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El Prado, Palo Alto
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Key details
About the Hotel
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301,
-
Close to Farmers' markets
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.7
4.5
/5
Loved by El Prado guests
Charming hotel
Delicious coffee
Picture perfect vignettes
Soft bed
Friendly staff
Quick valet
"My favourite though was the lovely bar on the second floor where we went to share a great charcuterie board."
Kerry from Canada
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"The room was very clean, up-to-date, spacious, and inviting."
N D from United States
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"Highlight however was the quality and comfort of the bed and linens."
George from United States
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El Prado - A Spanish-style boutique hotel with courtyard views and luxury suites in downtown Palo Alto
Located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, this 4-star Spanish Colonial-style property features 62 rooms and suites across 7300 square feet. El Prado's accommodations range from 300 to 1000 square feet, offering floor-to-ceiling windows, French doors, and marble bathrooms with rain showers. The property includes Il Fornaio Italian restaurant and a Tapas Bar and Lounge open Tuesday through Saturday. A fully-equipped fitness center provides ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights, and a cable fly machine. Each room features a work desk, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi, while select suites include fireplaces and private balconies. This Palo Alto hotel stands less than one mile from Stanford University and within walking distance to University Avenue's boutiques. El Prado's central position places guests 2 miles from California Ave Caltrain and 18.5 miles from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Pros
Open-air interior courtyard with central fountain creates a private sanctuary
Walking distance to Peninsula Creamery and The Rose & Crown English pub
Seasoned event planning team available for business functions with customizable catering
24-hour valet parking service available
Cons
18.5 miles distance from nearest international airport
Daily valet parking fee of $35 USD applies
“El Prado charms with its Spanish Colonial architecture and prime Palo Alto locale near Stanford University, though I did note some comments about inconsistent doorman service. The spacious, clean rooms and the Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio, next door make for a comfortable, convenient stay; the courtyard's tranquility is a definite draw. It's a solid choice for those seeking a boutique experience.”
Isabella MooreSenior Editorial Director at Petfriendlyhotels
Select your room type
Cozy rooms, spacious suites, and family-friendly homes, all with flexible cancellation policies & special deals
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
33 sq. feet
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Deluxe Queen Room
2 persons
28 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
37 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Show all rooms
Price and room availability calendar
Check availability and rates for your selected dates!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Enjoy premium amenities for a relaxing stay with your pet
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
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Dining Onsite
At El Prado, dining options reflect a celebration of culinary authenticity, blending the vibrancy of California with rich Italian traditions. Guests can indulge in delightful meals at Il Fornaio, or unwind with craft cocktails at the Tapas Bar and Lounge, each venue offering a unique atmosphere that invites relaxation and enjoyment.
Il Fornaio
Italian dining
Ambiance
Traditional setting that evokes the charm of an Italian trattoria, complete with warm wooden accents and inviting décor.
Key Offerings
Savor authentic Italian dishes including house-made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable gelato. The breakfast menu features a selection of pastries and omelets, while the dinner menu showcases regional specialties.
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast: Daily 7:00 - 10:30 AM, Lunch/Dinner: Daily 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Friday until 11:00 PM; Saturday until 11:00 PM)
Tapas Bar and Lounge
Spanish-inspired tapas
Ambiance
A cozy and sophisticated lounge on the second floor, adorned with plush seating and serene lighting, perfect for casual gatherings.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a selection of finely crafted cocktails featuring herb-infused syrups and Spanish liquors, alongside a variety of enticing tapas. The inviting atmosphere is ideal for evening relaxation.
Reservation
Not needed
Tuesday to Saturday 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM
El Prado Location
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301,
Explore Palo Alto
Explore Palo Alto
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes' walk
A celebration of America's technological history with fascinating exhibits. Great for families and history enthusiasts.
Hewlett Packard Garage
11 minutes' walk
Birthplace of Silicon Valley, showcasing innovation history. Iconic site for tech lovers and history buffs.
Stanford University
25 minutes' walk
A prestigious university with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Perfect for leisurely walks and photo ops.
Sunset Magazine Headquarters and Gardens
12 minutes' walk
Beautiful gardens featuring local flora. Ideal for relaxation and family picnics with occasional workshops.
Palo Alto Farmers' Markets
6 minutes' walk
Local produce and handcrafted goods. Perfect for families and couples seeking fresh food and local culture.
Biking along the Baylands Nature Preserve
15-minute drive
Thrill-seekers can bike the scenic trails of this expansive preserve, featuring diverse wildlife and stunning views.
Yoga at a nearby studio
10 minutes' walk
Relaxation through yoga practices. Ideal for solo travelers and couples seeking wellness options.
Il Fornaio
1 minute' walk
Authentic Italian cuisine with a warm atmosphere. Known for house-made pastas and an extensive wine list.
Umami Burger
2 minutes' walk
Casual eatery specializing in gourmet burgers with unique flavor profiles. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Blue Bottle Coffee
2 minutes' walk
Locally renowned coffee shop with artisanal brews and a cozy atmosphere. Great for coffee lovers and casual meetups.
The Stanford Theatre
8 minutes' drive
Historic venue featuring classic films. Known for its charming décor and an experience for film enthusiasts.
Palo Alto Art Center
5 minutes' drive
Community art hub with rotating exhibits. Family-friendly space offering workshops and engaging activities.
Getting around
<br />
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
9.4/10
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 location
Spacious room
Helpful manager
Cons
Room smell
Guest reviews
based on 268 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.
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FAQs
About El Prado
What is the distance from El Prado to Stanford University?
El Prado is approximately 3 km from Stanford University.
How far is El Prado from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
El Prado is 30 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
Which nearby dining options are available at El Prado?
Dining options within 0.5 km include Peet's Coffee & Tea, Cream, and Tamarine Restaurant.
What amenities does El Prado offer for fitness enthusiasts?
El Prado features a fully equipped fitness center with ellipticals, treadmills, free weights, and more.
Does El Prado have an on-site restaurant?
Yes, El Prado has an on-site Tapas Bar and Italian restaurant, Il Fornaio.
What are the check-in and check-out times at El Prado?
Check-in at El Prado is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
What technology amenities are included in rooms at El Prado?
Rooms at El Prado include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and GLink iPhone/Android docking stations.
How far is El Prado from the nearest shopping center?
Stanford Shopping Center is approximately 7 minutes' drive from El Prado.
What facilities does El Prado offer for business travelers?
El Prado provides a 24-hour business center and meeting rooms.
Can guests arrange in-room massages at El Prado?
Yes, in-room massage services can be arranged through the concierge at El Prado.