Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoCardinal Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoCardinal Hotel Palo Alto Interior photo
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From160US$ /night
Check-in
11Jun2026Select date
Check-out
12Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
4.3
4.0
/5

Historic boutique hotel near Stanford University with on-site barber shop and French bistro

Amenities

The Cardinal Hotel has an on-site barber shop that has operated continuously for over 35 years. Complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa are available in the lobby throughout the day. Free weekday newspapers are provided, and a business center is available for guest use.

Rooms

Each non-smoking room offers a flat-screen TV and dark wood furniture, with a work desk and iron included. Some rooms have a private bathroom, while others provide access to shared bathrooms located on the same floor. Rooms are equipped with ceiling fans, as the hotel does not offer air conditioning.

Location

The hotel is 1.6 km from Stanford University and within walking distance of Pace Gallery and Stanford Shopping Center. The Palo Alto Caltrain Station is an 8-minute walk, providing convenient access to the Bay Area. Downtown Palo Alto's restaurants, coffee shops, and wine bars are steps from the front door.

Dining

Bistro Maxine, located next door, serves traditional and continental breakfasts, as well as lunch and dinner crepes. The bistro offers both indoor seating and outdoor dining on the street. Breakfast is included for guests staying in rooms with a private bathroom.

Business & Corporate Travel

The hotel provides comprehensive support for Stanford-related events and accommodations. A business center is available, and free high-speed wireless Internet is offered throughout the property. Yoga classes are available nearby at YogaSource Palo Alto for guests looking to unwind.

Highlights

History: Built in 1924, nearly 100 years of continuous hospitality

Barber: On-site barber shop with 35+ years of operation

Dining: Bistro Maxine - French cuisine next door

Location: 1 mile from Stanford, 8 min walk to Caltrain

Ambiance: Vintage lobby with original 1924 switchboard and light fixtures

Room Types: Queen rooms with private or shared bathrooms

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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
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard King Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Queen Room
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Superior Suite
2 persons
25 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Bathtub
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Facilities

Experience a variety of amenities at the boutique hotel, crafted to ensure your comfort and unforgettable moments
Facilities: Great
8.3/10Review 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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Cardinal Hotel Location

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Map view
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Nearby
south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road
Arizona Garden
200 ft
601-699 Gilman St
Farmers' markets
1000 ft
Store
Whole Foods Market
1100 ft
Restaurants
Pizza My Heart
800 ft
220 University Ave
Curry Up Now
500 ft
321 Hamilton Ave
New York New York
500 ft
125 University Ave Ste 190
Subway
800 ft
205 University Avenue
Gelato Classico
1300 ft
435 Emerson St
The Prolific Oven Bakery & Cafe
1000 ft
550 Waverley St
Sushirrito
1800 ft
448 University Ave
Peet's Coffee & Tea
1600 ft
436 University Ave
Gyros Gyros
2000 ft
498 University Ave
Getting around
City Centre
Palo Alto21 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 Caltrain29 min  ·  1.5 mi
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 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 USD 15 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in 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 263 verified reviews
8.2/10
Great
75%
Recommend
Breakfast
5.5/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.3/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Guest reviews
based on 265 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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Check-in
11Jun2026Select date
Check-out
12Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room