The Cardinal Hotel

Home
United States
Palo Alto, CA
The Cardinal Hotel

European-style hotel in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, California.

Built in 1924, our recently renovated, entirely non-smoking vintage boutique hotel charms visitors with an elegant ambiance highlighted by the enchanting lobby, which provides a delightful glimpse into Old Palo Alto. Family vacationers and corporate travelers alike will appreciate our dedicated service and modern amenities. A convenient downtown location makes it easy to walk to some of the best r

estaurants in the bay area, popular wine bars, pubs and sports bars and local cafes. We're also within close proximity of popular attractions, high-tech companies, and just 1 mile from renowned Stanford University and the Stanford Shopping Center.

09/03/2026

Remember these University Avenue favorites?

Woolworth’s. Borders. World Wrapps. Z Gallerie. Bell’s Books…

Take a trip down memory lane with some of the businesses that helped shape downtown Palo Alto through the decades.

Which one do YOU remember?

📖 Read the story

Over the past century, University Avenue has been home to department stores, bookstores, theaters, bakeries, restaurants, and retailers that reflected different eras of Palo Alto. Woolworth’s, J.C. Penney, Bell’s Books, Golden Crescent Bakery, the Varsity Theatre, Borders Books & Music, World Wr...

08/20/2026

Have you ever looked up while walking through downtown Palo Alto?

Some of its most fascinating stories are hidden in the buildings themselves.

From the Cardinal Hotel and the Stanford Theatre to historic storefronts and the former Borders building, our latest self-guided walking tour takes you through the architecture that has shaped downtown for generations.

🏛️ Discover the historic buildings

Downtown Palo Alto may be known today for its restaurants, cafés, shops, and connection to Silicon Valley, but much of its earlier history is still visible in the buildings that line its streets. This self-guided walking tour begins and ends at the Cardinal Hotel and highlights some of downtown's m...

08/14/2026

Have you ever wondered which places you shouldn't miss when visiting Stanford University?

From Palm Drive and Memorial Church to Hoover Tower and the Rodin Sculpture Garden, our self-guided walking tour highlights some of Stanford's most beautiful places.

🎓 Start your walk from the Cardinal Hotel and discover the campus at your own pace.

📖

Stanford University is one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States, but with more than 8,000 acres, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

08/06/2026

Did you know that some of Palo Alto's most beautiful walks are just minutes from downtown?

Most visitors come for Stanford University, University Avenue, and the cafés.

But just a short drive from the Cardinal Hotel, you'll discover peaceful marshes, scenic trails, rolling hills, and breathtaking Bay views.

In our latest guide, we share six beautiful places to walk when you're ready to trade city streets for nature.

🥾 Discover the guide below.

One of the wonderful things about staying at the Cardinal Hotel is that you're perfectly positioned to enjoy both sides of Palo Alto. Spend the morning exploring downtown, Stanford University, cafés, and historic streets......then, just a short drive away, discover peaceful marshes, scenic hiking t...

07/30/2026

What's the best way to experience downtown Palo Alto?

One cup at a time.

From beautifully crafted espresso to European-style cafés and local favorites, this self-guided Coffee Lover's Walk takes you beyond the familiar and introduces you to the places that make Palo Alto's coffee culture so special.

☕ Grab a coffee, enjoy the walk, and discover downtown one café at a time.

📖 Read the guide below.

One of the joys of staying at the Cardinal Hotel is that some of downtown Palo Alto's best cafés are just a short walk from your room. No driving. No searching for parking. Just step outside and begin exploring.

07/23/2026

Why did Silicon Valley begin in Palo Alto... and not somewhere else?

It wasn't just one garage.

It was a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and bold ideas that transformed a small university town into one of the world's most influential places.

Discover the story in the latest edition of The Cardinal Guide to Palo Alto.

📖 Read the full article below.

More than a garage: the people, ideas, and culture that shaped Silicon Valley. When people think about the birthplace of Silicon Valley, one image often comes to mind: a modest garage on Addison Avenue where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard began building electronic equipment in 1939. It's an iconic la...

07/16/2026

Some streets are designed to get you somewhere. Others invite you to stay awhile.

Ramona Street may be one of the smallest streets in downtown Palo Alto, but it has played a big role in shaping the character of the city.

From its historic architecture and hidden courtyards to its cafés, outdoor dining, and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, Ramona Street has quietly become one of downtown's most inviting places to slow down.

In our latest edition of The Cardinal Guide to Palo Alto, we explore the story of how this little street evolved over the years—and why it has become such a special part of downtown life.

📖 Read the full article below.

Some streets are designed to move people from one place to another. Ramona Street invites them to slow down. Just steps from University Avenue, this relatively small downtown street has developed a personality all its own. Historic architecture. Hidden courtyards. Outdoor tables. Morning coffee. Con...

07/13/2026

For more than a century, Stanford University and downtown Palo Alto have grown side by side.

Students, families, professors, researchers, alumni, and visitors have all helped shape the rhythm of the city.

Coffee shops become meeting places.

Restaurants welcome celebrations after campus events.

University Avenue connects downtown to one of the world's great universities—and the stories of both have become closely intertwined.

In our latest edition of The Cardinal Guide to Palo Alto, we explore how Stanford and Palo Alto have influenced one another for more than 100 years, creating the vibrant community visitors experience today.

📖 Read the full article below.

It's difficult to tell the story of Palo Alto without telling the story of Stanford University. And it's equally difficult to imagine Stanford without the city that grew alongside it. For more than a century, the university and downtown Palo Alto have existed side by side—connected by geography, p...

07/09/2026

Some movie theatres show films. Others create an experience.

At the Stanford Theatre, the evening begins before the movie even starts.

The historic marquee, beautifully restored auditorium, and the unforgettable sound of the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ make every visit feel like stepping back into Hollywood's golden age.

Just a short walk from the Cardinal Hotel, it's one of downtown Palo Alto's most treasured landmarks—and an experience that continues to delight audiences nearly a century after it first opened.

In our latest edition of The Cardinal Guide to Palo Alto, we explore the story behind this remarkable theatre and why it remains one of the city's most beloved destinations.

🎬 Read the full article below.

Some places entertain. Others transport you. The Stanford Theatre has been doing both for generations. Located just a few minutes' walk from the Cardinal Hotel, this beautifully restored movie palace is more than a theater. It's an opportunity to experience films much as audiences did decades ago—...

07/06/2026

One of the nicest surprises about visiting Palo Alto?

You may not need your car at all.

From the Cardinal Hotel, you can walk to cafés, bookstores, restaurants, the Stanford Theatre, parks, and the Palo Alto Transit Center. Stanford University is also easy to reach on foot or by the free Marguerite Shuttle.

One of the things we love most about downtown Palo Alto is that it invites you to slow down. Wander along tree-lined streets, discover a local coffee shop, browse an independent bookstore, or find a quiet park to relax with a book.

It's a different way to experience the city—one step at a time.

Read the full article:

One of the nicest surprises about staying in downtown Palo Alto is discovering just how little you need a car. Many visitors arrive expecting to drive everywhere. Instead, they find themselves walking to breakfast, exploring Stanford University, browsing local bookstores, enjoying dinner on Universi...

Address

235 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA
94301

Website

http://www.cardinalhotel.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Cardinal Hotel posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Cardinal Hotel:

Want your business to be the top-listed Hotel in Palo Alto?