el PRADO

Family-friendly hotel with a fitness center and a 24-hour business center

VIP Access

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Where to?

Dates

July 2025

August 2025

Relax in a spacious, elegantly furnished room with a high ceiling and large windows offering city views.

Stately hotel with a classic design, featuring a symmetrical facade and sheltered entrance.

Relax in this serene room with a large bed, sliding glass door to an outdoor area, and comfortable seating.

Cozy living room with a fireplace, comfortable seating area, and a bookshelf.

Stroll through the charming courtyard, surrounded by arched windows and lush greenery.

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Exceptional

Popular amenities

Room service
Housekeeping
Bar
Breakfast available
Parking available

Explore the area

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

Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.

Expect exceptional service
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Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

Exceptional

300 sq ft
City view
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace

Exceptional

500 sq ft
City view
Sleeps 3
1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Exceptional

400 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Exceptional

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

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 luggage storage, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry. 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

Relax on the furnished terrace with a view of distant mountains, surrounded by potted plants and string lights.

Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Restaurant
Air conditioning

$259 nightly

Jul 19 - Jul 20

Total includes taxes and fees

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

1 building
4 floors
Ballroom
Banquet hall
Built in 1986
Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

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

Bathroom

Bathrobes
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
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

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.

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 there parking available 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.

Is el PRADO a good place to stay for couples?

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

Does el PRADO have a hot tub?

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, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony 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

9.4

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

8/10 Good

Zhanna

Jun 16, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Mar 29, 2025

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

Two night visit

Two night visit to see friends and family in Palo Alto area and a few doctor’s appointments at Stanford Byers.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Mar 22, 2025

Convenient for my purpose

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ying Zhai

Mar 15, 2025

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sal

Mar 15, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Borui

Mar 10, 2025

spacious room!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Mar 10, 2025

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Sofia

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family

Feb 17, 2025

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

Feb 13, 2025

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

Feb 10, 2025

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

Feb 3, 2025

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

Jan 16, 2025

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler

Jan 15, 2025

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

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mehmet Cenk

Jan 7, 2025

Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Jan 6, 2025

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

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gordon

Dec 26, 2024

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

Dec 26, 2024

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

Dec 25, 2024

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

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

James

Dec 23, 2024

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

Dec 23, 2024

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

Dec 18, 2024

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

Dec 16, 2024

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

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Business traveler

Dec 14, 2024

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