Welcome to Cardinal Hotel – Palo Alto

Save money—book now
up to 10%
lower than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From160US$ /night
Check-in
22Mar2026Select date
Check-out
23Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Close to Arizona Garden
Great
8.3
8.7
/10
4.4
4.0
/5

Location

The Cardinal Hotel sits at 235 Hamilton Avenue, just 1 mile from Stanford University. Visitors can walk to a variety of dining options, including local favorites and farm-to-table restaurants. The hotel is conveniently located halfway between San Francisco and San Jose airports, enhancing accessibility for travelers.

Accommodations

Guests can choose from a range of room types, including Deluxe Rooms featuring California King beds. Each room offers bedside USB ports and high-speed wireless Internet access for convenience. The hotel's ongoing renovation ensures an updated and comfortable stay.

Dining Options

On-site dining includes Bistro Maxine, a French-inspired café serving breakfast daily, and Osteria, specializing in Tuscan cuisine. Complimentary tea, cocoa, and coffee are offered in the lobby for guests. The diverse restaurant scene nearby provides additional culinary choices.

Art and Culture

The hotel is located adjacent to Pace Gallery, which represents over 70 contemporary artists. Guests can enjoy the nearby Stanford Theater and various cultural venues within walking distance. The historical significance of the Cardinal Hotel adds to the experience of staying in Silicon Valley.

Business and Events

The Cardinal Hotel accommodates corporate travelers, serving those attending events at Stanford University and nearby high-tech companies. The professional staff offers dedicated service for booking group reservations. Convenient transport options enhance access to local business hubs.

Highlights

Location: 1 mile from Stanford University

Rooms: Deluxe Rooms with California King beds

Dining: Bistro Maxine, a French inspired cafe

Art: Pace Gallery representing over 70 artists

Business: Group accommodations for events

Must-do experiences

  • Savor a Mission-style burrito at Taqueria El Grullense nearby.
  • Stroll through the Stanford University campus to admire its architecture.
  • Visit the Cantor Arts Center for its impressive free art collections.
  • Explore the charming Stanford Shopping Center for unique boutiques.
  • Discover local produce and crafts at the Palo Alto Farmer's Market.
View all

Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Standard Double Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
2 Double beds
Heating
Bathtub
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
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind
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
Show more

Dining Onsite

Guests at Cardinal Hotel can indulge in delightful French cuisine at Bistro Maxine, a family-friendly eatery that serves breakfast and lunch in a cozy, inviting setting. With a focus on vegetarian and dairy-free options, the bistro captures the essence of traditional French dining, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or a quick bite.
Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Bistro Maxine

French, Vegetarian, Dairy-free
Ambiance
Family friendly, Traditional
Key Offerings
Enjoy a selection of enticing breakfast and lunch options that cater to various dietary needs, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Free weekday newspapers and premium blended coffee are available to enhance the experience.
Reservation
Not needed
Tuesday to Friday: 06:30 - 13:30; Saturday to Sunday: 07:00 - 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
Explore Palo Alto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
Renowned institution featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Guided tours are available for visitors.
Hewlett Packard Garage
10 minutes walking
Historical site known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. A must-see for tech enthusiasts interested in innovation history.
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes walking
Art museum with an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings. Free admission makes it accessible for art lovers.
Arizona Garden
1 minute walking
Beautifully landscaped garden showcasing native plants. Perfect for a quick stroll or peaceful moment.
Biking at Stanford Campus
25 minutes walking
Biking paths throughout the Stanford campus offer scenic rides. Rentals nearby cater to all experience levels.
Yoga in the Park
18 minutes walking
Relaxing yoga sessions hosted at nearby parks. Great way to destress while enjoying nature.
Visiting Farmers' Market
4 minutes walking
Weekly gathering featuring local produce and handmade goods. Open-air market atmosphere perfect for families.
Curry Up Now
2 minutes walking
Vibrant spot serving Indian street food favorites. Vegan and gluten-free options available, perfect for all diners.
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes walking
Casual pizzeria known for its delicious slices and fun atmosphere. Great for quick bites after a day of exploring.
Gelato Classico
5 minutes walking
Charming gelato shop with unique flavors. Perfect for a sweet treat and a quick break while wandering.
The Stanford Theatre
25 minutes walking
Historic theater showcasing classic films in a vintage setting. A cultural gem attracting movie lovers of all ages.
Acclaimed Jazz Nights at the Garden
18 minutes walking
Regular live jazz events at local gardens create a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for couples and music enthusiasts.
Getting around
City Centre
Palo Alto21 min  ·  1.1 mi
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)40 min  ·  16.4 mi
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)50 min  ·  20.6 mi
Train
California Ave Caltrain29 min  ·  1.5 mi
Train2 min  ·  400 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
Looking for special rates when booking early?
Explore them with us!
Check Rates
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

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
Review score
Based on 210 verified reviews
8.3/10
Great
78%
Recommend
Breakfast
5.5/10
Cleanliness
9.1/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.4/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
9.0/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Terrific location
Clean rooms
Friendly staff
Inviting lobby
Comfortable slippers
Cons
Weekend noise
Noisy alleyway
Guest reviews
based on 264 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 is the check-in and check-out policy at Cardinal Hotel?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Cardinal Hotel from Stanford University?
The hotel is located 2 km from Stanford University.
What dining options are available at Cardinal Hotel?
Guests can dine at Bistro Maxine, which serves traditional and continental breakfasts, as well as lunch, dinner, and dessert crepes.
What amenities do the rooms at Cardinal Hotel include?
Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, work desk, high-speed wireless internet access, and an iron.
How far is Cardinal Hotel from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
The hotel is approximately 30 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What are some nearby attractions to Cardinal Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Pace Gallery (0.5 km) and California Avenue Caltrain Station (3 km).
What additional services does Cardinal Hotel offer?
The hotel offers free weekday newspapers and complimentary coffee, tea, and cocoa in the lobby.
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Cardinal Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free high-speed wireless internet access throughout the hotel.
What business services are provided at Cardinal Hotel?
A business center is available for guests needing to manage work-related tasks.
Where can guests find dining options close to Cardinal Hotel?
Restaurants such as Coupa Cafe, Reposado, and Osteria are all located within 0.5 km from the hotel.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
22Mar2026Select date
Check-out
23Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room