EL PRADO | Stay downtown in Palo Alto | Book at Hoteldowntown.net

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Key details

Hotel Overview

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301

Near the Arizona Garden

Perfect

9.1

9.3

/10

4.7

4.5

Loved by El Prado guests

European courtyard

rainfall shower

balcony

complimentary coffee

fireplace

"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

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"We booked a grand suite, and it was so beautiful with lots of nice touches."

SFOrsoRosso from United States

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"The shower was wonderful (clean, great shampoo/conditioner/body wash provided, nice rainwater shower and second handheld showerhead)."

Mar K from United States

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"Pillows and linen are top notch ! very big room and rain shower with floor to ceiling marble!"

Som282 from Australia

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"Location is 10/10."

Dgerrity from United States

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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

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Room Rates & Availability Tracker

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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

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.

El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

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.

Reservation

Recommended

Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:30; Lunch: 11:30 - 22:00 (Monday - Thursday), 11:30 - 23:00 (Friday), 11:30 - 22:00 (Sunday); Saturday breakfast 08:00 - 11:00.

Tapas Bar and Lounge

Spanish Tapas

Ambiance

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.

Hotel Location

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301

Explore Palo Alto

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

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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 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:

Number of rooms:

Former name

Garden Court Hotel

Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Guests Are Saying?

Review score

Based on 159 verified reviews

9.3 /10

Perfect

93 %

Recommend

Breakfast

2.5/10

Cleanliness

9.5/10

Comfort

9.5/10

Facilities

8.9/10

Free WiFi

9.3/10

Location

9.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.5/10

Staff

9.3/10

Value for money

8.1/10

Pros

Excellent location

Comfortable rooms

Attentive event staff

Cons

Heating issues

No hot water

Impersonal service

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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.