Cardinal Hotel
Hotel, 3-star235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, United StatesShow on map
Very good
Guests rate it highest for location, service and value.
8.4457Reviews- Check-in from 2:00 PMCheck-out by 11:00 AM. The front desk is staffed around the clock, so a late arrival is fine.
- Superb locationGuests rate the location 9.4 out of 10, at 235 Hamilton Ave.
- Parking on siteAvailable at a charge the property sets.
Historic Charm Built in 1924, the Cardinal Hotel in Palo Alto offers a historic charm just 1.6 km from Stanford University. Each room features bright decor, a flat-screen TV, and dark wood furniture for a cozy stay.
Delicious Dining Adjacent to the hotel, Bistro Maxine offers a delectable dining experience with traditional and continental breakfasts, along with lunch, dinner, and dessert crepes.
Convenient Amenities Guests can enjoy complimentary weekday newspapers, hot beverages in the lobby, and access to a business centre. The hotel's proximity to Palo Alto Caltrain Station and San Francisco International Airport adds to the convenience.
Experience the historic elegance, delicious dining, and convenient amenities at Cardinal Hotel. Book your stay now!
What this place offers
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Heating
- Lift / Elevator
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
Rooms
8.4
Very good
Rated 8.4 out of 10 by 457 guests who stayed here.
- Cleanliness7.9
- Service9.3
- Location9.4
- Rooms7.3
- Amenities8.3
- Value8.8
- Food & drink7.9
Guests mention
Great locationFriendly staff
MareeNew ZealandGreat location, but a tired property thst needs an upgrade
Great location in central Palo Alto
Property is old and dated. Worn furnishings, lack of a proper ensuite (basin is in main room), bathroom door that was hard to shut, lack of double glazing which let street noise in at…
VickiUnited StatesThe location was great. I like the option of staying in a room with a shared bathroom. This made the overall cost less expensive. The bathrooms were impeccably clean and welll cared for; I hardly knew anyone else was…
SarahUnited StatesThis hotel was very clean and the staff was accommodating.
ElektraUnited StatesBeautiful and charming hotel. The location was excellent and the room very clean and comfortable.
GiulianaItalyottimo
ottima posizione, a downtown, vicino a tutti i locali e ristoranti e a meno di 10 min dalla stazione.
avevo il bagno in comune e c'era un solo wc per tutto il piano. Ma l'ho trovato sempre libero e pulito, forse perché…
GroverUnited StatesGood value hotel in great location.
Great location in Palo Alto near caltrain station and many shops and restaurants. Very lively neighborhood.
The hotel was pretty dated. Room size was adequate but we failed to notice that there was no airconditioning.…
Reviews are written by guests who booked through our supplier and stayed, shown as written and in their own language. Category scores are the supplier’s reading of recent reviews, updated January 2026.
Where you’ll be
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA, United States
Guests rate the location 9.4 out of 10 — superb.
Things to know
Cancellation
Each room shows its own terms before you pay.
Most rates can be cancelled free until a date shown on the room.
Non-refundable rates are marked as such.
House rules
Check-in from 2:00 PM
Check-out by 11:00 AM
Children welcome
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No pets
Paid parking on site
Non-smoking rooms available
Payment & property
Paid when you book, not at the desk.
Rates include the taxes and fees we can read.
The property may take a card at check-in for incidentals.
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Please take into account for non refundable rates the hotel will not consider waivers. Important Room Info: Shared Bathroom Queen Room This guest room does not have a private bathroom. It includes a sink and vanity inside the room, but the toilet and shower are located in the hallway. These are shared, individual-use, lockable bathrooms shared with other guests. Please ensure you are comfortable with this setup before your stay.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. A deposit may be required at the property.
What we’d check for you here
- That the step-free room is actually free on your dates, and whether it is a roll-in shower or a bath, which the listing never says.
- That the desk is staffed when you land, and that the room is held past cut-off.
- Whether there is room for a pickup, a trailer or a van, not just a car.
- Whether the rate moves for your dates, and what it includes.
- What the property actually charges at the desk on top of the rate.
Questions about Cardinal Hotel
What time is check-in and check-out at Cardinal Hotel?
Check-in is from 2:00 PM. Check-out is by 11:00 AM. If you're arriving late, tell us and we'll ask the property to hold the room.
Does Cardinal Hotel allow pets?
No — the property states that pets are not allowed.
Is there parking at Cardinal Hotel?
Yes — parking is available on site at a charge the property sets. We check the rate and whether a space can be reserved against your dates.
Does Cardinal Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Yes — internet access is listed among the property's facilities.
Does Cardinal Hotel have wheelchair accessible rooms?
The property lists step-free or accessible facilities. That flag is the one least able to settle the question: a hotel can carry it and still have a step at the entrance, or a bath rather than a roll-in shower, and it does not say whether the accessible room is free on your dates. Tell us what you need and we'll ask the property directly rather than reading you the flag.
Can I check in late at Cardinal Hotel?
The property lists a front desk staffed 24 hours, so a late arrival should be possible. Standard check-in is from 2:00 PM. Rooms are still released after a cut-off at some properties regardless of the desk hours, so tell us your arrival time and we'll have them hold it.
How do I book Cardinal Hotel?
Put your dates in above and book online, or call (888) 789-8585 and we'll do it for you — including things a booking form can't handle, like a block of rooms, a monthly rate or an invoice for your employer.
Where is Cardinal Hotel?
235 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA.
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