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2-star hotel Check-in 14:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Palo Alto Inn

Stay at The Palo Alto Inn in Palo Alto, CA. Enjoy modern rooms with free breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and easy access to Stanford University and top museums.

4238 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States View on map
8.4/10
Very Good Based on 430 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned Business center
What recent guests emphasize

Balanced stay near Stanford with practical amenities

Guests appreciate the convenience and straightforward comfort of the location, with a blend of useful in-room features and a welcoming atmosphere.

Guests often praise

  • Convenient proximity to Stanford University and the surrounding attractions
  • Complimentary continental breakfast seen as a helpful start to the day
  • Free Wi-Fi and parking add value and ease to the stay
  • Rooms equipped with microwaves and fridges appreciated for longer visits or light meal preparation
  • Friendly and inclusive environment noted, with an LGBTQ+ welcoming atmosphere

Worth knowing

  • Accommodation is basic and low-key, focusing on function rather than luxury
  • Some guests may expect more upscale amenities or decor given the location
  • Nearby dining and entertainment options may require driving or short travel
  • Comparatively rated slightly lower than some close alternatives, reflecting its modest style

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a straightforward, practical stay close to Stanford University
  • Travelers who prioritize free parking and reliable Wi-Fi in their accommodation
  • LGBTQ+ guests looking for a welcoming and inclusive environment
  • Guests interested in nearby cultural and family-friendly attractions like museums and theme parks
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About this property

Welcome to The Palo Alto Inn

The Palo Alto Inn offers a straightforward and modern lodging option with a focus on practicality and comfort. Rooms come equipped with microwaves and refrigerators, catering to guests who prefer a low-key stay. Complimentary continental breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are included, enhancing convenience for both short and extended visits.

Situated at 4238 El Camino Real, the Inn is well-positioned just three miles from the Stanford University campus, making it a suitable base for visitors to the area. Stanford Hospital lies within a short drive as well, adding to the property's appeal for travelers with medical or academic connections. This location also provides easy access to several notable attractions, including the Computer History Museum and the Cantor Arts Center, both highly rated by guests.

The property embraces an LGBTQ+ friendly environment, welcoming a diverse range of guests. While reviews average at 4.2 stars out of 5 across more than 400 responses, feedback indicates a balanced experience—guests appreciate the practical amenities but should be aware that the hotel maintains a simple, no-frills atmosphere rather than luxury accommodation.

Nearby airports such as San Jose Mineta International and San Francisco International are accessible by car within 30 to 45 minutes, providing reasonable travel options. A selection of alternative hotels, including the Hilton Garden Inn and Crowne Plaza, are located within a short distance, offering nearby lodging choices for visitors prioritizing proximity and varied facilities.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Business center
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Palo Alto Inn

Palo Alto, California

This straightforward, modern hotel is 3 miles from the Stanford University campus and 4.7 miles from Stanford Hospital.

  • San Antonio 25 min Walk
  • Mountain View 1 hr 13 Walk
  • El Camino & Arastradero 3 min Walk
  • San Francisco International Airport 33 min Car · 1 hr 21 Transit
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport 23 min Car · 46 min Transit
  • Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport 46 min Car · 1 hr 47 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

California's Great America 16,031 reviews

California's Great America

4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054, United States

4.4 · Amusement Park
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University 2,446 reviews

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, United States

4.7 · Museum
Computer History Museum 7,569 reviews

Computer History Museum

1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States

4.7 · History Museum
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