El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoEl Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoEl Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photo

El Prado, Palo Alto

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From$524 /night
Check-in
03Sept
Check-out
04Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301
-
Close to Farmers' markets
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.8
4.5
/5

Rooms and Suites

el PRADO Hotel offers 62 rooms and suites. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions with satellite channels. A 400 sq ft accessible room includes a deluxe king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, and French doors with courtyard or downtown Palo Alto views. Accessible bathrooms feature walk-in/roll-in showers with grab bars and folding seats. Suites range up to 1,000 sq ft, some offering private patios, fireplaces, and separate living rooms.

Breakfast and Tapas

The hotel offers in-room breakfast featuring coffee from Coffeebar. An Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio, is located within the hotel. A Tapas Bar and Lounge operates Tuesday-Saturday, 3:00 PM-10:00 PM on the second floor.

Fitness and Scenery

The hotel's fitness room includes ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, a cable fly machine, and a stair climber. The Rodin sculpture collection is available for viewing in the garden. The Stanford Dish, a 3- to 5-mile course around a radio telescope, is nearby.

Location and Access

El Prado is located in downtown Palo Alto, 3 km from California Ave Caltrain and 30 km from Mineta San Jose International. It is less than a mile from Stanford University, Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Nearby attractions include the Peninsula Creamery and The Rose & Crown pub.

Hotel Services

The hotel provides valet parking for $35 USD. It has a seasoned event planning team available. Additional services include a 24-hour concierge, room service, and dry cleaning. Pet-friendly rooms are available. The hotel offers 7,300 square feet of event space and in Spring 2025 it will have refurbished event venues.

“The Spanish Colonial architecture lends an unexpected charm to downtown Palo Alto, setting it apart. I found the location ideal for accessing both Stanford and the many restaurants nearby. The comfortable rooms and attentive service make it feel like a true home away from home.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

El Prado offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
    2 persons
    33 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Deluxe Queen Room
    2 persons
    28 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Deluxe King Room
    2 persons
    37 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

El Prado offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Electric vehicle charging station

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning

Dining

  • In-room breakfast

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Dressing area
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At El Prado, dining transforms into a delightful exploration of flavors with a focus on authentic Italian cuisine and refreshing tapas experiences. Each venue invites guests to indulge in thoughtfully crafted dishes and signature cocktails, set against the vibrant backdrop of Palo Alto's lively atmosphere.
  • Il Fornaio

    Italian
    Ambiance
    Warm and traditional setting, perfect for both casual meals and special gatherings.
    Key Offerings
    A variety of Italian favorites throughout breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an emphasis on fresh pasta and locally sourced ingredients.
    Reservation
    Recommended
    Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:30; Lunch: 11:30 - 22:00 (Mon-Thurs), 11:30 - 23:00 (Fri), 11:30 - 22:00 (Sun); Breakfast: 08:00 - 11:00 (Sat-Sun).
  • Tapas Bar and Lounge

    Tapas
    Ambiance
    A cozy drawing room located on the second floor, ideal for relaxed socializing.
    Key Offerings
    Handcrafted signature cocktails featuring herb-infused syrups and Spanish liquors, complemented by an array of delightful tapas. Perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
    Reservation
    Not required
    Open Tuesday-Saturday from 15:00 - 22:00.

