el PRADO

Hotels
9.2 (449 reviews)
520 Cowper Street , Palo Alto , US
+1 650-322-9000

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Paid
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Room service
Business center
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Comfortable rooms
Cons:
Noise issues
Room service problems
Maintenance concerns

Categories

Cleanliness
8.96
Some reviews indicated issues with the room quality and maintenance that impacted cleanliness.
Service
9.93
Front desk staff and housekeeping were reported as extremely friendly and helpful.
Location
10
The hotel is centrally located in Palo Alto, noted as perfect for accessing the area.
Room Quality
8.97
Mixed sentiments with some rooms described as quaint but others noted noise and mattress issues.
Amenities
9.42
Offerings like coffee service were appreciated, although some amenities were lacking.
Value for Money
8.45
Several reviews reflected dissatisfaction with the cost relative to the condition of the hotel.
Food and Beverage
7.91
Room service issues were experienced, affecting the overall sentiment about food and beverage.
Overall Experience
9.96
Despite some complaints, the overall feedback remains largely positive with great location.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 21:45

Property Description

Contemporary Guest Rooms with Tech Amenities - el PRADO offers modern guest rooms equipped with GLink iPhone and Android docking stations, ensuring you stay connected and entertained during your stay.

Dining Experiences to Remember - Indulge in a variety of culinary delights at el PRADO, from fresh-brewed coffee and breakfast specialties at the Breakfast Coffee Bar to tapas-style sharing plates, Spanish wine flights, and signature cocktails at the Spanish Tapas Bar. For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, head to Il Fornaio for indoor and outdoor dining options.

Concierge Services for a Seamless Stay - Take advantage of the concierge service at el PRADO to arrange in-room massages, restaurant reservations, and private car services, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable stay.

Experience the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and luxury at el PRADO. Book now for an unforgettable stay in Central Palo Alto.

Important information:

When booking 5 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: SJC

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 449 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.96
Service: 9.93
Location: 10
Room Quality: 8.97
Amenities: 9.42
Value for Money: 8.45
Food and Beverage: 7.91
Overall Experience: 9.96
T
Tingting • couple • us
10
2026-09-13 • via Nuitee
K
Katie • extended_group • us
10
Pros:

Beautiful and clean! Everyone was so friendly and helpful! I will be back!

Cons:

Not a thing

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
S
Stephanie • family_with_children • us
10
Best hotel in Palo Alto!
Pros:

This is by far the best hotel we have found in Palo Alto! The rooms are spacious and comfortable. We enjoyed the little patio off our room...nice for coffee in the morning. The hotel staff are exceptional! They helped us with everything we needed, and even went out of their way to help schedule airport transportation and help for our elderly parents who departed a day after us. The location in downtown PA is prime and in walking distance to many wonderful restaurants and coffee shops. The hotel gym is very well equipped. Coffee service on our floor was a nice perk....coffee, decaf and a variety of teas offered in the morning at no additional charge.

Cons:

The hotel has no breakfast...but there are many options very close by.

2026-09-08 • via Nuitee
M
Monique • couple • us
9
2026-09-01 • via Nuitee
A
andrzej • solo_traveller • pl
8
Pros:

very cosy boutique hotel I loved it.

Cons:

no twin bed rooms
the hole under the room's door was about 1.5 inch. tgey put even a roller in the room to put it under tge door at night.
also coffee was terrible as always in the us.

2026-08-31 • via Nuitee
T
tiagocz • solo_traveller • br
10
2026-08-28 • via Nuitee
N
Naoko • family_with_children • us
10
Beautiful building and rooms with friendly staff
Pros:

Great locations for a quick ride to Stanford and so close to lots of restaurant & shops.
Very safe and relaxed atmosphere in the area to explore on foot.

