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3-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Cardinal Hotel

Stay at The Cardinal Hotel, a cozy 1924 building in Palo Alto offering minimalist rooms, on-site cafe, free Wi-Fi, and close to Stanford Theatre and museums.

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States View on map
8.2/10
Very Good Based on 229 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Paid breakfast Paid parking Laundry service Restaurant
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay in a historic, minimalist setting

Guests highlight the cozy rooms and convenient location near popular dining and cultural attractions, while noting practical limitations in amenities.

Guests often praise

  • Comfortable and minimalist rooms preserving the historic 1924 character
  • Convenient location close to trendy restaurants, art galleries, and Stanford cultural sites
  • On-site cafe offering easy dining options without leaving the property
  • Reliable free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

Worth knowing

  • Some rooms feature shared bathrooms, which may not suit all guests
  • No air-conditioning or fitness center available on-site
  • Parking and breakfast are available only for an additional fee
  • The hotel does not accommodate pets and is not accessible for guests with mobility needs
  • Smoke-free environment maintained throughout the property

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a central base to explore Palo Alto’s cultural and dining scenes
  • Visitors interested in convenient access to Stanford Theatre, farmers’ markets, and local art spots
  • Guests who appreciate historic buildings with simple, cozy accommodations
  • Those prioritizing a smoke-free and Wi-Fi-equipped stay
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About this property

Welcome to The Cardinal Hotel

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Housed in a 1924 building, The Cardinal Hotel offers a cozy and minimalist lodging experience in Palo Alto. Some rooms feature shared bathrooms, reflecting its simple and practical approach to accommodation. An on-site café provides convenient dining options for guests during their stay.

Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property, with additional services including paid breakfast and parking. The hotel is smoke-free but does not offer air conditioning, a pool, fitness center, or airport shuttle services. Laundry service and an on-site restaurant add to the practical amenities available.

Located at 235 Hamilton Ave, the hotel sits in a central area known for its trendy global dining options and cultural attractions, such as the classic Stanford Theatre and a local farmers’ market. Nearby, Osteria Toscana offers popular Italian cuisine, while Qualia Contemporary Art provides a small but well-reviewed gallery experience.

Visitors can easily explore notable attractions like the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, the Computer History Museum, and California's Great America theme park. The Cardinal Hotel benefits from proximity to three major airports, including San Francisco International and San Jose Mineta, accessible by car in under 30 minutes.

With a guest rating of 4.1 based on over 200 reviews, The Cardinal Hotel appeals to travelers seeking straightforward, budget-conscious accommodations in a lively neighborhood. While feedback is generally positive, the minimalist style and shared bathroom options may be better suited to guests comfortable with basic facilities and a no-frills environment.

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Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Paid breakfast
Paid parking
Laundry service
Restaurant
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Accessible
Pool
Air-conditioned
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Cardinal Hotel

Palo Alto, California, USA

Central area with trendy global restaurants, classic cinema at Stanford Theatre & a farmers’ market.

  • Palo Alto 8 min Walk
  • Hamilton & Ramona 1 min Walk
  • Lytton Ave & Ramona St 4 min Walk
  • San Francisco International Airport 28 min Car · 57 min Transit
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport 25 min Car · 28 min Transit
  • Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport 40 min Car · 1 hr 19 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

California's Great America 16,031 reviews

California's Great America

4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States

4.4 · Amusement Park
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University 2,446 reviews

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, United States

4.7 · Museum
Computer History Museum 7,569 reviews

Computer History Museum

1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States

4.7 · History Museum
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