Nestled near Stanford University, The Cardinal Hotel offers a unique blend of art and academia. Discover the on-site art gallery, warm up by the lobby fireplace or grab a cup of coffee at the cafe. With helpful staff and free WiFi in public areas, this hotel is an ideal retreat.
Reviews
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Popular amenities
Non-smoking
24/7 front desk
Free WiFi
Main amenities (7)
Daily housekeeping
Breakfast available
Coffee shop/cafe
24-hour front desk
Lobby fireplace
Water dispenser
Luggage storage
Feel at home (6)
Free cribs/infant beds
Premium TV channels
Daily housekeeping
Elevator
Bathtub or shower
Premium bedding
The current price is $186
$186
includes taxes & fees
$161 per night
Mar 1 - Mar 2
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms
View all photos for Economy Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom
Economy Single Room, 1 Queen Bed, Shared Bathroom
Highlights
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LED TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton linens
Premium bedding
Portable fan
130 sq ft
Sleeps 3
1 Queen Bed
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom
Highlights
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LED TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton linens
Premium bedding
Portable fan
250 sq ft
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner
Highlights
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LED TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton linens
Premium bedding
Portable fan
260 sq ft
City view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed
View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom
Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom
Highlights
Heating
Free cribs/infant beds
LED TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Down duvet
Egyptian cotton linens
Premium bedding
Portable fan
250 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Double Beds
View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom
Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford - 4 min drive
Stanford Stadium - 4 min drive
Stanford University - 5 min drive
Stanford University Medical Center - 5 min drive
Getting around
San Carlos, CA (SQL) - 20 min drive
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 21 min drive
San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 26 min drive
Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 37 min drive
Menlo Park Station - 4 min drive
California Ave Station - 5 min drive
Palo Alto Station - 6 min walk
Restaurants
Verve Coffee Roasters - 3 min walk
Salt & Straw - 2 min walk
Nola - 1 min walk
Pho Ha Noi - 3 min walk
Pizza My Heart - 2 min walk
About this property
The Cardinal Hotel
When you stay at The Cardinal Hotel, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Stanford University and Stanford Shopping Center. Also, Googleplex and San Francisco Bay are within a short drive. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff and location.
Languages
English, French, Spanish
At a glance
Hotel size
63 rooms
Arranged over 3 floors
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in/out available
Check-out time is 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Parking
Onsite garage
Offsite parking within 39 ft (USD 15 per day)
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Full breakfast (surcharge) on weekday mornings 7:00 AM–10:00 AM
Coffee shop
Water dispenser
What to do
Winery tours nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage
Facilities
1 building/tower
Built in 1924
Fireplace in lobby
Art gallery on site
Traditional architecture
Accessibility
Elevator
Assistive listening devices available
Visual fire alarm
Room amenities
Be entertained
42-inch LED TV
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Heating
Ceiling fan
Bathrobes and slippers
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Down comforter
Premium bedding
Pillowtop mattress
Free crib/infant bed
Freshen up
Bathtub or shower
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free local calls
Electrical adapters/chargers
Food and drink
Free bottled water
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe (laptop compatible)
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
Restaurant dining guide
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Full breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately USD 22 for adults and USD 22 for children
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for USD 20.0 per day
Parking
Parking is available nearby and costs USD 15 per day (39 ft away)
Policies
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Cashless transactions are available.
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Also known as
The Cardinal Hotel Hotel
The Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto
The Cardinal Hotel Hotel Palo Alto
Frequently asked questions
Does The Cardinal Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Cardinal Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Cardinal Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Cardinal Hotel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Express check-in and check-out and contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at The Cardinal Hotel and nearby?
Recommended spots to visit include Stanford Shopping Center (10-min walk) and Stanford University Medical Center (1.6 mi), along with Stanford University (1.7 mi) and Facebook Campus (3.5 mi).
What's the area around The Cardinal Hotel like?
The Cardinal Hotel is in University South, a short 6-minute walk from Palo Alto Station and 10 minutes' walk from Stanford Shopping Center. Travelers give top marks for the hotel's prime location.
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The Cardinal Hotel Reviews
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Staff & service
8.4/10
Amenities
8.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 19, 2025
Will stay here again
We absolutely loved our stay here! The hotel was right in Palo Alto among many restaurants, coffee shops, and an easy walk to the Stanford shuttle. The beds were super comfortable and the lobby was a great place to sit and read by the fireplace.
Suzanne
Suzanne, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 5, 2025
Great place, loved it.
Lots of history, great location, very clean and great walking distance to many things including Stanford University.
Verified traveler
3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 23, 2024
This was a great place to stay.
Diane
Diane, 5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 14, 2024
Nice Hotel !
Misaki
Misaki, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 23, 2025
The Cardinal Hotel is within walking distance of Palo Alto and Stanford University. It is very clean and comfortable. I stayed in a room where you share a toilet and also a shower. Both were spotless. I never had to wait to use either facility. I really enjoyed staying in the heart of Palo Alto.
Verified traveler
5-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 10, 2024
Nice hotel in a great area.
Donna
Donna, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 14, 2024
This historic hotel is lovely. It has a great location. I had a room directly over the restaurant, so the smell of breakfast and preparing food was very noticeable.
heather renee
heather renee, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 10, 2024
Location was fantastic and hotel was beautiful.
Catherine
Catherine, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 28, 2024
Charming, good location.
John
John, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 18, 2024
great location
John
John, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 21, 2024
I slept very well there. The staff is nice. Thanks!
Louis
Louis, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 25, 2024
Walk to Everything
Love the location, very walkable. Parking is nearby and mostly free. Older building, but comfortable rooms. We don't need amenities, just a place to sleep.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 4, 2024
Beautiful old hotel with charm.
Elsa
Elsa, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 23, 2024
Great old historic hotel. No air conditioning, but it was comfortable. Loved the location.
robin
robin, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 31, 2024
Such an amazing 100 year old property.
Oleksiy
Oleksiy, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 28, 2024
Stayed here for 2 nights & was a great experience, shopping & diner literally downstairs from hotel.
Stacey
Stacey, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 17, 2024
Great place right in the middle of everything.
Cary
Cary, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 18, 2024
Great location and culture.
Shuji
Shuji, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 23, 2024
Loved the proximity to Stanford and the historical charm!
Christine
Christine, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 2, 2024
Great location and easy access to all downtown amenities.
Mike
Mike, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
May 13, 2024
Beautiful historic building, well maintained.
hiroko
hiroko, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 25, 2023
Great, historic Hotel!
Andrew
Andrew, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jul 23, 2024
Quaint, updated older hotel
Lana
Lana, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 26, 2024
Nice hotel with a good price
Kristina
Kristina, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Feb 26, 2024
Wonderful place to stay that is in the middle of wonderful dining and easy walk to Stanford