Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoCardinal Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoCardinal Hotel Palo Alto Interior photo
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From160US$ /night
Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
Check-out
21Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Property overview

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Near Farmers' markets
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
4.3
4.0
/5

Rooms

The Cardinal Hotel offers classic guest rooms with private bathrooms. Rooms feature Direct TV with premium channels, bedside USB ports, high-speed wireless internet access, and a well-lit work desk. Options include rooms with two extra-long double beds, one queen bed, or a California King bed. Shared bath style rooms feature one queen bed, in true European style, guests share a hallway bathroom. The sinks are in the room and the bathrooms and showers are independent in the hallways. Deluxe rooms include a California King bed and in-room coffee. Rollaway beds are available.

Dining

The Cardinal Hotel has two restaurants: Osteria, offering Tuscan cuisine, and Bistro Maxine, a French-inspired café serving breakfast daily. Complimentary tea and cocoa are available in the lobby. Guests also have access to a wide array of restaurants including 'Best in the Bay Area', all ethnic cuisines and the trendy farm to table. Popular wine bars sprinkled among the wealth of infamous local coffee shops such as Philz, Verve and Coupa Cafe.

Leisure and Entertainment

Guests of the Cardinal Hotel have strolled through the hotel lobby to the Cardinal Barber Shop. YogaSource Palo Alto offers over 65 classes a week, including vinyasa, power, bikram, yin, restorative, yoga sculpt, and hot pilates. Other options are Pace Gallery and visiting Lee Optometrics. Local movie theaters and parks make downtown easy to visit without a car.

Location & Transportation

The Cardinal Hotel is located halfway between San Francisco and San Jose airports. It is 30 km from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport and 3 km from California Ave Caltrain. The Marguerite Shuttle provides free transportation to Stanford University, SLAC, Stanford Hospital, Shopping Center, and Stanford Research Park. The Caltrain station is a 7-minute walk. The hotel is located near Cantor Arts Center, Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center, Arizona Garden, and Museum of American Heritage.

Services

The Cardinal Hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and concierge services. Free weekday newspapers and coffee are available in the lobby. The hotel offers limited shipping services via USPS or UPS for items left behind. Concierge service is available at the front desk and provides recommendations regarding local dining, attractions and special events.

“This vintage boutique hotel stands apart with its commitment to preserving its historic lobby; it's a refreshing contrast to the generic modernity of larger chains, and offers comforts like complimentary tea and cocoa. I especially appreciate the hotel's support for Stanford-related events, a real advantage for corporate travellers. The location is ideal too, placing guests within easy reach of Stanford University and local attractions.”
Hotel logo
Michael TurnerEditor, UsCalifornia
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Choose your preferred room

The property features double rooms, family rooms, and suites, often including breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Standard Queen Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Standard King Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Queen Room
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Superior Suite
2 persons
25 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Bathtub
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Calendar of room availability and rates

See current availability and pricing for your dates

Facilities

Amenities are designed to ensure comfort and memorable stays
Facilities: Great
8.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • Handicap parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning

Dining

  • Restaurant

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Heating
  • Dressing area
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite

Discover delightful dining at the Cardinal Hotel, where comfort meets French elegance. Guests can indulge in a cherished neighborhood bistro experience, paired with warm hospitality and a relaxing atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends and family.
Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Bistro Maxine - Independent restaurant in the same building - breakfast and lunch ONLY

French
Ambiance
Family-friendly and traditionally styled, evoking a cozy bistro atmosphere.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a range of delectable vegetarian and dairy-free options for breakfast and brunch, all expertly crafted to highlight the essence of French cuisine.
Reservation
Not needed
Open Tuesday to Friday from 06:30 to 13:30; Saturday and Sunday from 07:00 to 14:00.

