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The Cardinal Hotel

2.5 star property
Hotel with a coffee shop, 10-minute walk to Stanford Shopping Center

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Cardinal Hotel

Interior
Lobby sitting area
Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters, pillowtop beds
Business center
Designer store

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
  • Place, Stanford Shopping Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Stanford University
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪19 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
  • 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
  • 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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 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)
  • 260 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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Exterior

Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

University South
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 254 reviews
$197 nightly
The price is $228
Dec 23 - Dec 24
Total with taxes and fees
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in University South within a short walk of Stanford Shopping Center, The Cardinal Hotel is within 2 miles (3 km) of other popular sights such as Stanford University Medical 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 Shopping Center - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Stanford Stadium - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Stanford University - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Pizza My Heart - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Nola - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Ramen Nagi - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Nobu Palo Alto - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Meyhouse - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Cardinal Hotel

Hotel with a coffee shop, 10-minute walk to Stanford Shopping Center
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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Dec 6 - Dec 7
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 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 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 Dec 5, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cardinal Hotel on Dec 20, 2025 start from $140.49, 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's there to do close to The Cardinal Hotel?

This hotel is situated in University South, just steps from Silicon Valley, and within a 10-minute walk of Stanford Shopping Center and Stanford University Arboretum. You'll also find Stanford Stadium and Facebook Campus within a short drive.

Is there parking available 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.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Cardinal Hotel?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include a pillowtop mattress, bathrobes, and slippers.

Does The Cardinal Hotel have a hot tub?

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

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.

Does The Cardinal Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

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).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Cardinal Hotel?

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

Reviews

The Cardinal Hotel Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 247 out of 373 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 69 out of 373 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 35 out of 373 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 373 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 373 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Trevor, San Francisco

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Bare bones and stuffy

I can't believe I paid a premium for this stay. Old building that hasn't been renovated with care. A thousand layers of paint prevented the bathroom door from latching. We just had to keep the bathroom door ajar. Front door dead bolt didn't work. No A/C (which isn't uncommon for these older buildings), but mediocre ceiling fan and poor ventilation. In an attempt to cool down the room, we kept the window open. That meant no privacy. It also didn't help much and was very noisy. Closed the window and we slept in a sauna; it wasn't even a hot day. Just zero ventilation. Squeaky floors above us, loud pipes, super loud ice machine in the hallway, and hallway ceiling lights would buzz at a high pitch pretty regularly. TV is basic cable without even a decent channel guide. Pros: comfortable mattress and bedding, convenient location on Hamiton and Ramona. Overall, I do not recommend this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Kimberley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
3rd floor in a heat wave was rather hot - the AC was not sufficient.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

ying

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
No AC. Too noisy at midnight
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ugo

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

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beware: No Air Con in the Rooms

BEWARE: NO AIR CONDITIONING IN THE ROOMS! For a hotel in Palo Alto, this is not acceptable. If you choose to run the business this way you need to write that important fact clearly and visibly on the first page of the website. Sleeping with the windows open in a city neighborhood is noisy and full of light seepage. Granted the Bay Area is cooler most months, the summer evenings and nights get very warm. Second issue: rooms are basic. No in room coffee or tea. I love old historic hotels but this one was a shocker. Flew in for a 1 night stay for work and woke up restless and exhausted. Never again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Athanasios, Wilton

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

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

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Walking distance to shops and dining. Will definitely stay at this property again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicolas

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Eliza

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Shani

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

10/10 Excellent

Coromoto

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesus

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marianne

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

10/10 Excellent

Marlene

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Cardinal Hotel was everything we wanted!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel itself is dated compared to current big brand hotels but it’s charming and in a great spot. Walking distance to shopping and restaurants. Parking can be tricky. Super clean, kind and helpful staff and the rooms are nice.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia

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

Relaxed and Refreshed

This 100 year old hotel is beautiful! Perfect location! Very clean! Super helpful and friendly staff!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
this property is great example of historic preservation done right!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

NOVA, Arcadia

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a great area for shopping and dining. However, the neighborhood can be noisy at night. At 2 am, the guest above me decided to have a loud conversation and did what sounded like moving furniture around. That lasted until after 3 am. The front desk person in the morning didn t bother to ask about my stay, so I didn't share it with them.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Noelle

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

Beautiful History

Beautifully maintained historic hotel. Staff is incredibly helpful and kind. Absolutely loved. The only drawback is no air conditioning and you have to leave the window open to get air which unfortunately due to the prime location, cars people, trains, etc are very loud.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025