Welcome to El Prado – Palo Alto

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From316US$ /night
Check-in
11Mar2026Select date
Check-out
12Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Close to the city center
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.8
4.5
/5

Amenities

El Prado offers an extensive range of services designed for guest convenience. The hotel features 24-hour concierge support to assist with event planning and special requests. A well-equipped fitness center includes ellipticals, treadmills, and free weights for a comprehensive workout experience.

Rooms

El Prado contains 62 renovated rooms and suites, reflecting Spanish-style architecture combined with contemporary aesthetics. Accommodations feature high-end furnishings, pillowtop beds, and many offer private balconies overlooking charming views. In-room amenities include minibars and flat-screen televisions with satellite channels.

Dining

Guests can start their day with in-room breakfast options featuring freshly brewed coffee from Coffeebar. The in-room dining menu allows for a range of dinner and drink choices in the comfort of guest rooms. An array of upscale dining venues lies just steps away in downtown Palo Alto.

Location

El Prado is strategically situated less than one mile from Stanford University and a short distance from major tech campuses including Facebook and Google. Nearby attractions include the Cantor Art Museum and Stanford Shopping Center, providing close access to unique experiences. The hotel is surrounded by a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and cultural points of interest.

Event Spaces

El Prado provides multiple event spaces totaling 7,300 square feet designed for both social and corporate gatherings. The hotel's ballroom features expansive glass windows and access to courtyards, enhancing the event atmosphere. Customizable catering menus and advanced audiovisual support are available for all functions.

Highlights

Location: Less than one mile from Stanford University .

Rooms: 62 renovated rooms and suites .

Dining: In-room breakfast and dinner options .

Event Spaces: 7,300 square feet for gatherings .

Amenities: 24-hour concierge support .

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through Stanford University's lush campus and gardens.
  • Try the famous tri-tip sandwich at the original Banh Mi Ba Le.
  • Visit the Cantor Arts Center for top-notch exhibits and sculptures.
  • Explore the Stanford Shopping Center for unique boutiques and eateries.
  • Check local events at the Palo Alto Art Center for community art.
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Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
360 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Heating
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
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
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Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind
Facilities: Perfect
9.0/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • 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 offers a delightful array of dining experiences ranging from authentic Italian delicacies to lively tapas in a chic lounge setting. Both venues exude warmth and charm, inviting guests to relish vibrant flavors and crafted cocktails in an inspired ambiance.
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Il Fornaio

Italian
Ambiance
Traditional dining with a cozy atmosphere
Key Offerings
Savor authentic Italian dishes, including handmade pasta and seasonal specialties. Breakfast features delightful pastries and coffee, while dinner presents an array of classic Italian entrees.
Reservation
Recommended
07:00 - 10:30 and 11:30 - 22:00 Monday to Thursday; 07:00 - 10:30 and 11:30 - 23:00 Friday; 08:00 - 11:00 and 11:30 - 23:00 Saturday; 08:00 - 11:00 and 11:30 - 22:00 Sunday

Tapas Bar and Lounge

Spanish Tapas
Ambiance
Chic and vibrant drawing room setting on the second floor
Key Offerings
Enjoy a unique selection of handcrafted cocktails featuring herb-infused syrups and an array of delectable tapas, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or a pre-dinner appetizer.
Reservation
Not needed
Tuesday - Saturday from 3:00 PM - 10:00 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
Explore Palo Alto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Museum of American Heritage
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes walking
A hands-on museum emphasizing technology from the 19th century to the present, perfect for curious minds and families.
Stanford University
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
Stunning campus known for its architecture, vast gardens, and the Hoover Tower offering panoramic views of the valley.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
18 minutes walking
A historic home and botanical garden with seasonal blooms, ideal for leisurely strolls and family picnics.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
20 minutes walking
Interactive exhibits and a small zoo cater to younger audiences, making it a fun outing for families with kids.
Hiking at Arastradero Preserve
20 minutes driving
Mountain biking and hiking trails among natural beauty. Challenging routes for thrill-seekers, with scenic vistas.
Yoga at A Yoga Studio
10 minutes driving
Peaceful studio offering a variety of classes focused on relaxation and rejuvenation, accessible via rideshare.
Visit Farmers' Markets
6 minutes walking
Local farmers offer fresh produce and artisan goods, perfect for a vibrant community experience on weekends.
Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio
1 minute walking
Italian cuisine in a warm ambiance featuring wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Umami Burger
Umami Burger
2 minutes walking
Casual eatery known for gourmet burgers and unique toppings, perfect for a quick bite or laid-back dinner.
Thyme
Thyme
2 minutes walking
Contemporary restaurant serving seasonal fare with farm-to-table ingredients. Great for dietary restrictions.
Palo Alto Art Center
Palo Alto Art Center
25 minutes walking
Contemporary art exhibits and engaging workshops for all ages. Family-friendly environment promoting creativity.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee
2 minutes walking
Trendy cafe with artisanal coffee and light bites. Perfect spot for casual meetings or relaxing after a day of activities.
Stanford Theatre
8 minutes driving
Historic movie theater showing classic films. Offers a nostalgic atmosphere for a fun night out.
Getting around
City Centre
Palo Alto20 min  ·  1.0 mi
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)40 min  ·  16.2 mi
San Francisco International Airport (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

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
Review score
Based on 138 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
93%
Recommend
Breakfast
2.5/10
Cleanliness
9.5/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Facilities
9.0/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.4/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Central location
Comfortable bed
Clean rooms
Breakfast quality
Luxurious room
Cons
Room smell
Soulless lobby
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 are the check-in and check-out times at El Prado?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is El Prado from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
El Prado is 30 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What dining options are available on-site at El Prado?
On-site dining options include a Spanish Tapas Bar and the Italian restaurant Il Fornaio.
What room amenities does El Prado offer?
Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a safe, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi.
What attractions are near El Prado?
Nearby attractions include Stanford University (3 km) and the Stanford Shopping Center (7 minutes by car).
Does El Prado provide business services?
The hotel offers a 24/7 business center and meeting rooms for business travelers.
What fitness facilities are available at El Prado?
El Prado has a fully equipped fitness centre including ellipticals, treadmills, and weight machines.
Is breakfast available at El Prado?
Fresh-brewed coffee and breakfast specialties are served in the Breakfast Coffee Bar.
What languages are spoken by the staff at El Prado?
The staff at El Prado speaks multiple languages to cater to diverse guests.
Does El Prado have a spa?
In-room massages can be arranged through the concierge service.
Are there any notable features of the rooms at El Prado?
Rooms include features such as French doors that open to views of downtown Palo Alto.

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