Cardinal Hotel Location

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Map view
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Nearby
south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road
Arizona Garden
200 ft
601-699 Gilman St
Farmers' markets
1000 ft
Store
Whole Foods Market
1100 ft
Restaurants
Pizza My Heart
800 ft
220 University Ave
Curry Up Now
500 ft
321 Hamilton Ave
New York New York
500 ft
125 University Ave Ste 190
Subway
800 ft
205 University Avenue
Gelato Classico
1300 ft
435 Emerson St
The Prolific Oven Bakery & Cafe
1000 ft
550 Waverley St
Sushirrito
1800 ft
448 University Ave
Peet's Coffee & Tea
1600 ft
436 University Ave
Gyros Gyros
2000 ft
498 University Ave
Explore Palo Alto
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Arizona Garden
1 minute walking
A peaceful botanical garden featuring native plants and scenic pathways, perfect for a serene escape.
Hewlett Packard Garage
10 minutes walking
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, showcasing the historical significance of HP and inspiring innovation.
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes walking
An art museum with a diverse collection, including works by Rodin. Admission is free and offers guided tours.
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
A prestigious university known for its stunning campus and historic architecture, with various exhibitions and events.
Biking at Stanford
5 minutes driving
Explore Stanford's expansive trails by bike. Rentals available nearby for a fun outdoor adventure.
Yoga at Palo Alto Yoga
5 minutes driving
Relaxation through yoga sessions tailored for all levels. Reservations recommended for popular classes.
Farmers' Market Visits
4 minutes walking
Experience the local culture at weekly farmers' markets featuring fresh produce and artisan goods.
Hiking at Flood Park
10 minutes driving
Enjoy scenic trails and picnic areas amidst beautiful landscapes, ideal for family outings or solo hikes.
Curry Up Now
2 minutes walking
A vibrant spot serving Indian street food with a twist. Dishes like tikka tacos standout, vegan options available.
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes walking
Casual dining with a California twist on classic pizzas. Known for generous slices and a relaxed atmosphere.
New York New York
2 minutes walking
Lively ambiance with staple New York-style pizzas and Italian fare. Great for a quick and satisfying meal.
Gelato Classico
5 minutes walking
Authentic Italian gelato with seasonal flavors. A perfect treat for families and a sweet end to your day.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
25 minutes walking
A family-friendly venue with interactive exhibits and a small zoo, ideal for kids and educational outings.
Pace Art and Technology
15 minutes walking
A contemporary space for art and media enthusiasts, featuring innovative exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Theater at Stanford
5 minutes driving
Watch performances ranging from theater to dance. Check the schedule for family-friendly shows and events.
The Rose and Crown Pub
10 minutes walking
A lively pub with a great selection of craft beers and often hosts live music and trivia nights.
Local transportation
City Centre
Palo Alto21 min  ·  1.1 mi
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC)40 min  ·  16.4 mi
San Francisco International (SFO)50 min  ·  20.6 mi
Train
California Ave Caltrain29 min  ·  1.5 mi
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at USD 15 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of US$27 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Spanish
Year renovated:
2008
Number of rooms:
44

Guest ratings and reviews

Guest feedback from past stays
Review score
Based on 250 verified reviews
8.3/10
Great
76%
Recommend
Breakfast
5.5/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.2/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Friendly staff
Clean bathrooms
Charming hotel
Cons
Noisy room
Shared bathroom
Poor customer service
Guest reviews
based on 266 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Cardinal Hotel
What are the check-in and check-out times at Cardinal Hotel?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is parking available at Cardinal Hotel?
Public parking is available nearby for 15 USD per day.
What dining options are available at Cardinal Hotel?
Bistro Maxine, located next door, serves traditional and continental breakfasts, as well as lunch, dinner, and dessert crepes.
What nearby attractions can guests visit while staying at Cardinal Hotel?
The hotel is located 2 km from Stanford University and 0.5 km from Apple Palo Alto Electronics Store.
What room amenities does Cardinal Hotel offer?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, a work desk, high-speed wireless internet access, and USB charging ports.
How far is Cardinal Hotel from the nearest train station?
The Palo Alto Caltrain Station is 0.5 km, which is an 8-minute walk from the hotel.
Is there an airport transfer service available at Cardinal Hotel?
Guests are advised to consider using Uber for transportation to and from the airport.
What languages do the staff at Cardinal Hotel speak?
The staff is proficient in English to assist guests.
What historical significance does Cardinal Hotel have?
Built in 1924, the hotel features a vintage boutique atmosphere and has hosted guests for nearly 100 years.
How far is Cardinal Hotel from the nearest airport?
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport is 30 km away.

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