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el PRADO

4.0 star property
Boutique hotel with a restaurant, near Stanford University
VIP Access

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Photo gallery for el PRADO

Outdoor wedding area
Indoor wedding
Outdoor wedding area
Exterior
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View in a map
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
  • Place, Stanford University
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Stanford Shopping Center
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Stanford Stadium
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬
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Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Fireplace

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 500 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 300 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(10 reviews)
  • City view
  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 400 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Courtyard King Suite, Balcony

Courtyard King Suite, Balcony | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Courtyard King Suite, Balcony

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

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed | Living area | 49-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels, TV

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed

  • 500 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe King Room

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Deluxe King Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Deluxe Queen Room

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Deluxe Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2

Deluxe Queen Queen

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Courtyard Deluxe Fireplace King With Balcony

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Courtyard Deluxe Fireplace King With Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Deluxe King Suite With Balcony

Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Deluxe King Suite With Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

Deluxe King Room With Fireplace

  • Sleeps 3

Courtyard King Suite, Balcony

  • Sleeps 2

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in University South within a short walk of Stanford University, el PRADO is within a few miles (5 km) of other popular sights such as 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 Theatre - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Stanford University - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Stanford Shopping Center - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Stanford Stadium - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 5 min drive - 1.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Maruwu Seicha 丸宇製茶 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Blue Bottle Coffee - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Hidden Tap and Barrel - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Curry Pizza House Palo Alto - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cafe Venetia - ‬2 min walk

About this property

el PRADO

Boutique hotel with a restaurant, near Stanford University
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 dry cleaning/laundry, concierge services, 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.

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Total with taxes and fees
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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
  • 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
  • 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)
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Feb 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at el PRADO on Feb 16, 2026 start from $545.49, 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 10-minute walk of Silicon Valley and Stanford Theatre. You'll also find Stanford Stadium and San Francisco Bay 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay 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, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

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

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 494 out of 628 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 90 out of 628 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 628 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 628 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 628 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gennesis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is mainly in room dining, there’s only a lounge to dine in… but the property is very pretty and the rooms are fabulous
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nazgol

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorothea

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

Romantic Weekend Getaway

Romantic getaway to downtown Palo Alto. Enjoyed visiting. Art Galleries, Palo Alto Code Art Festival and the Cantor Museum. There are so many great restaurants in the area too! The staff was so kind and helpful and welcomed us with a bottle of champagne and Strawberries for our 30th wedding anniversary.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Great stay - big, well appointed rooms in an excellent location
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cora

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic location. Helpful staff. Comfortable rooms.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Georgia

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The property is lovely and well maintained. I am not quite sure how it is a 5 star property. There is no in room coffee/tea. It is provided by the elevator from 6-10. Not ideal. There is no complementary bottled water. There is limited room service. The staff was very nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Margret-Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super friendly staff. Pet friendly. Walking distance to shops and restaurants.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jianhuo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mingzhou

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert W

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

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

Paris in Palo Alto

Felt like being in Paris. Love this hotel!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachid

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

Loved it!

In the heart of Palo Alto next to all the restaurants. We took 2 suites. Both on the 4th floor. Excellent layout, sunlight, furniture, bedding and bathroom cleanliness. Boutique hotel lived up to our expectations from the valet to housekeeping. If you have a room facing the courtyard, expect a bit of echo from the il fornaio terrace downstairs but it is not significant. Definitely coming back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jaclyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

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

El Prado Palo Alto

Fantastic property with well trained customer friendly folks ready to help you with anything you need. Highlight however was the quality and comfort of the bed and linens. Top notch. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Location amazing - rooms large, clean and well furnished. Front desk helpful and pleasant. Maintenance slow and low standard ( took 24 hours to get a simple sink “ stopper” fixed — and
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Zhanna

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Location
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

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