El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoEl Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoEl Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photo
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From524US$ /night
Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
Check-out
21Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Property overview

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Near the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.7
4.5
/5

Rooms and Suites

el PRADO features 62 rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions with satellite channels, and work desks. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors that open to views of downtown Palo Alto or the central courtyard. The hotel offers a range of accommodations, from 300-sq-ft rooms to 1,000-sq-ft suites. Accessible rooms feature walk-in/roll-in showers with grab bars and folding seats. Some rooms include a luxury king-size bed, a cozy fireplace, a sitting area with a sofabed, a 55" HDTV screen, and walk-in closets. Select suites include a separate dining room and a private balcony with city or courtyard views. The grand deluxe suite has a private patio with a fountain, a second patio overlooking the inner courtyard, a fireplace, and a marble bathroom with a separate aerated spa tub and overhead rain shower. Dog-friendly rooms are available.

Dining at el PRADO

The hotel has Il Fornaio, an Italian restaurant. The hotel also offers a Tapas Bar and Lounge located in the drawing room on the second floor (open Tuesday-Saturday from 3:00 PM-10:00 PM). Coffeebar provides breakfast options and fresh-brewed coffee, served directly to the rooms. Guests can order dinner and drinks from the in-room dining menu.

Recreation and Well-being

The hotel has an open-air interior courtyard and central fountain. The fitness room includes ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, a cable fly machine, and a stair climber machine. Guests can see the Rodin sculpture collection in the garden.

Location and Access

el PRADO is located in downtown Palo Alto, less than a mile from Stanford University and close to Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The hotel is steps from University Avenue shops and restaurants, and 3 km from California Ave Caltrain. It is 30 km from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International. Nearby attractions include the Cantor Arts Center (2 km), the Junior Museum & Zoo (1 km), and Stanford Shopping Center (2 km).

Hotel Services

The hotel provides a 24-hour concierge, valet parking ($35 USD for daily and overnight parking), and room service. There is also an event planning team available to coordinate business functions with customizable catering menus and audio-visual support. The hotel offers pet-friendly rooms and onsite dry cleaning services. Valet service accepts vehicles outfitted for wheelchairs.

“This boutique hotel channels a relaxed Spanish Colonial aesthetic in Palo Alto's downtown. The on-site Tapas Bar and Il Fornaio add considerable appeal, while the courtyard provides relaxing and enjoyable moments. I think it's a great option to consider for a wedding venue or business travel.”
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
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
360 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Heating
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
400 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Courtyard King Fireplace
2 persons
400 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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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
8.9/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • On-site car park
  • Handicap parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Electric vehicle charging station

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning

Dining

  • In-room breakfast

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Jacuzzi

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Dressing area
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • CD player
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

El Prado boasts dining options that bring a taste of Italy to the heart of California, complemented by a vibrant Tapas Bar offering handcrafted cocktails. Whether indulging in authentic Italian fare at Il Fornaio or enjoying a cozy atmosphere at the Tapas Bar, guests are in for a delightful culinary experience.
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Il Fornaio

Italian fine dining
Ambiance
Traditional setting with elegant decor, exuding warmth and charm
Key Offerings
Signature Italian dishes including house-made pasta, fresh seafood, and decadent desserts. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a leisurely dining experience.
Reservation
Recommended
Monday to Friday: 7 AM - 10:30 AM & 11:30 AM - 10 PM (23:00 on Friday); Saturday: 8 AM - 11 AM & 11:30 AM - 11 PM (23:00); Sunday: 8 AM - 11 AM & 11:30 AM - 10 PM.

Tapas Bar and Lounge

Spanish tapas
Ambiance
Cozy lounge located in the drawing room on the second floor, perfect for casual gatherings or pre-dinner drinks
Key Offerings
A selection of handcrafted signature cocktails featuring herb-infused syrups and Spanish liquors, alongside an array of delectable tapas. Ideal for unwinding or enjoying light bites with friends.
Reservation
Not needed
Tuesday to Saturday: 3 PM - 10 PM.

El Prado Hotel Location

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Map view
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Nearby
351 Homer Ave
Museum of American Heritage
1800 ft
601-699 Gilman St
Farmers' markets
1600 ft
south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road
Arizona Garden
1700 ft
Restaurants
Il Fornaio
100 ft
520 Cowper Street
Blue Bottle Coffee
500 ft
456 University Avenue
Umami Burger
400 ft
452 University Ave
Thyme
400 ft
496 Hamilton Ave
Chantal Guillon
500 ft
444 University Ave
Vino Locale
800 ft
431 Kipling St
Yayoi
800 ft
403 University Ave
Paris Baguette
800 ft
383 University Ave
Starbucks
800 ft
376 University Ave
Joya
1100 ft
339 University Ave
Explore Palo Alto
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Hewlett Packard Garage
11 minutes' walk
Birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historic garage offers a glimpse into tech innovation with informational plaques.
Farmers' Markets
6 minutes' walk
Local produce, artisan goods, and vibrant community atmosphere. Great place for seasonal shopping and tasting.
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes' walk
Cultural hub featuring American history exhibits and interactive displays. Free admission on select days.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
20 minutes' walk
Family-friendly zoo with interactive exhibits and native animals. Engaging for children and educational for all.
Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
10 minutes' drive
Vast wetlands and nature trails perfect for birdwatching, hiking, and biking. Free entry makes it accessible for all.
Yoga on the Green
15 minutes' walk
Outdoor yoga classes at local parks. Relaxing atmosphere ideal for all levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners.
Il Fornaio
1 minute' walk
Italian cuisine in a cozy setting. Signature dishes include handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Reservations recommended.
Blue Bottle Coffee
2 minutes' walk
Specialty coffee shop known for its artisanal brews. Ideal for a quick pick-me-up or a relaxing coffee date.
Palo Alto Art Center
25 minutes' walk
Art exhibitions and workshops for all ages in a vibrant community space. Regular events foster local artistic talent.
The Stanford Theatre
10 minutes' drive
Historic movie theater presenting classic films. Cozy vibe perfect for cinema enthusiasts and families alike.
Local transportation
City Centre
Palo Alto20 min  ·  1.0 mi
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC)40 min  ·  16.2 mi
San Francisco International (SFO)48 min  ·  19.9 mi
Train
California Ave Caltrain32 min  ·  1.6 mi
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop4 min  ·  1000 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at USD 28 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2011
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
45
Former name
Garden Court Hotel

Guest ratings and reviews

Guest feedback from past stays
Review score
Based on 153 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
93%
Recommend
Breakfast
2.5/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
8.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.2/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.3/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Quiet location
Comfortable beds
Excellent location
Helpful manager
Cons
Smelly room
Limited service
High prices
Guest reviews
based on 273 reviews
9.1/10
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.
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FAQs
About El Prado
What is the check-in and check-out policy at El Prado?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is El Prado from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport?
El Prado is 30 km from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What are the nearby attractions to El Prado?
Nearby attractions include Stanford University (5 km), Stanford Shopping Center (7 km), and Cantor Arts Center (2 km).
Is there a restaurant on-site at El Prado?
El Prado features an on-site Tapas Bar and Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio, which serves lunch and dinner.
What amenities are available in the rooms at El Prado?
Rooms at El Prado feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTVs, minibars, air conditioning, and balconies.
Does El Prado offer fitness facilities?
El Prado includes a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with ellipticals, treadmills, free weights, and other workout machines.
What dining options are available nearby El Prado?
Nearby restaurants include Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery, Rooh, and Sushirrito, all within 0.5 km.
Does El Prado provide any business services?
El Prado offers a 24/7 business center and meeting room facilities.

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