"I also think the staff was exceptional, clean rooms, room service came in early in the day and has done an incredible job."
Lucija from United Kingdom
read full review
"We booked a grand suite, and it was so beautiful with lots of nice touches."
SFOrsoRosso from United States
read full review
"The shower was wonderful (clean, great shampoo/conditioner/body wash provided, nice rainwater shower and second handheld showerhead)."
Mar K from United States
read full review
"Pillows and linen are top notch ! very big room and rain shower with floor to ceiling marble!"
Som282 from Australia
read full review
"Location is 10/10."
Dgerrity from United States
read full review
Award-winning boutique hotel in downtown Palo Alto
Amenities & Services
el PRADO has a state-of-the-art fitness centre on site. Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the parking garage. The hotel offers valet parking, 24-hour concierge service, and complimentary coffee on each floor every morning.
Rooms & Suites
The 62 rooms and suites include private balconies in most units. Each room has a Tivoli Bluetooth speaker with wireless charging and USB ports. Bathrooms feature floor-to-ceiling marble, rain showers, and plush robes.
Location
The hotel is on Cowper Street in central Palo Alto, steps from University Avenue restaurants and shops. Stanford University is a 6-minute drive away. Major tech campuses such as Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn are within a 15-minute drive.
Dining
Il Fornaio Italian restaurant is located in the hotel lobby and offers room service. A Tapas Bar provides additional on-site dining options. A full breakfast is available through room service each morning.
Business & Events
The hotel has a business centre and multiple meeting/banquet facilities. An experienced coordination team handles events from corporate functions to weddings. The boardroom and indoor-outdoor spaces accommodate groups up to 20 guests.
Highlights
Recognition: Named one of the seven best boutique hotels in the U.S.
Rooms: 62 units with private balconies and marble rain showers
Dining: Il Fornaio Italian restaurant and Tapas Bar on-site
Business: Full business centre and event coordination team
Location: Walking distance to Stanford and downtown Palo Alto
Pet-friendly: Pet accommodations with outstanding amenities
Must-do experiences
Stroll through the Stanford Dish for stunning views and fresh air.
Grab a homemade scone at Atherton Bakery for a sweet treat.
Visit the Cantor Arts Center for impressive collections and free admission.
Explore the charming shops at Stanford Shopping Center for unique finds.
Experience live music at the downtown Palo Alto's Blue Note Cafe.
Choose Your Room
Our listed hotels offer a variety of room types—double rooms, family suites, or deluxe options—all with features like breakfast, flexible cancellation policies, and exclusive deals.
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
33 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
28 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
37 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Show all rooms
Room Rates & Availability Tracker
Find Deals for Your Travel Dates
August 2026 - August 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
August 2026
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Amenities
Thoughtful hotel amenities for a comfortable stay
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review 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
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Dressing area
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
Delight in vibrant culinary experiences at El Prado, where the acclaimed Il Fornaio Italian restaurant and a stylish Tapas Bar await. With unique flavors and inviting settings, each dining option is designed to immerse guests in comfort and authenticity, all within the heart of Palo Alto.
Il Fornaio
Italian
Ambiance
Traditional and cozy with an elegant touch, creating a welcoming environment perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners.
Key Offerings
Signature pasta dishes made fresh daily, alongside artisanal pizzas and authentic Italian desserts. The restaurant offers a delightful breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu with the essence of Italy in each plate.
A vibrant and relaxed drawing room setting on the second floor, perfect for unwinding with friends or enjoying pre-dinner cocktails.
Key Offerings
Artfully crafted signature cocktails featuring herb-infused syrups and Spanish liquors, accompanied by a delightful array of tapas that showcase the rich flavors of Spain.
Reservation
Not needed
Open Tuesday - Saturday from 15:00 - 22:00.
Location
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301,
Explore Palo Alto
Explore Palo Alto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes' walk
A unique museum showcasing American inventions, perfect for history buffs and families. Free admission on select days.
Hewlett Packard Garage
11 minutes' walk
Considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historic garage reflects the spirit of innovation and tech history.
Farmers' Markets
6 minutes' walk
Local farmers' market featuring fresh produce and artisanal goods. Great for sampling local flavors and supporting community vendors.
El Palo Alto Park
15 minutes' walk
A lush green space showcasing a historic redwood tree. Ideal for picnics, walks, and enjoying nature in the heart of Palo Alto.
