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From160US$ /night
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16Jan2026Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Near Stanford University
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
4.4
4.0
/5

Rooms at Cardinal Hotel

The Cardinal Hotel offers classic guest rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms feature Direct TV with premium channels, bedside USB ports, high-speed wireless Internet access, and well-lit work desks. Options include rooms with two extra long double beds (maximum occupancy 2 adults and 2 children), California King beds (maximum occupancy 2 adults and 2 children), or one queen bed. Deluxe Rooms feature a California King bed and in-room coffee. Shared bath style rooms include one queen bed, sinks in the room, and shared hallway bathrooms; Cardinal breakfast can be added for $18 per person.

Dining near the hotel

Two independently operated restaurants are located in the same building: Osteria, serving Tuscan cuisine since 1986, and Bistro Maxine, a French-inspired cafe restaurant that serves breakfast to hotel guests 7 days a week. Guests can walk to restaurants with various cuisines, including farm-to-table options, and wine bars near coffee shops like Philz, Verve, and Coupa Cafe.

Things to do

Guests can visit the Pace Gallery, a contemporary art gallery representing over 70 artists. YogaSource Palo Alto offers over 65 weekly classes, including vinyasa, power, and hot pilates. Other options include: local movie theaters, parks, YogaSource and Rumble. Guests can visit the Cardinal Barber Shop.

Location and Transport

The Cardinal Hotel is located near Stanford University and the Stanford Shopping Center. It is located halfway between San Francisco and San Jose airports. The Caltrain station is a 7-minute walk. The Marguerite Shuttle provides free transport to Stanford University, SLAC, Stanford Hospital, and Stanford Research Park. Palo Alto weekday parking is time limited from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend parking is free until Monday at 8:00 a.m. Bike rentals are available from Bike Connection and BikeShare.

Hotel Services

The Cardinal Hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and concierge service. Weekday newspapers, coffee, tea, and cocoa are available in the lobby. The hotel offers limited shipping services for left-behind items. The Executive Housekeeper manages the housekeeping. Uber rides can be billed directly to the guest's room. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available.

“What sets this place apart is its vintage boutique feel-a refreshing departure from typical chains. The location is excellent for anyone visiting Stanford and wanting to explore Palo Alto's dining scene. I particularly appreciate the hotel's commitment to its historical character, blending it seamlessly with modern comforts.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Superior Suite
2 persons
25 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Bathtub
Superior King Room
2 persons
25 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Bathtub
Standard Double Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Heating
Bathtub
Standard Queen Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning

Dining

  • Restaurant

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Heating
  • Dressing area
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite

At Cardinal Hotel, guests can delight in the authentic flavors of France with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Bistro Maxine offers a cozy experience, perfect for breakfast and lunch, alongside complimentary weekday newspapers and premium coffee in the lobby.
Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Bistro Maxine

French
Ambiance
Casual and welcoming, perfect for families and traditional gatherings.
Key Offerings
Indulge in vegetarian and dairy-free options crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch with a selection of delectable dishes.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Location

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Map view
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Nearby
south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road
Arizona Garden
200 ft
601-699 Gilman St
Farmers' markets
1000 ft
Store
Whole Foods Market
1100 ft
Restaurants
Pizza My Heart
800 ft
220 University Ave
Curry Up Now
500 ft
321 Hamilton Ave
New York New York
500 ft
125 University Ave Ste 190
Subway
800 ft
205 University Avenue
Gelato Classico
1300 ft
435 Emerson St
The Prolific Oven Bakery & Cafe
1000 ft
550 Waverley St
Sushirrito
1800 ft
448 University Ave
Peet's Coffee & Tea
1600 ft
436 University Ave
Gyros Gyros
2000 ft
498 University Ave
Explore Palo Alto
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Arizona Garden
1 minute walking
A serene garden featuring native Californian plants and tranquil pathways, great for a quick nature escape.
Hewlett Packard Garage
10 minutes walking
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historical site offers a glimpse into tech history at a notable garage of innovation.
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes walking
Home to an impressive collection of art, including Rodin sculptures, this museum offers free admission and guided tours.
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
A prestigious university featuring stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and public art, perfect for walking tours.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
25 minutes walking
An interactive museum and small zoo for families, featuring hands-on exhibits and animal encounters, admission is affordable.
Biking along Baylands Nature Preserve
10 minutes driving
Thrill-seekers can enjoy trails at the Baylands, offering scenic views and wildlife encounters, bike rentals are available.
Yoga at Palo Alto Yoga
10 minutes driving
Relax and rejuvenate with yoga classes tailored for various levels; pre-booking is recommended for popular sessions.
Curry Up Now
2 minutes walking
Casual Indian eatery offering flavorful curries and burrito-style dishes; vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes walking
A local favorite for pizza lovers, known for its fresh ingredients and fun atmosphere; signature slices are must-tries.
Gelato Classico
5 minutes walking
Charming gelato shop with a variety of flavors made from quality ingredients; perfect for a sweet treat in a cozy setting.
The Arts Center
10 minutes driving
A dynamic venue offering live performances and art exhibits; check the schedule for family-friendly events and shows.
The Stanford Theatre
25 minutes walking
Classic film theater featuring vintage films and live organ music. Family-friendly atmosphere with affordable ticket prices.
Getting around
City Centre
Palo Alto21 min  ·  1.1 mi
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)40 min  ·  16.4 mi
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)50 min  ·  20.6 mi
Train
California Ave Caltrain29 min  ·  1.5 mi
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at USD 15 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of US$27 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish
Year renovated:
2008
Number of rooms:
44
Questions of the users
About Cardinal Hotel
Is it possible to check in late, say around 23:00, if I arrive from the airport?
3 April 2024
Late check-in is welcome and arrangements for entry at 23:00 can be accommodated.
Can you confirm if the Standard King room includes a private bathroom?
12 May 2024
Yes, the Standard King room features a private bathroom for your convenience.
In a shared bath queen room, is a sink available in the room?
29 June 2024
Indeed, shared bath queen rooms have a sink in the room, with restrooms and showers located independently down the hall.
How is the noise level around the hotel? Will I find the area quiet in the mornings?
19 July 2024
While mornings can be calm, the hotel is situated in downtown Palo Alto, meaning you might encounter some urban noises as the day progresses.
Are mini fridges and microwaves available in the rooms?
15 August 2024
Both mini fridges and microwaves can be provided upon request for an additional fee of $15 per night.
Do the Standard Queen rooms have private bathrooms?
27 September 2024
Yes, all Standard Queen rooms come equipped with private bathrooms, unlike the Shared Bath Queen rooms.
Is it possible to cancel a reservation? What should I do?
8 October 2024
To cancel a reservation, it is best to contact the hotel directly for assistance.
What kind of services does the concierge provide?
5 November 2024
Concierge services are available at the front desk, offering insights on local dining, attractions, and special events.
Are there options for free Wi-Fi in the hotel?
20 December 2024
Yes, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all areas of the hotel for guests.
How does the parking situation work around the hotel?
11 January 2025
Guests can find parking in nearby public lots or on city streets, with specific time limits on weekdays and free parking available on weekends.

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