The Palo Alto Inn

3.0 star property
Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Stanford University

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Palo Alto Inn

Outdoor banquet area
Property video
Exterior
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Bathtub (Non Smoking 1 King Room) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
In-room business center

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
4238 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪28 min drive‬

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Bathtub (Non Smoking 1 King Room)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(56 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room- Accessible)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Bathtub (Non Smoking 2 Queen Room- Bathtub)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(20 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(11 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in Palo Alto Orchards, The Palo Alto Inn is 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from Stanford University and within a 10-minute drive of other popular attractions like Shoreline Amphitheatre. Each of the 23 rooms at this motel includes a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

What's nearby

  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Rengstorff Park - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 5 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

  • San Antonio Station - 3 min drive
  • Whisman Station - 7 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Boba Bliss - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Mendocino Farms - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Idly Express - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Slice House - ‬17 min walk

About this property

The Palo Alto Inn

Motel with free parking, in the vicinity of Stanford University
The Palo Alto Inn features free WiFi in public areas, a business center, and coffee in a common area. If you plan to drive, free parking is available. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with tours/tickets and securing valuables. Additional amenities include a meeting room, express check-out, and a terrace.
42-inch TVs come with satellite channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers are also available. Change of towels is available on request.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laundry detergent
  • Phone
  • Printer
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property is also known as

The Palo Alto Inn Motel
Days Inn Stanford
Days Inn Stanford Motel
Days Inn Stanford Motel Palo Alto Area
Days Inn Palo Alto Stanford Area Motel
Days Inn Stanford Area Motel
Days Inn Stanford Area
Days Palo Alto Stanford Area
Days Stanford Area
The Palo Alto Inn Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Inn Motel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Palo Alto Inn?

The Palo Alto Inn offers free cancellation on certain room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at The Palo Alto Inn?

As of Jan 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Palo Alto Inn on Feb 21, 2026 start from $135.4, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do around The Palo Alto Inn?

This motel is situated in Palo Alto Orchards, just steps from Silicon Valley. You'll also find Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford Stadium within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Palo Alto Inn?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the motel. RV/bus/truck parking is also available for guests.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a casino on the premises?

No, The Palo Alto Inn doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Palo Alto Inn?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

What do couples enjoy most about The Palo Alto Inn?

Couples staying at this motel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding and a turndown service as well as concierge services.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, The Palo Alto Inn doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Palo Alto Inn allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Palo Alto Inn though service animals are welcome.

Does The Palo Alto Inn have connecting rooms?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to The Palo Alto Inn?

The closest major airport to The Palo Alto Inn is San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 14 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is located 13.4 mi away (18-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Palo Alto Inn?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The Palo Alto Inn.

The Palo Alto Inn Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 631 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 237 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 63 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 38 out of 1002 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1002 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
this was such a cute hotel. The rooms were also new and clean. The staff was amazing. I wasn’t feeling well and I requested for a late check out and the gentleman at the front desk was very sweet and accommodating. With excellent customer service comes a returning customer
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Connie

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peggy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly and the room was clean and comfortable. I was happy with my stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marcella

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is by far one of the BEST hotel experiences we've had. We stay at hotels frequently as my son in law works for a large corporate hotel chain and this place totally out does them all. Check in was easy and pleasant. The gentleman helping us was so sweet and offered us complimentary drinks and snacks and a chocolate candy. Even gave us the option of ground floor which I highly appreciated as I don't do well with stairs. The room was immaculate! Clean, sanitized and had fresh flowers in both the room and bathroom. And let me tell you about the garden.. Zen overload 😌 We sat outside for hours after our event just sipping wine. Definitely will be back and HIGHLY recommend! Absolutely incredible and the price was amazing for what we got. 10/10 !
Complimentary snacks
Beautiful room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wonderful Stay at the Palo Alto Inn! I stayed at the Palo Alto Inn for one night while attending a show at Shoreline, and everything from check-in to check-out was fantastic! The general manager personally checked us in — he was super friendly and made sure we had a great room in a quiet area. The room itself was spotless, the beds were incredibly comfortable (we honestly wished we could’ve taken them home!), and the bathroom was well-stocked with all the essentials — plus extras in case we’d forgotten anything. The water pressure was perfect, which is always a huge bonus. We also appreciated the thoughtful outdoor seating area for smokers — it was clean, comfortable, and nicely arranged. Overall, it was an excellent stay with great hospitality and attention to detail. I’ll definitely stay here again next time I’m in the area!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It met all our needs
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was available at a better price that the other motels in the area, a little further from Stanford than the app stated, but clean and comfie! No breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Geri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, comfortable bed, friendly, accommodating staff.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

julie

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

david

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is excellent and very clean. I recommend it, it's a very nice place.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Nancy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, quiet rooms
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yaseen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Front desk was super nice. By far best motel I’ve ever stayed at. Asked for a late checkout and they were very understanding about it! Clean rooms, nice amenities, and a cute look. Safe area too!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank, Nashville

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Front desk was super friendly and helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Randy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet and Well appointed, nice bath and shower. Nice big flat screen TV and guide. Fridge a little small and bed frame too large for mattress.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Alejandra

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Not worth the money they charged.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A wonderful place!!

A lovely inn!! Clean, quiet, with many amenities!! One of the most comfortable beds I've encountered!! A selection of pillows, which was wonderful. We will stay here again!! 10/10
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alyssa

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025