See all properties

The Cardinal Hotel

2.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Cardinal Hotel

Interior
Designer store
Lobby sitting area
Family dining
Room amenity

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 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 Stadium
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪26 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
(15 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 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

7.6 out of 10
Good
(15 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 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
(8 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 2
  • 1 King Bed

You may also like

Ad
Terrace/patio

The Nest Hotel Palo Alto

Ventura
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 1,023 reviews
$113 nightly
The price is $131
Jun 27 - Jun 28
Total with taxes and fees
The Nest Hotel Palo Alto

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 Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • 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 - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile

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
  • ‪Curry Pizza House Palo Alto - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hidden Tap and Barrel - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Maruwu Seicha 丸宇製茶 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Pho Ha Noi - ‬3 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.

Similar properties

Property grounds
Creekside Inn
Barron Park
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,835 reviews
$154 nightly
The price is $178
Jul 4 - Jul 5
Total with taxes and fees
Creekside Inn

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (USD 20 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 20 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 Jun 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cardinal Hotel on Jul 3, 2026 start from $177, 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 Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market and Stanford University Arboretum less than a mile away.

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 a down comforter, 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. 304 out of 450 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 83 out of 450 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 38 out of 450 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 15 out of 450 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 450 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kasey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A hotel with a great personality in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Great location and quaint atmosphere. Had a wonderful stay and would definitely come back.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary

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

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very conveniently located
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice, old, nostalgic hotel that has been well maintained and upgraded! We stayed in a King Deluxe room with private bath and corner room views with lots of daylight (and shutters for sleeping-in in the morning). City location is great with lots of restaurants and shopping within a short walk. We would definately stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The staff was outstanding!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Knowledgeable and helpful staff, beautiful property, and excellent location. We will be back!
View from our room
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! Definitely recommend if you will be in the area
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

sneha

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Location
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A fantastic hotel, and a great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Aaron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Liked proximity to Stanford University.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Grace

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

8/10 Good

Jennifer

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

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Parking was easy and the neighborhood was fantastic. Very comfortable room, would have been nice to have a small fridge but it was a great stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ligia María

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
All thinks was very very nice
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Ana Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful traditional hotel with spotless bathrooms and comfortable rooms. Staff were not enthusiastic. I hope they have a fair salary.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nathan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

denise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location. Lots of shops and restaurants nearby. For being 100 years old the hotel is very clean
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marlene

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

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Parking was somewhat easy. Staff were very accommodating. Ships were available and suitable. I loved the experience
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

FLORENCE

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michal Ravid

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An impressive historic landmark, staff is friendly, rooms & facilities are clean, in the center of Stanford.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was a great place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jagdeep Singh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thanks for the great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Catherine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was fantastic and hotel was beautiful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024