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Places to stay in Palo Alto
10 hotels and inns in this guide. Pros and watch-outs come from the linked sources; the most recent review was October 27, 2026. Cards marked location and brand only do not confirm amenities or fees. Policies change, so confirm details with the hotel before you book.
We may earn a commission when you book through these links.
The Westin Palo Alto
El Camino Real, across from Stanford675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pros
- Across El Camino Real from Stanford University.
- Walking distance to downtown Palo Alto.
- Part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand.
Watch-outs
- Fronts busy El Camino Real; downtown is a walk rather than at the door.
Location and brand only. Confirm amenities and fees with the hotel.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: business.paloaltochamber.com
Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
El Camino Real, across from Stanford625 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pros
- Across El Camino Real from Stanford University.
- Walking distance to downtown Palo Alto.
- Part of the Marriott Bonvoy brand.
Watch-outs
- Fronts busy El Camino Real; downtown is a walk rather than at the door.
Location and brand only. Confirm amenities and fees with the hotel.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: business.paloaltochamber.com
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto
Downtown Palo Alto (University Avenue)488 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pros
- On University Avenue in downtown Palo Alto.
- Down the street from Stanford University.
- Part of the Hilton brand family.
Watch-outs
- Busy downtown street; confirm parking with the hotel before you arrive.
Location and brand only. Confirm amenities and fees with the hotel.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: business.paloaltochamber.com
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto
Downtown Palo Alto (Hamilton Avenue)180 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pros
- Nobu restaurant, lobby cafe and bar on site.
- Downtown location on Hamilton Avenue.
Watch-outs
- Valet parking carries a daily fee.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: nobuhotels.com
Hotel Citrine, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
San Antonio Road (south Palo Alto)750 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Pros
- Dogs of all sizes welcome.
- Wild Onion Bistro & Bar on site, with an outdoor patio.
- Part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio.
Watch-outs
- Dog-friendly hotel, so expect pets around the pool and patio.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: hotelcitrine.com
AC Hotel Palo Alto
San Antonio Road (south Palo Alto)744 San Antonio Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Pros
- Part of Marriott's AC Hotels brand.
- On San Antonio Road in south Palo Alto.
Watch-outs
- Outside downtown Palo Alto; a car or rideshare is the easiest way to reach University Avenue.
Location and brand only. Confirm amenities and fees with the hotel.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: business.paloaltochamber.com
Hotel Keen
Downtown Palo Alto425 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pros
- Steps from University Avenue restaurants and shops.
- Breakfast, Wi-Fi and bike rental included.
Watch-outs
- Free parking is advertised for weekends; check weekday parking terms.
- Small hotel with 41 rooms, so it can sell out.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: hotelkeen.com
Cardinal Hotel
Downtown Palo Alto (Hamilton Avenue)235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Pros
- Historic 1924 hotel, recently renovated.
- Downtown location that works without a car.
Watch-outs
- Some rooms share a bathroom; check the room type when booking.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: cardinalhotel.com
Dinah's Garden Hotel
South El Camino Real4261 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Pros
- Two restaurants on site, including a poolside restaurant.
- Outdoor pool and garden ponds.
Watch-outs
- About three miles from Stanford and downtown Palo Alto.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: dinahshotel.com
Creekside Inn
El Camino Real (Barron Park)3400 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Pros
- Free parking.
- Outdoor heated pool.
- Garden setting along Matadero Creek.
Watch-outs
- No pets allowed, except service dogs.
Official site ↗Check rates on Expedia ↗Check rates on Hotels.com ↗
Sources: creekside-inn.com
This guide does not rate or rank these places; the order is not a recommendation. Booking links open the partner's site, where rates and availability are set.
Cultural stops in Palo Alto
Use these addresses to choose a convenient base for your visit, then compare the actual journey on the map.
Museum and cultural place
Palo Alto Art Center
The city art center on Newell Road presents exhibitions and community arts programs.
Use the hearts to save your stops. Open saved places → · Compare locations on the map → · Find an event for your visit →