The Palo Alto Inn
4238 El Camino Real
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Why people book this hotel
“Clean, comfortable, and friendly staff”
“Room was quiet, clean with fridge, microwave, safebox and solid WiFi”
“No luxury, but a very comfortable, clean and well-located motel”
“It had a big bed and a working shower, fridge and lights”
“Reasonable access to the staff”
“Very friendly staff”
“Good parking and the location generally accessible to a lot of Palo Alto”
“It was 45 minutes walking distance from my office”
“Excellent value”
“It’s a charming place, full of character and attention to detail, and absolutely…”
“Parking easy and always avail”
“It has parking lot so it is easy for Uber/Lift drivers to come drop you off or p…”
Overview
Located a mile off the Central Expressway, this hotel is just a minute’s drive from the San Antonio Shopping Center. It features free Wi-Fi access. A microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker are in every room at The Palo Alto Inn. They also include satellite TV and a DVD player and are furnished with a work desk. The front desk at the The Palo Alto Inn is staffed 24 hours a day. There is also a business center that offers fax and copy services. The Shoreline Amphitheater is 4.5 miles from the hotel. The historic Rengstorff House is 5.3 miles away. The property is short drive 3 miles from Stanford University.
Traveller reviews
Mrunalini
solo_traveller
June 16, 2026
“I had a comfortble stay and the ambience of the motel is very warm and welcoming.”
I found the motel very warm and welcoming. Since I was staying alone, it was important that I felt safe. I must say I felt totally safe and secure during my stay. I would recommend it to couples and families roo, but also single women.
Yuriy
solo_traveller
June 1, 2026
Excellent hotel! Clean, comfortable, and friendly staff. Everything was great. Highly recommend!
Robert
solo_traveller
April 29, 2026
Easy check in, check out. Reasonable access to the staff. Good parking and the location generally accessible to a lot of Palo Alto.
OSKJ
couple
April 20, 2026
“No surprises, all good as expected”
Room was quiet, clean with fridge, microwave, safebox and solid WiFi. Parking easy and always avail.
Salvatore
couple
April 15, 2026
No luxury, but a very comfortable, clean and well-located motel. Excellent value. Very friendly staff. We'll be back!
Irimescu
solo_traveller
April 14, 2026
“home feeling stay, best ever”
it's been my best experience in my traveller life. everything, everything was thought about and cared of. even toothbrush, or they lent me an american plugin compatible with my pc. would like to give 6 stars. looking forward to more musical séjours and will definitely pass by. a hug David Irimescu
Pedro
solo_traveller
March 8, 2026
“Failed my expectations”
It had a big bed and a working shower, fridge and lights. It was 45 minutes walking distance from my office. It has parking lot so it is easy for Uber/Lift drivers to come drop you off or pick you up.
Régine
solo_traveller
February 1, 2026
“Beautiful”
Pretty room, room for clothes, bathroom with all the necessary amenities, fridge, safe, microwave, necessary for ironing, room cleaned every day...
Hua
solo_traveller
January 21, 2026
“Good to sleep at night in a so quiet and clear hotel.”
Has breakfast?No idea.
pin
family_with_children
January 20, 2026
“We were harassed by a drunk who knocked on my door several times. He punched the wall until midnight. My kids and I were”
Location is good
Huma
solo_traveller
January 3, 2026
“Good location. Nice and helpful staff and clean rooms.”
Good location. Clean rooms. Nice and helpful staff.
Florans
family_with_children
October 29, 2025
A Perfect Stay at The Palo Alto Inn We felt completely at home from the very first moment. Everything was excellent — the cleanliness, comfort, atmosphere, and the beautiful patio that’s perfect for relaxing. The room was spotless and very well equipped. I didn’t have high expectations before arriving, but this hotel truly surprised me — it exceeded all of them! It’s a charming place, full of character and attention to detail, and absolutely worth staying at. We felt wonderful here and would definitely come back. Thank you for such a lovely experience!
