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The Cardinal Hotel

2.5 star property
Hotel near Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto

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Photo gallery for The Cardinal Hotel

Interior
Designer store
1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters
Designer store
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
  • Stanford Shopping Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Room options

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

1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom

7.6 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 260 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(10 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

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Exterior

Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

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  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
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4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 193 reviews
The price is $255
$220 nightly
$255 total
Total includes taxes and fees
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

University South stay.With a stay at this University South hotel, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Stanford Shopping Center and 2 miles (3 km) of Stanford University Medical Center. Also, Stanford University is within 2 miles (3 km) and Facebook Campus is within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Stanford Shopping Center - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Stanford Stadium - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Stanford University - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Verve Coffee Roasters - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Salt & Straw - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Nola - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Pho Ha Noi - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pizza My Heart - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Cardinal Hotel

Hotel near Stanford Shopping Center 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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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Exterior

Creekside Inn

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  • Free WiFi
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4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,476 reviews
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The price is $127
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Total includes taxes and fees
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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 15 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

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 15 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 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 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.

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. 194 out of 294 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 56 out of 294 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 294 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 294 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 294 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

sunah

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The old building is certainly historical looking and pleasant. The neighborhood is nice with several restaurants you can walk to. However, no modern amenities are to be had. The elevator felt like it could break down, the outer second door on it could injure someone as it snaps closed and there is no coffee machine or microwave in the room. A small carafe of coffee was available in the lobby, but promptly taken away at 9 AM. The walls are thin and we heard noise from the room above us till 1 AM. The sunlight streamed in at 7 AM through the old wooden shutters. No blackout shades. The old style radiator made the room so stuffy. We had to leave the fan on all night. Bed was uncomfortable and the pillows were either too flat and soft or too hard and high. Only street parking available and you have to move your car every two hours 8 to 5. We cannot recommend this hotel, although the staff are helpful and friendly,
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Business traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

kaori

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marat

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yulia

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

TOSHIAKI

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Disliked: Room comfort
Extreme street noise made untenable for business trip
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Florinda, Page

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are amazing! My stay was wonderful! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gumaro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous hotel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trent

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Cardinal Hotel is within walking distance of Palo Alto and Stanford University. It is very clean and comfortable. I stayed in a room where you share a toilet and also a shower. Both were spotless. I never had to wait to use either facility. I really enjoyed staying in the heart of Palo Alto.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ting

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Hisataka

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Minhui

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel has a hundred year of history, its interior is renovated but still maintained its style. The service is great. I love how my room looks and it is warm and clean. The area is walkable, plenty of restaurants near by. I currently really enjoy my stay. One thing to note is that the wall can be a bit thin, so you might still hear the people outside on the streets, and in the hallway.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Business traveler
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Parking is a huge hassle. Also there is no proper heat in the rooms. Must wait for radiator to come on. This isn’t rural Maine … come on folks each room needs a thermostat and the ability to set temp.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

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

10/10 Excellent

Frances

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

William, Redmond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Summer

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mariela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous historic hotel; with clean, comfortable, and pretty rooms. In a great location. And very nice staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Youngjun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

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

Will stay here again

We absolutely loved our stay here! The hotel was right in Palo Alto among many restaurants, coffee shops, and an easy walk to the Stanford shuttle. The beds were super comfortable and the lobby was a great place to sit and read by the fireplace.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Sandra

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025