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The Cardinal Hotel

Property class: 2.5

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Cardinal Hotel

A grand lobby with a high ceiling, a central fireplace, and ornate columns.
A restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, a waiter walking by, and shelves with bottles and framed pictures on the walls.
A historic building with a prominent corner entrance, large windows, and a red awning.
A walk-in closet with a white robe hanging on a rack, a wooden hanger rod, and a black hairdryer on a shelf.
A grand lobby with a fireplace, two armchairs, a large rug, and a staircase.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 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

A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a chair, and a desk.

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(17 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

A neatly made bed with a quilted headboard, white bedding, and a single decorative pillow with a monogram.

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a laptop, a chair, and two windows with blinds.

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

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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 express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk.

What's nearby

  • Stanford Theatre - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Downtown Palo Alto Farmers' Market - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Stanford University - 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
  • ‪Nola - ‬1 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 fireplace in the lobby and a water dispenser.
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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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 25 per day)

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 satellite premium 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.

  • Nearby parking fee: USD 25 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.

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 Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at The Cardinal Hotel?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

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 Egyptian cotton sheets, 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?

No, The Cardinal Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

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. 341 out of 495 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 87 out of 495 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 39 out of 495 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 17 out of 495 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 11 out of 495 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rafael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great and the property is quite unique and charming.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Barry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location for good restaurants and shops.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place. Location 10/10. Staff was amazinig!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andreas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms are clean, staff was wonderful, public parking in walking distance, shops and restaurants around the hotel.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Susana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location and close by parking and car charging.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We very much enjoyed our stay! Clean spacious room, and right in downtown! Helpful friendly staff. Nice coffee/tea options. Good ceiling fan as there is no air conditioning. Great place to stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sydney Ying-YI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay if you're attending an event or concert at Stanford. It's situated less than 10 minute walk away from Palo Alto Caltrain station.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super convenient location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jesper

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A great location and a decent price.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

elias

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is beautifully maintained, and the room was very clean. Even though it’s over 100 years old, the hotel has been thoughtfully updated with plenty of charging ports and modern conveniences to accommodate guests. Truly an amazing hotel, not to mention it’s surrounded by plenty of great restaurants within walking distance.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

GERRY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean, staff are helpful and friendly. Its in the heart of downtown Palo Alto so there are restaurants and shops nearby. Even though the hotel has no parking, there were ample street and structure parking every where
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to downtown. Clean and reasonable price
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary

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

10/10 Excellent

HIROSHI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very good
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
One-hundred-year-old hotel in the heart of Palo Alto, with walking to all the shops, Whole Foods, restaurants and the theater. The rooms are comfortable, the beds very nice, and the staff is terrific. If you don't have a car, it's a perfect location.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

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

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

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

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 review

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 review

4/10 Poor

Sasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
This would be my favorite Palo Alto hotel if it had AC. The room was sweltering and even with fans this made the stay unbearable. Otherwise it is a lovely hotel and great staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
it was awesome
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

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 review

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