el PRADO

4.0 star property
Family-friendly hotel with a fitness center and a 24-hour business center
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for el PRADO

Lobby sitting area
View from property
Lounge
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters
Front of property

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Bar
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
  • Stanford Shopping Center
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪27 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

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Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

  • 300 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace

  • 500 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

  • 400 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, Balcony

  • 500 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in University South, el PRADO is within a few miles (5 km) of popular sights such as Stanford University and Stanford University Medical Center. This 62-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and a gym.

What's nearby

  • Stanford Shopping Center - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Stanford Stadium - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Stanford University - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

  • Palo Alto Station - 10 min walk
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪HanaHaus - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Varsity Theatre - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Blue Bottle Coffee - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Salt & Straw - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Café Venetia - ‬3 min walk

About this property

el PRADO

Family-friendly hotel with a fitness center and a 24-hour business center
At el PRADO, guests have access to a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and meeting rooms. Valet parking is available for USD 35 per night, and there's also limo/town car service. The front desk has multilingual staff on hand 24/7 to help with concierge services, dry cleaning/laundry, and luggage storage. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Other amenities at this boutique hotel include conference space, a 24-hour business center, and coffee/tea in a common area.
Guests can expect free WiFi and 49-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries, and pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and pillow menus ensure a restful night. Balconies, minibars, and electric kettles are also available.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Limo/town car service
  • Valet parking on site (USD 35 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Extended parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 10 to 100 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Il Fornaio
  • Il Fornaio

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Library
  • Piano
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Hair salon
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 7,000 square feet of conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Spa

  • In-room massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Hand-held showerhead
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Height-adjustable showerhead
  • Visual alarms in hallways
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchairs on site

More

  • 1 building
  • 4 floors
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1986
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 49-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Champagne service
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total (70 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Pets may not be left unsupervised
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 10 to 100 per person
  • Valet parking fee: USD 35 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 75 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per night

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 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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers valet parking (fees apply).

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.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and 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 and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Court Garden Hotel
Garden Court
Garden Court Hotel
Garden Court Hotel Palo Alto
Garden Court Palo Alto
el PRADO Hotel
el PRADO Palo Alto
Garden Court Hotel
el PRADO Hotel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at el PRADO?

El PRADO provides free cancellation on some room rates. For more details, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at el PRADO?

As of Jun 18, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at el PRADO on Jun 27, 2025 start from $399.0, 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 can I see near el PRADO?

This hotel is situated in University South within a short 14-minute walk of Stanford Shopping Center and also 6 minutes on foot from Stanford Theatre. You'll also find San Francisco Bay and Stanford Stadium within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at el PRADO?

Yes, valet parking is offered for USD 35 per night with in/out privileges. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does el PRADO feature a casino at the property?

No, el PRADO doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at el PRADO?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at el PRADO?

At this boutique hotel, couples will welcome the many amenities including Champagne service and in-room massages along with a bar.

Are there hot tubs at el PRADO?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does el PRADO have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, el PRADO serves a full breakfast for a surcharge each morning at Il Fornaio.

Will el PRADO allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, dogs are welcome at el PRADO for a fee of USD 75 per pet, per stay. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does el PRADO have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

How close is the airport from el PRADO?

The closest major airport to el PRADO is San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 9 mi away (13 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is located 16.3 mi away (20-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at el PRADO?

Yes, every guestroom at el PRADO comes with a balcony with some featuring city or courtyard views.

Does el PRADO have a wedding venue?

If you plan to exchange vows during your trip, consider the wedding services available at el PRADO.

el PRADO Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 451 out of 578 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 85 out of 578 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 578 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 578 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 578 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ying Zhai

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sal

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Borui

spacious room!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Sofia

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The Hotel has a great location, rooms are super spacious and clean. The lobby is quite small with minimal seating area. Service and staff were really really nice and friendly and did an amazing job. However there was a huge downside to us that there’s no actual restaurant in the hotel to dine for breakfast or a bar to have a drink. There’s only in room dining available which would’ve been fine, except we were staying with out family in 4 different rooms and we were never able to just come down and have breakfast all together. We like to sit down for breakfast, not have breakfast in the room.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful rooms and finishes
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Niteen

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location. Excellent rooms. Need coffee maker option in room.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

gloria

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

Perfect room location and ambiance

One of the nicest rooms we’ve ever stayed in. Great staff so helpful
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meagan

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mehmet Cenk

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

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

Christmas visit to Palo Alto

Perfect location in beautiful downtown Palo Alto Very comfortable room and great car vallet service.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cameron

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

Exceptional staff, luxury amenities

The hotel and staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating during our stay as I had recently undergone surgery at Stanford. They went out of their way to make me comfortable. It is a lovely hotel with luxury amenities.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very helpful staff! Appreciated our upgrade!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

H

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good site and well managed team.
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Ian

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
While the daytime front desk manager provided 5 star service, when the night time manager started it was amateur hour. The doorman also never opened the door for me. Surprising for a hotel of this caliber. Otherwise the property itseld was a gem. The room felt so comfortable, as if we were at home in our apartment. The bathroom was especially nice with marble tile. Also, not related to my review but there is a coffee machine in a common area that is for employees only. It seems a little odd.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My most recent stay at El Prado was fantastic! The rooms are a very decent size, the bed super comfortable and the staff is super accommodating and friendly. Highly recommend!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Fernando

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nikka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The best hotel near Stanford!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

todd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bradley, Venice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beds were plush. Room very comfortable and spacious. Coffee bar was very convenient. Great location and service.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024