Cardinal Hotel - Your Boutique Escape in Palo Alto
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Key details
About the Hotel
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301,
-
Near the Arizona Garden
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
4.3
4.0
/5
Loved by Cardinal Hotel guests
Clean rooms
Great location
Authentic character
Attentive staff
On-site restaurant
Good value
"Fabulous place - one of the best historic hotels we've stayed at."
William from United States
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"It felt like a charming visit to the past with all the modern touches."
Kelly A from United States
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"The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean. Bed linen is superb."
R L from United States
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"A charming boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Palo Alto."
Jeff O from United States
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"Beautiful hotel in a perfect location."
thpayne from United States
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Dining
Bistro Maxine, located next door, serves traditional and continental breakfasts each morning. Lunch, dinner, and dessert crepes are also offered at this French bistro. Guests staying in private bathroom rooms receive a complimentary breakfast at Bistro Maxine.
Rooms
The hotel offers queen, king, and double bed rooms, including options with shared bathrooms on the upper floor. Rooms have ceiling fans and opening windows, as the building has no air conditioning. A vintage manually-operated elevator with a sliding door transports guests between floors.
Location
The Cardinal Hotel is 1 mile from Stanford University and an 8-minute walk from the Palo Alto Caltrain station. Guests have immediate access to downtown restaurants, coffee shops, wine bars, and the Stanford Shopping Center. The San Francisco International Airport is less than 21 miles away.
Business & Corporate
The hotel provides support for corporate travelers and Stanford-related event attendees. A business center is available, and free weekday newspapers are offered to guests. Free high-speed wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Services & Amenities
An on-site barber shop has been in continuous operation for over 35 years. Complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa are available in the lobby. Yoga classes are offered nearby at YogaSource Palo Alto.
Highlights
Historic: Nearly 100-year-old building with original 1924 switchboard
Dining: Bistro Maxine French cuisine next door
Barber: On-site barber shop operating 35+ years
Location: 1 mile from Stanford University
Corporate: Support for Stanford event attendees
“The historic character of this building is genuinely appealing, retaining its style beautifully after renovations. Its central location is a real asset, placing you a short walk from University Avenue's dining and shopping. I found the rooms to be clean and comfortable, making it a solid choice for business trips.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Wonderfulhotels
Select your room type
Cardinal Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Queen Room
2 persons
21 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard King Room
2 persons
21 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Queen Room
2 persons
13 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Cardinal Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
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 the Cardinal Hotel, guests are invited to indulge in delightful moments at Bistro Maxine, where traditional French flavors meet a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy stimulating meals with a range of vegetarian and dairy-free options, all served in a cozy setting that makes breakfast and lunch feel like a special occasion.
Bistro Maxine
French casual dining
Ambiance
Warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families, located within the hotel for added convenience.
Key Offerings
A selection of classic French breakfast items and vegetarian lunch dishes, all complemented by a focus on fresh ingredients. Ideal for a cozy brunch or lunch.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open for breakfast and lunch only.
Cardinal Hotel Location
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, 94301,
Explore Palo Alto
Explore Palo Alto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
Prestigious university featuring beautiful architecture and gardens, renowned for its cultural and academic significance.
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes walking
Art museum with impressive collections including works by Rodin, often hosts guided tours and special exhibits.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
25 minutes walking
Family-friendly museum and zoo showcasing interactive exhibits, a petting zoo, and educational programs for kids.
Hewlett Packard Garage
10 minutes walking
Birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historic site marks the innovative roots of HP and offers a glimpse into tech history.
Discover the local attractions near Cardinal Hotel
Experience nearby landmarks that offer unique experiences near Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto in the University South neighborhood.
Ideal for a peaceful outdoor stroll: Arizona Garden
Great for art enthusiasts and cultural exploration: Cantor Arts Center
Perfect for gardening inspiration and relaxation: Sunset Magazine Headquarters and Gardens
Well suited for nature lovers and garden walks: Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center
Best for those interested in innovative art experiences: Pace Art and Technology
Works well for historical sightseeing and photography: Professorville
Suited for quiet reflection and architectural admiration: Memorial Church
Great for local produce and artisan goods: Farmers' markets
Biking at Stanford Campus
5 minutes drive
Scenic cycling through Stanford's expansive campus. Rentals available nearby; ideal for both leisure and exercise enthusiasts.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
18 minutes walking
Serene garden ideal for relaxation, with free admission and scheduled landscaping events throughout the year.
Farmers' Markets
4 minutes walking
Local markets featuring fresh produce, crafts, and live music. Open weekly, perfect for sampling local flavors.
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes walking
Casual spot known for giant slices and unique toppings. A favorite among locals, perfect for a quick bite.
Curry Up Now
2 minutes walking
Innovative Indian street food with a vibrant atmosphere. Menu caters to various dietary needs; popular for take-out.
New York New York
2 minutes walking
Classic New York deli with breakfast options and hearty sandwiches. Cozy setting perfect for casual dining.
Discover dining options near Cardinal Hotel
Enjoy the best dining options available near Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto for various culinary experiences.
Ideal for casual dining and coffee lovers: Coupa Cafe
Perfect for afternoon tea and light snacks: Tea Time
Best for Mexican cuisine and vibrant flavors: Reposado
Well suited for authentic Italian dishes: Osteria
Great for a taste of New Orleans cuisine: Nola
Suited for fine dining and Mediterranean flavors: Evvia
Works well for healthy treats and frozen yogurt: Fraiche Yogurt
Perfect for casual drinks and pub fare: The Old Pro
Palo Alto Players
10 minutes walking
Local theater company offering a range of performances. Check their schedule for family-friendly shows and events.
The Edge
5 minutes drive
Popular spot for live music and nightlife, featuring weekly events like karaoke and dance nights. Great for socializing.
Getting around
City Centre
Palo Alto 21 min · 1.1 mi
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 40 min · 16.4 mi
San Francisco International (SFO) 50 min · 20.6 mi
Train
California Ave Caltrain 29 min · 1.5 mi
Train 2 min · 400 ft
Bus
Bus stop 2 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 true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel 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
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Cardinal Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 268 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
75 %
Recommend
Breakfast
5.5/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free WiFi
8.1/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Historic charm
Central location
Clean rooms
Comfortable beds
Cons
Noise issues
No air conditioning
Extra amenity fees
Guest reviews
based on 261 reviews
8.3/10
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.
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FAQs
About Cardinal Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Cardinal Hotel?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Cardinal Hotel from Stanford University?
The hotel is located 2 km from Stanford University.
What food options are available at Cardinal Hotel?
Bistro Maxine, located next door, serves traditional and continental breakfast, along with lunch, dinner, and dessert crepes.
Which amenities are included in the rooms at Cardinal Hotel?
Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, work desk, air conditioning, and internet access.
Does Cardinal Hotel have facilities for business travelers?
The hotel includes a business center to cater to business travelers.
What nearby attractions can visitors explore while staying at Cardinal Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Stanford Shopping Center (2 km) and Memorial Church (2 km).
Is there a shuttle service available from Cardinal Hotel?
The Marguerite Shuttle offers routes to Stanford University and nearby locations.
What services does Cardinal Hotel provide for guests?
Guests can enjoy free weekday newspapers and complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa in the lobby.
Where can guests find dining options near Cardinal Hotel?
Guests can find restaurants like Coupa Cafe and Reposado within 0.5 km from the hotel.
How far is Cardinal Hotel from the nearest train station?
The Palo Alto Caltrain Station is an 8-minute walk from the hotel.
What type of hotel is Cardinal Hotel?
It is a historic boutique hotel with a vintage charm located in downtown Palo Alto.