great.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Jared

Traveled with family
The staff was very warm and welcoming. The property was old and outdated.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great service.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randall

Business traveler
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

8/10 Good

Gerardo, Lucerne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
D
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Georges

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
Good for this budget
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024