El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoEl Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photoEl Prado Hotel Palo Alto Exterior photo

Welcome to El Prado - Your Luxury Hotel in Palo Alto

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From$455 /night
Check-in
14Jul
Check-out
15Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301
-
Near the Farmers' markets
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.7
4.5
/5

4-star boutique hotel with European-inspired ambiance in Downtown Palo Alto

Amenities

El Prado offers a range of luxury amenities designed for comfort and convenience. Guests can enjoy 24-hour concierge services to assist with requests and onsite dry cleaning. A fitness room is equipped with ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights for an efficient workout.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel features 62 rooms and suites that blend Spanish-style architecture with contemporary design. Each room includes plush pillowtop beds, minibars, and many offer private balconies with views of the courtyard or downtown. Premium furnishings and Molton Brown bath products are standard across accommodations.

Location

El Prado is situated less than one mile from Stanford University, making it accessible for academic visitors. The property is also within walking distance of The Cantor Arts Center and the shops and dining options along University Avenue. Quick access to the tech campuses of Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn enhances its appeal for business travelers.

Dining

Guests can start their day with breakfast options and freshly brewed coffee from Coffeebar, available in-room. An in-room dining menu allows for relaxed evening meals without leaving the comfort of the room. The hotel also emphasizes local flavors and culinary experiences in its dining offerings.

Event Spaces

El Prado provides 7,300 square feet of event space ideal for meetings and celebrations. The ballroom includes floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light, complemented by outdoor areas for a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Experienced planners are available to assist with custom catering and audiovisual needs.

Highlights

Location: Less than one mile from Stanford University

Rooms: 62 rooms and suites with private balconies

Dining: In-room dining menu offering local cuisine

Fitness: Equipped fitness room with gym equipment

Event Space: 7,300 square feet of versatile meeting space

“Staying here truly felt like a delightful escape, with generously sized rooms and an undeniably comfortable bed. The attentiveness to detail, from the quality linens to the convenient morning coffee service, made a tangible difference. Its prime downtown position is a significant draw, putting so much within easy walking distance and creating a sense of genuine European charm.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Excelsiorhotels

Select your room type

El Prado offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
    2 persons
    33 sq. feet
    2 King Size Beds
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Deluxe Queen Room
    2 persons
    28 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Deluxe King Room
    2 persons
    37 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
July 2026 - July 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

El Prado offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
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

At El Prado, dining transcends the ordinary, offering a captivating range of culinary experiences that blend local charm with international flair. Guests are invited to savor Italian dishes at Il Fornaio, while the Tapas Bar and Lounge provides a cozy, sophisticated setting to unwind with crafted cocktails and small plates.
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Il Fornaio

Italian
Ambiance
Traditional Italian setting, evoking warmth and familiarity with rustic décor and inviting charm.
Key Offerings
Delight in genuine Italian cuisine with artisanal pizzas, homemade pastas, and rich desserts. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this space encourages cherished gatherings over hearty meals.
Reservation
Recommended
Open for breakfast from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM, lunch from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner until 10:00 PM on weekdays, extending to 11:00 PM on Fridays and until 10:00 PM on Sundays.

Tapas Bar and Lounge

Spanish Tapas
Ambiance
Located in the drawing room on the second floor, this intimate lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere with a touch of sophistication, ideal for winding down after a day of exploration.
Key Offerings
Indulge in a selection of small plates paired with signature cocktails crafted from herb-infused syrups and Spanish liquors. An excellent choice for casual gatherings.
Reservation
Not needed
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing a warm space to unwind with friends or colleagues.

