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The Palo Alto Inn

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Palo Alto Inn

A motel with a parking lot, a building with a red roof, and a large tree in the background. - The Palo Alto Inn (Palo Alto)
Property video
A covered patio area with a red sofa, black and red cushions, and multiple potted plants. - The Palo Alto Inn (Palo Alto)
A hotel room with a TV mounted on the wall, a minibar with snacks, a potted plant, and a red office chair. - The Palo Alto Inn (Palo Alto)
A large bed with a laptop, two bedside tables, a chair, and a window with curtains. - The Palo Alto Inn (Palo Alto)
Located close to Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford University, The Palo Alto Inn provides a terrace, a garden, and a business center. In addition to a snack bar/deli, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi, with speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices).

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 4 of 4 rooms

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Bathtub (Non Smoking 1 King Room)

A modern hotel room with a large bed, bedside tables, a desk, and a chair.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Bathtub (Non Smoking 1 King Room)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(74 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room- Accessible)

A hotel room with a large bed, a red chair, a nightstand, and a wall-mounted mirror.

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room- Accessible)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Bathtub (Non Smoking 2 Queen Room- Bathtub)

A hotel room with two beds, a TV, a desk, and a bookshelf.

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds, Bathtub (Non Smoking 2 Queen Room- Bathtub)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(30 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room)

A hotel room with a large bed, a red chair, a nightstand, and a wall-mounted mirror.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible (Non Smoking 1 Queen Room)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Palo Alto Orchards, a neighborhood in Palo Alto, The Palo Alto Inn is in the entertainment district. Travelers who have shopping on the agenda can visit Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall and Santana Row Shopping Center, while those looking for another kind of activity may want to check out Mountain Winery. Check out an event or a game at Levi's Stadium, and consider making time for California's Great America, a top attraction not to be missed. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails. Visit our Palo Alto travel guide
View more Motels in Palo Alto
Map
4238 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

What's nearby

  • A desert landscape with sparse vegetation, a few houses, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
    San Antonio Shopping Center
    18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • A dirt path winding through a rocky landscape with sparse vegetation and towering mountains.
    San Andreas Fault Trail
    3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • A grassy hill with a wooden fence, a distant town with red-roofed buildings, and a tower.
    Stanford University
    6 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Santa Clara, United States - 02 September 2025: Aerial view of Levi's Stadium under the fading blue of twilight, a modern coliseum amidst orderly parking lots.
    Levi's Stadium
    16 min drive - 10.2 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park
    3 min drive - 1.2 miles

Getting around

  • San Antonio Station
    3 min drive
  • Whisman Station
    7 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO)
    30 min drive

Restaurants

  • Mendocino Farms
    18 min walk
  • Chili's Grill & Bar
    17 min walk
  • Pacific Catch
    16 min walk
  • Slice House
    17 min walk
  • Idly Express
    15 min walk

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch TV with premium satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Electrical adapters
  • Free local calls
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laundry detergent
  • Phone
  • Printer
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - midnight
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 17 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-in fee for check-in between noon and 2:00 PM

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector

Frequently asked questions

Is The Palo Alto Inn pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Palo Alto Inn?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability). Late check-in is available from noon–2:00 PM for a fee.

What time is check-out at The Palo Alto Inn?

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Where is The Palo Alto Inn located?

Located in Palo Alto Orchards, this motel is 2.6 mi (4.1 km) from Stanford University and within 6 mi (10 km) of Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford University Medical Center. Santa Clara Convention Center and Levi's Stadium are also within 12 mi (20 km). San Antonio Station is 22 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Palo Alto Inn Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

9.2

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 671 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 214 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 58 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 27 out of 1004 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and comfortable room. Front desk was very personable and check in was fast!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Priyanka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the location, convenience, friendly staff and service.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room is very clean, staff was really friendly. I was able to check in and got my key in less than 1 minute
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable room, and nice bathroom. Nice restaurant within walking distance. I would stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay at the Palo Alto Inn...clean as a whistle, fantastic location and parking, comfortable bed, polite and friendly staff...if I need to be in the area again, I'm staying here. Wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is conveniently located and quiet. The room was small but adequate. What I appreciated most about the room was the wonderful showerhead. After a long day of travel and work the shower was a blessing!!
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and very quiet. The bed was ok for one night but the pillows were very flat. For an older motel it was nice.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Love the vibe and breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Cassidie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Comfy and clean. We enjoyed our stay
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is SO much better than it needs to be. A really sweet classic motel run by people dedicated to great service. Updated, super clean, comfortable, great amenities, and very affordable.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Phillip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay. Clean and affordable. Free snacks and emergency toothbrust and tooth paste. Nice gesture...
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's always a pleasure staying here the rooms and the property are clean and well kept and the staff is friendly and always accommodating to suit your needs . I highly recommend staying here. Repeat costumer .
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Serena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an excellent hotel for the price. We got a small room, but it was in the back so it was nice. Overall, for the price this is a great place to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John

Comfortable room at a good price.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean private room great location
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean and has a ton of great amenities. Check in was super fast and the hotel itself is in a great location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Francis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is a wonderful place to stay when visiting the Stanford campus. The room was clean and the staff were friendly and accommodating. We definitely will stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

dirk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
My best exotic Marigold hotel in Palo Alto! A well and efficient managed multi-generation family run updated older motel! Very nice staff, clean, pleasant, everything is well thought through, beautiful flowers, everywhere, and don’t miss the magical lights illuminating at night😃 Charming!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, great customer service.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best hotel I've stayed at in the Bay. Hotel was so clean, staff was very helpful, and the room was spacious with good amenities. Will be staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Linden

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The facilities were nice, clean and the staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Walter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An excellent place for our overnight stay on a budget. Did all of the basics well. Extra touches demonstrate a genuine concern for the traveler. A firmer mattress would have made the stay perfect. Very good restaurants nearby.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bonnie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice amenities, comfortable room, very reasonably priced.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Well run, super clean and friendly staff.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Geri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, comfortable bed, friendly, accommodating staff.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025