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The Cardinal Hotel

2.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Cardinal Hotel

Interior
Lobby sitting area
Designer store
Room amenity
Family dining

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
  • Place, Stanford University
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Stanford Shopping Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom

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

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(14 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom

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

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom

7.2 out of 10
Good
(12 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner

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

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom, Corner

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • City view
  • 260 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in University South, The Cardinal Hotel is within a 10-minute walk of popular sights such as Stanford University and Stanford Shopping Center. This 63-room hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like a coffee shop/cafe, express check-in, and express check-out.

What's nearby

  • Stanford University - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Stanford University Arboretum - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Stanford Shopping Center - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Stanford Stadium - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • Palo Alto Station - 6 min walk
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Verve Coffee - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hidden Tap and Barrel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Curry Pizza House Palo Alto - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Maruwu Seicha 丸宇製茶 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Ramen Nagi - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Cardinal Hotel

A local mainstay since 1924, The Cardinal Hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, express check-in, and express check-out. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with luggage storage, and answer any questions about the accommodations. Additional amenities include a water dispenser and a fireplace in the lobby.
Guests can expect to find 42-inch LED TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and designer toiletries, and pillowtop beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters ensure a restful night. Free local calls, ceiling fans, and laptop-compatible safes are also available.

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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,710 reviews
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The price is $130
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (USD 15 per day)
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Food and drink

  • Weekday full breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 22 for adults and USD 22 for children
  • A coffee shop/cafe

Things to do

  • Art gallery

Family friendly

  • In-room crib

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Guidebooks
  • Luggage storage
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

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
  • Elevator
  • Visual fire alarm

More

  • 1 building
  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1924
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Down comforter
  • Egyptian cotton sheets
  • Free crib
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch LED TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water
  • Restaurant dining guides

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laptop-compatible safe
  • Phone
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Express check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 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
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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per day
  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

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 22 for adults and USD 22 for children
  • Nearby parking fee: USD 15 per day (39 ft away)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per day

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 and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-anytime
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in and out are easy with express services.

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 and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
  • 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:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

The Cardinal Hotel Hotel
The Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto
The Cardinal Hotel Hotel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at The Cardinal Hotel?

The Cardinal Hotel provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at The Cardinal Hotel?

As of Mar 6, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cardinal Hotel on Mar 7, 2026 start from $157, including 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 close to The Cardinal Hotel?

This hotel is situated in University South, just steps from Silicon Valley and Stanford Theatre, and within a short walk of Stanford Shopping Center. You'll also find Stanford Stadium and Facebook Campus within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Cardinal Hotel?

Yes, there is a garage.

Does The Cardinal Hotel feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Cardinal Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Cardinal Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is The Cardinal Hotel good for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include premium bedding, bathrobes, and slippers.

Are there hot tubs at The Cardinal Hotel?

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

Does The Cardinal Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Cardinal Hotel serves a full breakfast on weekday mornings for a surcharge from its cafe.

Will The Cardinal Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Cardinal Hotel though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at The Cardinal Hotel?

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

How close is the airport from The Cardinal Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Cardinal Hotel is San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 10 mi away (20 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is located 16.5 mi away (21-minute drive).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Cardinal Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Cardinal Hotel.

The Cardinal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 266 out of 401 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 76 out of 401 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 36 out of 401 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 401 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 401 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location and clean room!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Harold T

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Grace

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Smooth check-in/check-out process, comfortable + clean room!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Kelvin

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful Ambiance and very comfy beds
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Tom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great location but the room was too warm, even turning off the radiator in the room.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Didnt park. Great shops. But no thermostat, had to use portable heater and windows. Thus very uncomfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ideal for public transportation and walking to restaurants and theaters. Sweet older hotel with charm.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zeqiong

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Min

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was super clean, operable window for fresh air. Provide slippers, post card, feel so welcome. Definitely will stay in this hotel next time visit Palo Alto.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martha

Great.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Maria

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Toshikazu

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

10/10 Excellent

Alfredo

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and bath. Helpful staff. Excellent location for a Stanford campus visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emilyn

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trevor, San Francisco

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Megan

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I stayed at the excellent Cardinal Hotel in Palo Alto for 2 nights for a business trip and had a wonderful, cozy stay at this unique and historic gem. I make it a point to seek out old hotels that are full of character, so this was the perfect place for me. Some of the rooms utilize a shared toilet and shower in the hall. While the whole hotel is a deal compared to surrounding options, the rooms utilizing the shared facilities are very affordable. I peeked my head in the toilet/shower and they were immaculate! They provide a robe and slippers in the room, so if you choose a room with a shared bath, you're covered, quite literally. I booked a room that had its own bathroom, and my room was cozy and clean with a comfortable bed. The walk-in shower in my room looked brand new and had great heat and pressure. The provided shampoo, conditioner, and body wash smelled and felt luxurious. There is no AC at this hotel, but the window opened, which was such a treat on a delightfully cool fall night. I adore a fresh breeze, so I was happy. The sounds of the city floated in, and I even enjoyed a multimedia art installation projected on a nearby building one evening—built-in entertainment for the win. By 1030, it was quiet, however, and I slept soundly until the morning. If you're a noise-sensitive person, you might want a more modern option, but I had a blast.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Clean and comfortable. The shared bathrooms were not a problem as we never had to wait or even encounter other guests.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexa

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alexander

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

10/10 Excellent

FLORENCE

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the easy access to shopping and dining. A short walk to Caltrains station is great.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025