Jeremy
solo_traveller
October 17, 2025
“Excellent value in an otherwise expensive location”
This is a modest motel, but it was in first-rate condition, and the staff and owner were exceptionally conscientious
Arjan
family_with_children
September 29, 2025
Price/quality, staff, quitness, very clean and comfertable room, good bed, big tv
Wieslaw
solo_traveller
September 15, 2025
“I will arrive to the hotel next year.”
Superb!
Paweł
solo_traveller
September 13, 2025
“Good location”
Clean. Close to shops, restaurants and CalTrain
Asfawossen
solo_traveller
July 21, 2025
“Exceptional Value and Service at Palo Alto Inn. Highly recommended.”
I chose the Palo Alto Inn based on its TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2023 award, and it far exceeded my expectations. Although it’s categorized as a budget business hotel, the property is managed with the care and attention of a high-end boutique hotel. Check-in was smooth and professional. My room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and matched every detail from the listing. A standout aspect of my stay was the exceptional service provided by Bhagi Sangdot, the general manager. Warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly accommodating, Bhagi went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. He shared that the hotel’s service philosophy is to “never say no to a guest’s request”—even joking that if someone wanted to see an elephant, they’d explore every possibility to make it happen. That spirit of genuine hospitality really came through. Bhagi also made navigating Palo Alto seamless. He offered personalized recommendations, patiently answered all my questions, and even covered my first bus fare while guiding me through the city’s public transit system. As someone who travels frequently, this stay stood out for its exceptional value, comfort, and human touch.
Adnan Qayum
family_with_children
May 22, 2025
“A nice comfortable stay at a basic motel in a good location.”
A basic motel with clean rooms, comfortable beds, ample parking and a good location in Palo Alto. Check in / out was smooth and easy and they offer free snacks and water at reception which guests are free to pick up on a daily basis
Lucia
extended_group
February 17, 2025
Amenities and housekeeping exceeded expectations, those are on par with 4 star hotels on Europe. All the personnel was great, quickly dealing with whatever question or problem I needed solving.
Ariadna Rodriguez
couple
February 13, 2025
As in the photos. Very good location and nice motel.
Facilities
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible, Toilet with grab rails
Activities
Cycling
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Property is cleaned by professional cleaning companies, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Food & Drink
Breakfast options, Snack bar
Food & drink safety
Physical distancing in dining areas, Food can be delivered to guest accommodation, Delivered food is securely covered, All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
General
Bicycle parking, Non-smoking throughout, Air conditioning, Designated smoking area, Heating, Safety deposit box, Pets allowed, Non-smoking rooms, Facilities for disabled guests, Family rooms
Internet
Internet services, WiFi, Free WiFi
Outdoors
Sun terrace, Garden, Terrace, Outdoor furniture, Picnic area
Parking
Parking on site, Private parking, Free parking, Parking, Accessible parking
Physical distancing
Contactless check-in/check-out, Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed, Screens or physical barriers placed between staff and guests in appropriate areas
Pool and wellness
Sun loungers or beach chairs, Sun umbrellas
Reception services
Invoice provided
Safety & security
Carbon monoxide detector, Carbon monoxide sources, Key card access, Security alarm, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguishers
Safety features
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available, Access to health care professionals, Thermometers for guests provided by property, Face masks for guests available
Self check-in
Passport/ID information collected online before you arrive, Check-in kiosk in the lobby, Lockbox key collection at the property, Lockbox key collection near the property
Services
Concierge service, Private check-in/check-out, Vending machine (drinks), Lockers, Daily housekeeping, Grocery deliveries, Express check-in/check-out, Fax/photocopying, Luggage storage, Business centre, Room service
Transport
Public transport tickets
Deluxe King Room - Non-Smoking
This air-conditioned double room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a private bathroom as well as a balcony with garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen Room
Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen Room - Disability Access/Non-Smoking
Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned double room offers a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Non-Smoking
Featuring free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The air-conditioned quadruple room features a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, a seating area as well as garden views. The unit has 2 beds.
Hotel Policies
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