Welcome to Cardinal Hotel – Palo Alto

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From160US$ /night
Check-in
22Dec2025Select date
Check-out
23Dec2025Select 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
8.2
8.7
/10
4.4
4.0
/5

Amenities

The Cardinal Hotel boasts a vintage charm with a historic ambiance dating back to 1924. Guests enjoy high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the hotel and complimentary coffee at Bistro Maxine. The hotel also offers a 24-hour front desk with concierge services to assist with local dining recommendations and transportation arrangements.

Rooms

The hotel provides a variety of room types to accommodate different preferences, including Deluxe Rooms with California King beds and shared bathroom options. Every room includes Direct TV with premium channels, bedside USB ports, and well-lit work desks. Rollaway beds are available for added comfort if needed.

Location

Located just 1 mile from Stanford University, the hotel is ideally situated for college visits and corporate travel. The Cardinal Hotel places guests within walking distance of a diverse range of restaurants, including renowned farm-to-table eateries and local coffee shops. Proximity to tech companies and popular attractions offers convenience for both leisure and business travelers.

Dining

On-site dining options include Osteria, known for its Tuscan cuisine since 1986, and Bistro Maxine, a French-inspired café open for breakfast daily. Complimentary tea and cocoa are offered in the lobby for a cozy touch. Guests can enjoy the local dining scene, with over 100 restaurants available within a short stroll.

Business Services

The Cardinal Hotel has a long-standing history of accommodating visitors for Stanford University conferences and events. The hotel collaborates with various departments to provide lodging for guests attending symposiums at Stanford, SLAC, and the Medical Center. The concierge is available to assist business travelers with transportation and meeting arrangements.

Highlights

Location: 1 mile from Stanford University

Dining: On-site Tuscan and French cuisine

Business: Long-standing partnerships with Stanford

Amenities: 24-hour concierge and high-speed Internet

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.
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Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Superior Suite
2 persons
2 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Bathtub
Superior King Room
2 persons
2 m² 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Bathtub
Standard Double Room
2 persons
21 m² 
2 Double beds
Heating
Bathtub
Standard Queen Room
2 persons
21 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Facilities

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

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free 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

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

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
50 m
601-699 Gilman St
Farmers' markets
290 m
Store
Whole Foods Market
330 m
Restaurants
Pizza My Heart
220 m
220 University Ave
Curry Up Now
140 m
321 Hamilton Ave
New York New York
140 m
125 University Ave Ste 190
Subway
230 m
205 University Avenue
Gelato Classico
380 m
435 Emerson St
The Prolific Oven Bakery & Cafe
280 m
550 Waverley St
Sushirrito
530 m
448 University Ave
Peet's Coffee & Tea
480 m
436 University Ave
Gyros Gyros
580 m
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  ·  1.7 km
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)40 min  ·  26.4 km
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)50 min  ·  33.1 km
Train
California Ave Caltrain29 min  ·  2.4 km
Train2 min  ·  100 m
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  100 m
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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
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
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.
Is parking available at Cardinal Hotel?
Public parking is available nearby for 15 USD per day, but reservations are not possible.
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.

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