El Prado Location

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301
Explore Palo Alto
Explore Palo Alto
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Hewlett Packard Garage
Hewlett Packard Garage
11 minutes' walk
Birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historic garage offers insight into tech history. A must-see for innovation enthusiasts.
Museum of American Heritage
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes' walk
This museum highlights American invention with hands-on exhibits and engaging displays. Family-friendly with free admission days.
Stanford University
Stanford University
25 minutes' walk
Prestigious university known for its beautiful campus and cultural sites, including art galleries and botanical gardens.
Cantor Arts Center
Cantor Arts Center
30 minutes' walk
Home to an extensive collection of art, this center offers free admission and guided tours of its diverse exhibits.
Biking at Baylands Nature Preserve
10 minutes' drive
Biking trails through stunning wetlands offer a thrilling experience. Rentals available nearby to enjoy California's wildlife.
Yoga at Palo Alto Yoga Studio
5 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga classes with a calming atmosphere. Classes for all skill levels and a welcoming community vibe make it special.
Il Fornaio
1 minute' walk
Warm Italian ambiance with handmade pastas and pizza. Perfect for families or couples, reservations recommended for busy nights.
Umami Burger
2 minutes' walk
Gourmet burgers in a casual setting. Offers unique flavor combos and vegetarian options for a diverse dining choice.
Palo Alto Art Center
Palo Alto Art Center
25 minutes' walk
This center features art exhibits and community events. Check out workshops and family-friendly activities throughout the year.
TheatreWorks
10 minutes' drive
A renowned theater known for groundbreaking productions. Offers a fantastic selection of shows suited for all ages, with many local performances.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Palo Alto 20 min  ·  1.0 mi
  • Airports
    Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 40 min  ·  16.2 mi
    San Francisco International (SFO) 48 min  ·  19.9 mi
  • Train
    California Ave Caltrain 32 min  ·  1.6 mi
    Train 2 min  ·  400 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 4 min  ·  1000 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2011
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
45
Former name
Garden Court Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about El Prado from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 163 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
92 %
Recommend
Breakfast
2.5/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free WiFi
9.4/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Spacious room
Fantastic breakfasts
Comfy bed
Cons
No coffee machine
Guest reviews
based on 257 reviews
9.1/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About El Prado
Are tea kettles or coffee machines available in the rooms? Additionally, what breakfast options are offered at the hotel?
10 December 2024
Kettles can be provided upon request, and complimentary coffee and tea are available from 7am to 10am on the elevator landings. A full breakfast menu can be ordered through room service.
Is breakfast included in the rate when I book my stay?
15 March 2024
Yes, the rate includes a selection of freshly baked pastries, fruit, and Peet's coffee and tea.
Which types of rooms feature bathtubs, specifically for guests wanting a relaxing soak?
22 January 2025
Double queen bed units and select suites have bathtubs available. Reservations can be made for these rooms upon request.
I'll be traveling with my elderly parents. Are there connecting rooms available, and how can they be booked?
5 April 2024
Requests for connecting rooms can be noted, and attempts will be made to accommodate them. Occupancy levels play a significant role in fulfilling such requests.
Is the neighborhood around the hotel safe for a single traveler? Planning a one-night stay.
12 September 2024
The area is considered safe, featuring a well-lit downtown that attracts both tourists and locals, offering a comfortable experience for visitors.
Can you explain the differences between the various king suite options available at the hotel, including the balcony features?
27 February 2025
Deluxe King rooms are 32 square meters, Deluxe Junior King Suites are 42 square meters and include a parlor room, while Deluxe King Suites are 46 square meters with a spacious living area and private balconies.
Is there a shuttle service to local attractions like Tesla, and does the property have a swimming pool?
8 August 2024
There is no shuttle service available. However, booking town cars can be arranged, and Uber/Lyft are readily accessible. Unfortunately, there is no pool on-site.
Is there complimentary parking available at the hotel, or are there associated fees?
19 October 2024
Valet parking is offered at a rate of $28.00 per night. For alternative options, some nearby garages allow free parking for 2 to 3 hours.
What is the ambiance like when entering el Prado, and what can guests expect during their stay?
30 November 2025
Guests will be welcomed into a bright and airy environment that blends European-inspired aesthetics with modern luxuries, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere throughout their stay.
Are there any special offers or package deals available for romantic getaways or special occasions?
14 May 2024
Yes, romantic getaway packages are offered that include special treats such as a bottle of sparkling wine and a dessert plate, ensuring a memorable escape.

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