520 Cowper Street,
Palo Alto,
California,
United States,
94301,
California
-
Close to Farmers' markets
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.8
4.5
/5
Loved by guests
Spacious room
Comfortable bed
Attentive staff
Perfect location
"The in-room fireplace gave it a cosy feel during colder-than-usual February evenings & mornings."
Gerhard from United Kingdom
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"You feel like you're transported into another country in the courtyard."
JusttheThuofUs from United States
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"The reception in the hotel was amazing, the food was delicious, especially the abundant hours d'oeuvres, and charcuterie boards."
Lourdes
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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.”
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
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
360 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Heating
room details
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
400 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Courtyard King Fireplace
2 persons
400 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
King Suite Balcony
2 persons
550 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Heating
room details
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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
Non-smoking rooms
Car park
Handicap parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Sports & Fitness
Fitness centre
Golf course
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Room service
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Business
Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Jacuzzi
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Dressing area
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Bathtub
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
CD player
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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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.
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.
Location
520 Cowper Street,
Palo Alto,
California,
United States,
94301,
California
Map view
520 Cowper Street,
Palo Alto,
California,
United States,
94301,
California
City landmarks
Shopping Area
Stanford Shopping Center
1.0
mi
University
Stanford University
1.5
mi
Museum
Hewlett Packard Garage
2900 ft
Museum
Cantor Arts Center
1.5
mi
Landmark
Sunset Magazine Headquarters and Gardens
3200 ft
Landmark
Professorville
3000 ft
Zoo
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
1.0
mi
Landmark
Rodin Sculpture Garden
1.3
mi
Landmark
Junior Museum & Zoo
4500 ft
Landmark
Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center
4900 ft
Store
Whole Foods Market
2100 ft
Landmark
Pace Art and Technology
4600 ft
Mall
Town & Country Village
3500 ft
Gallery
Palo Alto Art Center
1.3
mi
Gallery
Allied Arts Guild
1.2
mi
Tower
Hoover Tower
1.5
mi
Park
Burgess Park
1.4
mi
Landmark
El Palo Alto Park
3300 ft
Park
Rinconada Park
5200 ft
Museum
Anderson Collection at Stanford University
1.2
mi
Church
Memorial Church
1.6
mi
Landmark
Nealon Park
1.6
mi
Gallery
Thomas Welton Stanford Art Gallery
1.5
mi
Landmark
Fremont Park
1.3
mi
Landmark
Frost Amphitheater
1.2
mi
Garden
Stanford Arizona Garden
1.4
mi
Landmark
Burghers of Calais Sculpture
1.3
mi
Nearby
351 Homer Ave
Museum of American Heritage
1800 ft
601-699 Gilman St
Farmers' markets
1600 ft
south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road
Arizona Garden
1700 ft
Restaurants
Il Fornaio
100 ft
520 Cowper Street
Blue Bottle Coffee
500 ft
456 University Avenue
Umami Burger
400 ft
452 University Ave
Thyme
400 ft
496 Hamilton Ave
Chantal Guillon
500 ft
444 University Ave
Vino Locale
800 ft
431 Kipling St
Yayoi
800 ft
403 University Ave
Paris Baguette
800 ft
383 University Ave
Starbucks
800 ft
376 University Ave
Joya
1100 ft
339 University Ave
Explore Palo Alto
Explore Palo Alto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
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
7 minutes' walk
This museum highlights American invention with hands-on exhibits and engaging displays. Family-friendly with free admission days.
Stanford University
25 minutes' walk
Prestigious university known for its beautiful campus and cultural sites, including art galleries and botanical gardens.
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
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 Alto20 min
·
1.0
mi
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)39 min
·
16.2
mi
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)48 min
·
19.8
mi
Train
California Ave Caltrain32 min
·
1.6
mi
Train2 min
·
400 ft
Bus
Bus stop4 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 USD 28 per day.
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
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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