El Prado - Your Luxury Escape in Palo Alto, United States
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Key details
About the Hotel
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301,
-
Near Arizona Garden
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.7
4.5
/5
Loved by El Prado guests
Excellent staff
Comfortable beds
Impeccably clean
Enormous rooms
Delicious meals
"The suite we stayed in was spacious and comfortable with a couch to unwind when you're not quite ready for bed."
igilbert2024 from United States
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"Absolutely wonderful hotel, the room is beautiful, I loved the fireplace."
Lucija from United Kingdom
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"The shower was wonderful (clean, great shampoo/conditioner/body wash provided, nice rainwater shower and second handheld showerhead)."
Mar K from United States
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"This lovely boutique hotel is just off University and walking distance to so many cute restaurants and shops."
Stephanie from United States
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"Very comfortable bed, large room, great shower."
Katherine from Australia
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Rooms & Suites
El Prado offers 62 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms. The rooms include HDTVs, fully stocked minibars, and GLink iPhone and Android docking stations. Complimentary breakfast is delivered directly to the room each morning.
Dining
Guests can dine at the on-site Spanish Tapas Bar, serving tapas-style sharing plates, Spanish wine flights, and signature cocktails. Il Fornaio, an authentic Italian restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, offers lunch and dinner daily. In-room dining from Il Fornaio is available 24 hours, and the Breakfast Coffee Bar provides fresh-brewed coffee and breakfast specialties.
Location & Business
El Prado is located in downtown Palo Alto, a 6-minute drive from Stanford University and a 7-minute drive from Stanford Shopping Center. Major tech campuses like Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn are within a 15-minute drive. The hotel has meeting and banquet facilities with a dedicated event planning team, a business center, and fax/photocopying services.
Pet-Friendly & Services
The hotel offers pet-friendly accommodations with outstanding amenities and a 24-hour concierge to arrange restaurant reservations, private car service, or in-room massage. Valet parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and accessible parking are available on site. Dry cleaning, laundry, and ironing service are provided, along with luggage storage and safety deposit boxes.
Wellness & Fitness
A state-of-the-art fitness center is located on site for a world-class workout. Guests can also request in-room massage through the concierge. The hotel provides 24-hour ice service and fresh coffee and tea on each floor in the morning.
Highlights
Awards: Named one of seven best boutique hotels in the U.S. and Forbes top hotel in Silicon Valley
Rooms: 62 rooms and suites with private balconies and marble bathrooms
Dining: On-site Spanish Tapas Bar and Il Fornaio Italian restaurant
Location: Downtown Palo Alto, walking distance to Stanford University and tech campuses
Services: 24-hour concierge, complimentary breakfast delivered to room, pet-friendly amenities
Wellness: State-of-the-art fitness center and in-room massage
“The natural light floods the meticulously restored interiors, creating a charming atmosphere that extends to the graciously appointed rooms. Service here feels genuinely attentive, and the comfort of the beds is a notable highlight, promising a restful stay.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Verygoodhotels
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
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 prices for your dates now!
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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
Jacuzzi
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Dressing area
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Bathtub
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
CD player
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At El Prado, delightful culinary experiences await, offering a blend of Italian flavors and refreshing tapas. Guests can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Palo Alto while indulging in handcrafted cocktails and authentic dishes in inviting settings.
Il Fornaio
Italian fine dining
Ambiance
A cozy yet elegant setting that echoes traditional Italian charm, perfect for sharing meals with family and friends.
Key Offerings
Highlights include authentic pasta made onsite, wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of fine wines that transport diners to Italy with each bite.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner, especially on weekends
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 or 11:00 PM on weekends.
Tapas Bar and Lounge
Casual Spanish tapas
Ambiance
Nestled in the drawing room on the second floor, this lounge offers a vibrant setting for social gatherings while celebrating the art of small plates.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a creative selection of tapas accompanied by signature cocktails infused with herbal syrups and rich Spanish liquors, perfect for an evening of relaxation.
Reservation
Not necessary, but recommended during peak hours
Open Tuesday-Saturday from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
El Prado Location
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, 94301,
Explore Palo Alto
Neighborhood Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes' walk
Museum focusing on American inventions and innovations; perfect for history buffs and offers hands-on exhibits.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
20 minutes walking
Family-friendly museum featuring animals and interactive science exhibits. Great for a fun and educational outing.