El Prado Location

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301
Explore Palo Alto
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes walking
A fascinating collection of historical technology and Americana with interactive exhibits. Great for families and history buffs.
Stanford University
25 minutes walking
Prestigious university known for its stunning campus architecture and public art. Take a stroll through its scenic grounds.
Elizabeth Gamble Garden Center
18 minutes walking
A serene 2.5-acre historic garden offering beautiful plant displays and guided tours. Perfect for relaxation and inspiration.
Cantor Arts Center
30 minutes walking
Free admission to impressive art collections, including works by Rodin and Warhol. Ideal for art enthusiasts.
Discover the local attractions near El Prado
Explore the nearby landmarks near El Prado to enhance your stay with local culture and history.
Essential for technology enthusiasts: Hewlett Packard Garage
Perfect for art lovers and peaceful strolls: Rodin Sculpture Garden
Great for families with children: Junior Museum & Zoo
Ideal for academic exploration and scenic views: Stanford University
Best for outdoor leisure and gardening inspiration: Sunset Magazine Headquarters and Gardens
Suited for a glimpse into historic architecture: Professorville
Well suited for diverse artistic experiences: Cantor Arts Center
Works well for nature appreciation and relaxing walks: Arizona Garden
Biking around Stanford
25 minutes driving
Rent a bike and explore scenic trails around the Stanford campus. Bike rentals available at local shops.
Hiking at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
18 minutes walking
Relax in this beautiful garden while enjoying the variety of flora. Perfect for nature walks and picnics.
Palo Alto Golf Course
8 minutes driving
An 18-hole championship golf course open to all skill levels. Reservations recommended for tee times.
Il Fornaio
1 minute walking
Authentic Italian cuisine known for classic dishes and a warm atmosphere. Reservations suggested for dinner.
Umami Burger
2 minutes walking
Casual dining offering gourmet burgers with unique flavors. Great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Blue Bottle Coffee
2 minutes walking
A cozy coffee shop known for its specialty brews. Perfect for a quick coffee break or a relaxing afternoon.
Discover dining options near El Prado
Seek out the best dining options near El Prado to savor local flavors and unique cuisines.
Ideal for a fusion of flavors in a chic setting: Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery
Perfect for indulgent desserts and ice cream: Cream
Best for unique sushi burritos on the go: Sushirrito
Great for innovative Indian cuisine: Rooh
Suited for self-serve frozen yogurt and toppings: Yogurtland
Works well for coffee enthusiasts seeking quality brews: Peet's Coffee & Tea
Well suited for fresh juices and quick bites: Joe & the Juice
Palo Alto Art Center
25 minutes walking
Offers rotating exhibitions and art classes, making it a cultural hub for all ages. Family-friendly programs available.
Stanford Theatre
10 minutes drive
Historic theater showcasing classic films. Check the schedule for special screenings and events.
Getting around
  • 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:
4
Number of rooms:
45
Former name
Garden Court Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about El Prado from previous guests about their experience.
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 room quality
Excellent location
Kind staff
Delicious breakfast
Cons
Non-functional heating
Construction noise
Guest reviews
based on 267 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
FAQs
About El Prado
What is the check-in and check-out policy at El Prado?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is parking available at El Prado?
Public parking is available on-site for 35 USD per day without a reservation.
What amenities are available in the rooms at El Prado?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen HD televisions, in-room safes, minibars, and private balconies.
Are pets allowed at El Prado?
Pets are allowed, with possible additional charges.
What dining options are available at El Prado?
The hotel features an on-site Tapas Bar and an Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio, offering indoor and outdoor dining.
How far is El Prado from Stanford University?
El Prado is located 3 km from Stanford University.
What recreational facilities are available at El Prado?
The hotel has a fully equipped fitness center and access to a golf course.
What are some nearby restaurants to El Prado?
Nearby restaurants include Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery, Cream, Sushirrito, Rooh, and Peet's Coffee & Tea, all within 0.5 km.
Is there a business center at El Prado?
El Prado offers a 24-hour business center for guests to use.
What is the distance from El Prado to Mineta San Jose International Airport?
El Prado is 30 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Does El Prado provide in-room breakfast options?
In-room breakfast is available at El Prado.
What languages does the staff at El Prado speak?
The staff speaks multiple languages to accommodate guests.
Can guests arrange for massages through El Prado?
In-room massages can be arranged through the concierge service at El Prado.

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