Biking at Shoreline Park
12 minutes' drive
Rent a bike at nearby Shoreline Park for beautiful trails and stunning bay views. Great for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Yoga Studio Sessions
10 minutes' walk
Local studios offer relaxing yoga sessions for all levels. Perfect for solo travelers and couples looking for rejuvenation.
Il Fornaio
1 minute' walk
Italian restaurant with a warm atmosphere. Favorites include handmade pasta and seasonal specials. Reservations recommended.
Thyme
2 minutes' walk
Charming eatery offering fresh farm-to-table cuisine focused on seasonal ingredients. Options are available for all dietary needs.
Palo Alto Art Center
25 minutes' walk
Art exhibits and community events in a vibrant setting. Family-friendly activities and workshops make it perfect for all ages.
The Stanford Theatre
8 minutes' drive
Classic movie theater with a charming ambiance. Enjoy unique screenings and occasional live events in this historic venue.
Transportation Tips
City Centre
Palo Alto 20 min · 1.0 mi
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 40 min · 16.2 mi
San Francisco International (SFO) 48 min · 19.9 mi
Train
California Ave Caltrain 32 min · 1.6 mi
Train 2 min · 400 ft
Bus
Bus stop 4 min · 1000 ft
Unlock Early Booking Discounts
Grab Your Special Rates Today!
Check Rates
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 true.
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
Guest Reviews & Ratings
What Guests Are Saying?
Review score
Based on 163 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
92 %
Recommend
Breakfast
2.5/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Comfort
9.5/10
Facilities
8.9/10
Free WiFi
9.4/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Excellent location
Comfortable rooms
Attentive event staff
Cons
Heating issues
No hot water
Impersonal service
Guest reviews
based on 257 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.
Open reviews
Show more reviews
Questions of the users
About El Prado
Are there coffee machines or tea kettles in the guest rooms? What breakfast options are available at the hotel?
15 February 2024
Kettles can be provided in the room upon request. Complimentary coffee and tea are available from 7am to 10am in the elevator areas, and a full breakfast menu is offered through room service.
Is breakfast included in the booking rate?
28 March 2024
The rate includes an assortment of fresh baked pastries, fruits, and freshly brewed Peet's coffee and tea.
Which rooms at the hotel have bathtubs?
10 April 2024
Double queen bed units and some suites feature bathtubs. Please let the staff know if you prefer a room with this amenity when making a reservation.
Are connecting rooms available for families traveling with elderly guests? How can these be booked?
18 May 2024
Connecting rooms are available based on occupancy levels. It's recommended to mention this request during the booking process, and the staff will do their best to accommodate.
Is the area surrounding the hotel safe for guests, especially for those planning to stay one night?
5 June 2024
The hotel is located in a safe area, and guests can feel secure while walking around the beautifully lit downtown, which is lively with tourists and locals.
Can you explain the differences between the Deluxe King, Deluxe King Suite, and Deluxe Junior King Suite?
22 July 2024
Deluxe King rooms are 35 square meters, while Deluxe Junior King Suites are 42 square meters and include a separate lounge area. Deluxe King Suites are spacious at 46 square meters, featuring a larger living room area. All options come with balconies and king-sized beds.
Does the hotel offer a shuttle service to popular destinations like Tesla? Is there an outdoor swimming pool?
11 August 2024
No shuttle service is provided, but arrangements for town cars can be made. Additionally, there is no outdoor pool on the property.
Is it possible to request a late checkout, possibly around 3 PM on a Monday?
30 September 2024
Late checkout may be arranged based on availability. Noting the request when booking increases the likelihood of accommodating it.
What are the parking fees for guests staying at the hotel?
12 October 2024
Valet parking is available for $35 per night. Alternatively, there are off-street garage options where parking may be free for the first few hours, depending on posted signs.
Is there an option for guests to inquire about their previous stays?
9 November 2024
For privacy regarding past reservations, it's best to visit the front desk and provide the necessary information to retrieve your stay history.
How does el Prado define its overall hospitality experience?
17 December 2024
The hotel is designed to provide a tranquil haven with an elegant Spanish-style ambiance combined with modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay for both leisure and business travelers.
What transportation options are available nearby the hotel for guests without cars?
21 January 2025
Uber and Lyft services are readily available, and the hotel can assist with arranging town cars for greater convenience.