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The Cardinal Hotel

2.5 star property
Hotel with a coffee shop, a quick walk to Stanford Shopping Center

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Cardinal Hotel

Interior
Lobby sitting area
1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters
Designer store
Designer store

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, 94301
  • Stanford Shopping Center
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪22 min drive‬

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Room options

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

1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Private Bathroom

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

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

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

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

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

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom | 1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds, Private Bathroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

1 bedroom, Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, down comforters

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Private Bathroom

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(10 reviews)
  • 250 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

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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 - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • Stanford University - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 3 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 Roasters - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Salt & Straw - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Nola - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Pho Ha Noi - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pizza My Heart - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Cardinal Hotel

Hotel with a coffee shop, a quick 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 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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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Exterior

Creekside Inn

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  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,476 reviews
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The price is $127
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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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
  • Smoke-free property
  • 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

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 Jun 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Cardinal Hotel on Jun 24, 2025 start from $463.0, 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 Stanford Theatre, 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 parking available on site 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.

The Cardinal Hotel Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 194 out of 294 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 56 out of 294 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 294 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 294 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 294 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is 100 years old and very charming, with original tiles and features throughout. Much nicer than the usual bland hotel chains.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Business traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

kaori

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marat

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yulia

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

TOSHIAKI

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Disliked: Room comfort
Extreme street noise made untenable for business trip
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Florinda, Page

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff are amazing! My stay was wonderful! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gumaro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous hotel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trent

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The Cardinal Hotel is within walking distance of Palo Alto and Stanford University. It is very clean and comfortable. I stayed in a room where you share a toilet and also a shower. Both were spotless. I never had to wait to use either facility. I really enjoyed staying in the heart of Palo Alto.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ting

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Hisataka

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Minhui

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hotel has a hundred year of history, its interior is renovated but still maintained its style. The service is great. I love how my room looks and it is warm and clean. The area is walkable, plenty of restaurants near by. I currently really enjoy my stay. One thing to note is that the wall can be a bit thin, so you might still hear the people outside on the streets, and in the hallway.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Mary

Business traveler
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Parking is a huge hassle. Also there is no proper heat in the rooms. Must wait for radiator to come on. This isn’t rural Maine … come on folks each room needs a thermostat and the ability to set temp.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Richard

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

10/10 Excellent

Frances

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

William, Redmond

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

10/10 Excellent

Summer

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mariela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Gorgeous historic hotel; with clean, comfortable, and pretty rooms. In a great location. And very nice staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Youngjun

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

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

Will stay here again

We absolutely loved our stay here! The hotel was right in Palo Alto among many restaurants, coffee shops, and an easy walk to the Stanford shuttle. The beds were super comfortable and the lobby was a great place to sit and read by the fireplace.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Sandra

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025