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From160US$ /night
Check-in
09Jan2026Select date
Check-out
10Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Close to the Museum of American Heritage
Great
8.2
8.7
/10
4.4
4.0
/5

Location

Cardinal Hotel is located just 1 mile from Stanford University and close to the Stanford Shopping Center. Situated in downtown Palo Alto, the hotel allows easy access to a variety of restaurants and local coffee shops. Guests can enjoy leisurely strolls without the need for a car, with a Whole Foods and multiple parks nearby.

Rooms

The hotel offers classic guest rooms that blend vintage charm with essential modern conveniences. Options include rooms with California King beds and shared bathroom amenities, accommodating various guest needs. The Executive Housekeeper, with over 30 years of experience, ensures the highest quality of housekeeping throughout the hotel.

Dining

Cardinal Hotel houses two independently operated restaurants: Osteria, known for its Tuscan cuisine, and Bistro Maxine, offering a French-inspired menu. Guests can enjoy complimentary tea and cocoa in the lobby, as well as breakfast options available for an additional fee. The historic Cardinal Barber Shop, also located within the hotel, adds another unique element to the dining experience.

Business Services

The hotel has longstanding partnerships with Stanford University, lodging participants attending conferences and events. A 24-hour front desk and concierge services are available to assist guests with local recommendations. Wi-Fi access is complimentary in all areas of the hotel, supporting business travelers' needs.

Entertainment and Accessibility

Guests can access an array of local entertainment options, including theaters and galleries, within walking distance. The Palo Alto Transit Center, only a 7-minute walk away, connects visitors to the Marguerite Stanford Shuttle. Accessibility features are present, with accessible shelving and grab bars available in select guest rooms.

Highlights

Location: 1 mile from Stanford University

Rooms: California King bed options

Dining: Bistro Maxine and Osteria

Business: 24-hour front desk services

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the tranquil Stanford University campus gardens.
  • Savor a gourmet sandwich at the renowned Wise Sons Deli nearby.
  • Explore the Cantor Arts Center for free art exhibitions and sculptures.
  • Visit the Palo Alto Farmers Market for fresh produce and local treats.
  • Check out the hidden magic of the Stanford Theatre's classic films.
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
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

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 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

At Cardinal Hotel, guests can delight in the elegant yet cozy Bistro Maxine, offering a taste of traditional French cuisine perfect for family gatherings or a leisurely brunch. Each dining experience is accompanied by warm service and a charming atmosphere, inviting travelers to pause and savor the moment.
Cardinal Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Bistro Maxine

French
Ambiance
Family-friendly and traditional, providing a cozy setting for breakfast and lunch gatherings.
Key Offerings
Specializing in vegetarian and dairy-free options, Bistro Maxine features comforting French classics that reflect the heart of culinary tradition.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast and lunch; Tuesday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

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
Stanford University
25 minutes' walk
Home to stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, Stanford University features free admission and guided tours for visitors.
Cantor Arts Center
Cantor Arts Center
25 minutes' walk
A renowned art museum that houses a diverse collection, including Rodin sculptures. Admission is free, with guided tours available.
Arizona Garden
Arizona Garden
1 minute' walk
A serene desert garden featuring a variety of succulents. Perfect for a quick stroll and admiring unique plants just steps away.
Hewlett Packard Garage
Hewlett Packard Garage
10 minutes' walk
Known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historic site offers a glimpse into tech history and innovation in a quaint setting.
Biking at Baylands Nature Preserve
15 minutes' drive
Enjoy scenic bike trails amidst wetlands and wildlife at one of California's largest urban nature preserves.
Stand-up Yoga Classes
10 minutes' drive
Participate in calming outdoor yoga sessions that rejuvenate body and mind, offered at local parks and studios.
Palo Alto Golf Course
10 minutes' drive
An 18-hole public golf course featuring beautiful landscapes and facilities for all skill levels. Book your tee time online.
Farmers' Market
4 minutes' walk
Visit the local farmers' market on Sundays for fresh produce and handmade goods, offering a taste of the community's flavor.
Curry Up Now
Curry Up Now
2 minutes' walk
A vibrant spot offering Indian street food with a modern twist. Known for its delicious curry burritos and flavorful dishes.
Pizza My Heart
Pizza My Heart
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery famous for its fresh pizza by the slice and a fun, laid-back atmosphere perfect for families and friends.
Gelato Classico
Gelato Classico
5 minutes' walk
Specializing in handmade gelato, this shop features unique flavors made from local ingredients-great for a sweet treat.
New York New York
New York New York
2 minutes' walk
A local favorite for classic New York-style pizza. Fast service and a casual setting make it ideal for a quick meal.
Palo Alto Players Theatre
10 minutes' walk
Enjoy community theater performances throughout the year, offering a mix of drama, musicals, and comedy nights.
The Rose & Crown Pub
10 minutes' walk
A cozy pub with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Great for a casual night out with friends or sampling local brews.
Stanford Theatre
25 minutes' walk
Catch classic films in a historic setting. The theater features affordable tickets and a beautiful vintage ambiance.
Pacific Film Archive
15 minutes' drive
A unique venue showcasing independent films. Offers a cultural experience and hosts events for filmmakers and film lovers.
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 at 11:00.
What is the distance from Cardinal Hotel to Stanford University?
The hotel is located 2 km from Stanford University.
Is parking available at Cardinal Hotel?
Public parking is available nearby for 15 USD per day, but reservations are not possible.
What are the nearby dining options from Cardinal Hotel?
Restaurants within 0.5 km include Bistro Maxine, Coupa Cafe, Tea Time, and Reposado.
Does Cardinal Hotel have an on-site restaurant?
The hotel features Bistro Maxine serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What kind of amenities can guests expect in their rooms at Cardinal Hotel?
Rooms include flat-screen TVs, high-speed internet access, work desks, and USB charging ports.
What additional services are provided at Cardinal Hotel?
Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and newspapers in the lobby.
How far is Cardinal Hotel from the nearest airport?
Mineta San Jose International Airport is approximately 30 km away.
What recreational facilities are available near Cardinal Hotel?
Guests have access to a golf course nearby and the option for yoga classes at YogaSource Palo Alto.
Is Wi-Fi available at Cardinal Hotel?
The hotel offers free high-speed wireless internet access throughout the property.

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