Cons:

None

2026-08-26 • via Nuitee
D
David • family_with_children • us
9
2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
J
Johnny • couple • us
10
2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
P
pacccp • Business
10
Excellent Venue for Professional Events — my top pick
Pros:

We had the pleasure of hosting our Professional Development Day at El PRADO for the second year in a row, and once again, they exceeded our expectations. The food was delicious, plentiful, and enjoyed by everyone. The meeting rooms were well maintained, the chairs were comfortable, and drinks were kept stocked throughout the day. The AV service was excellent, and the staff did a wonderful job keeping the space clean and welcoming throughout the event. We highly recommend El PRADO for professional events and look forward to returning!

2026-08-13 • via Tripadvisor
S
srikanth2016 • NONE
10
Great place for a wedding event
Pros:

Had a memorable stay at El Prado, hosting a wedding event.

Location, service, facilities - A+

Parking options are great!

2026-08-12 • via Tripadvisor
R
Robert • couple • us
9
Comfortable stay at El Prado
Pros:

Really, a perfect location for Palo Alto. Easy walking distance to restaurants, other happenings.

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
5
554worldt • Solo travel • Winnipeg, Manitoba
10
Amazing, elegant and classy
Pros:

el PRADO is without question the finest boutique hotel in the entire valley. The property is exceptional, but what truly elevates the experience is the world-class service—a clear testament to General Manager Brayton and the culture he’s built here.
A special thanks to Eddy and Kaveri, whose warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail made the stay completely seamless. Impeccable hospitality from start to finish. I wouldn't stay anywhere else in Palo Alto.

2026-08-07 • via Tripadvisor
R
Resort16663486774 • Family • Highland Park, Lake County, Illinois
10
Wonderful boutique hotel in the heart of Palo Alto
Pros:

Beautiful, quiet, well-located boutique hotel in the heart of Palo Alto. Excellent service and effort to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Very comfy rooms with fabulous beds.

2026-07-26 • via Tripadvisor
M
Moira • couple • us
10
2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
B
Bella • family_with_children • us
7
Pros:

Location was great. Stocked full of goodies that they want you to eat and drink for extra cost. Bed comfy and nice sheets. Bathroom nice.

Cons:

There was no water to drink easily available and not sure where one was supposed to get some. That was ridiculous and should not have to pay a lot of money just to avoid dehydration. Coffee was ONLY available in lobby between certain hours and no fridge to put your own items in as it was packed with things they wanted you to buy. No tea in the rooms either. No tea of coffee after the small morning window. For the price, not cool. Even cheaper motels have that.

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
E
Emre • family_with_children • gb
7
Pros:

There was no dining area, a major point

Cons:

No restaurant

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
S
Satish • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-07-14 • via Nuitee
C
Cecilia • family_with_children • py
7
Hermoso hotel pero sin room service y mal servicio al consumidor
Pros:

Ubicación, Limpieza, Baño

Cons:

Servicio les especifique tres veces a tres diferentes personas como me tenian que hacer el cobro, me aseguraron que entendieron, pero igual cobraron a la tarjeta de crédito equivocada. Cuando hicimos el checkout no me podian dar información!! Tuvimos que salir sin saber que me iban a cobrar, nos cobraron a ciegas, luego llamamos a quejarnos y dijeron que el manager nos iba a devolver la llamada a ver que podiamos hacer y nunca nos devolvieron la llamada ni escribieron un email, gastamos mas en una llamada internacional de 30min explicandoles una vez mas lo sucedido y tratando que nos solucionen el problema.

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
E
Elizabeth • couple • us
3
Never again and do not recommend to our friends and family.
Pros:

Liked the room, very nice and location is great. Over priced.

Cons:

Over charged for credit card hold for incidentals, eventually credited after vacation was over so it tied up my money while on vacation.

Ordered a GLASS of champagne from room service and was brought a bottle, then felt akward about refusing it and having to wait forever for a glass of champagne.

Valet driver misplaced our key FOB and had to wait 45 minutes for my husband to go with a staff member to find vehicle in parking garage and discover the FOB was placed on the wiper blade of the windshield!!! Anyone could have stolen our vehicle from that garage. You have got to be kidding me...

Staff leaves much to be desired in the business of hospitality.

2026-06-23 • via Nuitee