Stanford University
25 minutes' walk
Prestigious university known for its stunning campus and vibrant art exhibits, including the Cantor Arts Center.
Hewlett Packard Garage
11 minutes' walk
Historic site marking the birthplace of Silicon Valley. A must-see for tech enthusiasts and history lovers.
Discover the local attractions near El Prado
Here are some notable landmarks near El Prado that provide unique experiences and insights into local culture and nature.
Great for a peaceful outdoor stroll: Arizona Garden
Ideal for history enthusiasts: Museum of American Heritage
Perfect for art lovers: Rodin Sculpture Garden
Well suited for exploring campus architecture: Stanford University
Best for family-friendly activities: Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Biking at Stanford Campus
25 minutes' walk
Scenic biking trails through campus offer a leisurely adventure; bike rentals available nearby.
Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
18 minutes' walk
Beautiful gardens perfect for a peaceful stroll and relaxing outdoor experience.
Hiking in Arastradero Preserve
15 minutes' drive
Exciting trails for hiking and wildlife spotting; perfect for nature lovers seeking adventure.
Yoga at Yoga Studio Palo Alto
10 minutes driving
Relaxing yoga classes catering to all levels; great for unwinding after a busy day.
Il Fornaio
1 minute' walk
Italian restaurant offering authentic cuisine in a warm atmosphere; popular for pasta and pizza.
Umami Burger
2 minutes' walk
Casual spot for gourmet burgers and unique sides; diverse menu accommodates dietary preferences.
Blue Bottle Coffee
2 minutes' walk
Trendy coffee shop with artisanal brews; a favorite among locals and ideal for a quick pick-me-up.
Thyme
2 minutes' walk
Farm-to-table dining with a focus on fresh ingredients; reservation recommended for dinner.
Discover dining options near El Prado
Enjoy the dining options near El Prado that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Ideal for a gourmet dining experience: Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery
Great for a fusion sushi meal: Sushirrito
Perfect for Indian cuisine: Rooh
Well suited for coffee lovers: Peet's Coffee & Tea
Best for a sweet treat: Cream
Palo Alto Art Center
25 minutes walking
Vibrant community art center hosting exhibitions and workshops; engaging for all ages.
TheatreWorks
15 minutes' drive
Local theater with dynamic performances; great spot for evening entertainment and cultural experiences.
The Stanford Theatre
10 minutes driving
Vintage cinema showcasing classic films; unique ambience perfect for movie lovers.
Palo Alto Comedy Club
10 minutes driving
Live comedy venue hosting shows; a fun night out for laughs, suitable for adults and teens.
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 202 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
91 %
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
7.9/10
Pros
Charming hotel restoration
Attentive staff
Comfortable beds
High-quality hot chocolate
Cons
Inattentive bellboys
Impersonal service
Lack of hot water
Noisy AC unit
Guest reviews
based on 270 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 are the check-in and check-out times at El Prado?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is El Prado from Stanford University?
El Prado is 3 km from Stanford University, which is approximately a 6-minute drive.
What dining options are available on-site at El Prado?
Guests can enjoy tapas-style dishes at the Tapas Bar and authentic Italian cuisine at Il Fornaio.
Is there a fitness center available at El Prado?
Yes, El Prado features a state-of-the-art fitness center for guests.
What room amenities are provided at El Prado?
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, in-room safes, and minibars.
How far is El Prado from the nearest shopping center?
El Prado is 5 km from Stanford Shopping Center, which is about a 7-minute drive.
What are some nearby restaurants to El Prado?
Nearby restaurants include Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery, Cream, and Rooh, all within 0.5 km.
Does El Prado offer any business services?
Yes, El Prado provides a 24/7 business center and meeting rooms for business travelers.
Is the parking facility available at El Prado?
El Prado offers on-site public parking for 35 USD per day, without the need for a reservation.
What is the distance from El Prado to the nearest public transport?
El Prado is approximately 3 km from California Ave Caltrain station, about a 25-minute walk.
What recreational facilities are there at El Prado?
El Prado features an on-site golf course for guests.