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Palo Alto

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About Palo Alto

Renowned as the home of Stanford University, Palo Alto has developed from a sleepy college town to a thriving business and cultural centre, home to many of Silicon Valley's sharpest minds. Popular with well-heeled business or leisure travellers visiting the University as well as outdoorsy travellers, the city offers a whole host of accommodation options, including simple B&Bs and chic city boltholes. Whilst many of the best places to stay in Palo Alto are clustered around the city centre and the Stanford Campus, one of our top spots is a gorgeous, resort escape on the outskirts of town, perfect for soaking up the region's natural beauty.

The illustrious University is one of Palo Alto's biggest draws. You can spend almost a whole day exploring the beautiful grounds of Stanford Campus, as well as strolling downtown along University Avenue. Pop into quirky shops, sample delectable dishes at trendy eateries, and savour fresh produce from local growers and makers at the farmers' market.

Palo Alto's abundance of successful residents means that its neighbourhoods are filled with impressive houses, and that there is a burgeoning foodie and cultural scene to discover. Catch a classic film at the Stanford Theatre, or hike into the foothills to admire the 150-foot-wide Dish, a radio telescope built in 1965. For an insight into the area's famed tech focus, venture to the Computer History Museum, in nearby Mountain View. Hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers will adore the 1,940 acres of the Baylands Nature Preserve, where there's a huge array of wildlife to spot.

Whether you're in town for a conference or a weekend of sightseeing, the best places to stay in Palo Alto promise a top-notch base from which to experience this innovative city's many fabulous bars, eateries and cultural delights. With San Jose and San Francisco nearby, too, there's plenty to see and do!

The Best Places to Stay in Palo Alto

For central city style

  • The Hotel Nia is a luxurious hotel with high design values that incorporate the location, the high-tech locale and industrial chic trends, into a glamorous environment.  There are 250 rooms and suites, a huge pool with a fire-pit, a relaxed but elegant Mediterranean restaurant, complimentary bike hire, a gym and spa, lush gardens and a business centre.  
  • Garden Court Hotel is a chic, Mediterranean-inspired property with 62 rooms featuring crisp linens and a blue-and-white colour palette. Well-placed for exploring Palo Alto, the hotel also offers a noteworthy Italian restaurant and soothing in-room massages. An elegant city pad for work or play.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley is a lavish contemporary hotel, with 200 sleek rooms and suites in a glass-fronted edifice. Enjoy a 5* stay with classic Four Seasons attention to detail, a wonderful spa, fantastic eateries and a lively rooftop pool and bar area. An ultra-modern city hotel for business or leisure travellers in search of absolute luxury.

For Romance

  • Enchanté Boutique Hotel is an opulent boutique hideaway with 19 rooms and suites in Los Altos. Ensconced in a French-style château, you can expect charming period decor, indulgent marble bathrooms and a cosy bistro. An award-winning small hotel. One for blissful romantic getaways!

For Foodies

  • Nobu Hotel is a super-sophisticated boutique hotel with minimalist interiors. Home to the world-famous Nobu restaurant, this is an exceptional foodie choice. Feast on an innovative menu of Japanese dishes in swish, serene surroundings!

For a Luxury Resort

  • Rosewood Sand Hill is an sumptuous resort, boasting views of the Bay Area and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Bedrooms and bathrooms are grand, with a cool, contemporary feel, and there are stacks of activities for the whole family, including horse-riding, golf and an indulgent spa. Michelin-starred Madera is a real highlight.

For Families

  • Stanford Park Hotel offers luxury and sophistication in comfortable, classic rooms and suites. Think big beds, cosy armchairs, embroidered quilts and log fireplaces, perfect for kicking back after days of strolling the city. Open since 1895, this is a smart, historic base for visitors eager to make the most of the area. Facilities include a courtyard swimming pool and the excellent Menlo Tavern. Suites are ideal for families. Old-school style.

Prefer an apartment or holiday rental?

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to San Jose Airport and take the bus and train to Palo Alto, or travel to San Francisco Airport and hop aboard the subway and the train to Palo Alto. Alternatively, the journey by car or taxi should take around 30 minutes from San Francisco and 20 minutes from San Jose.
  • California is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • The summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Palo Alto, and also when many university students will have gone home. For cooler weather and great hotel deals, travel in the spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October).

Still not sure?

Best Hotels in Palo Alto

  • Garden Court Hotel Palo Alto 62 rooms from £218

    Local exploring  -  Explore Silicon Valley with easy access to Santa Cruz and the surrounding Bay Area
    Sights nearby  -  Take a day trip to San Francisco and see all the sights
    Restaurant  -  Dine at the hotel's Italian restaurant Il Fornaio
    Local markets  -  Palo Alto Farmers' Market is open on Saturdays
    RestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A luxury modern Mediterranean-style villa hotel in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Rooms are spacious and bright with blue colour tones, sit-out balconies and large grey marble bathrooms. Complete with a noteworthy Italian restaurant and indulgent in-room massages. A perfect city crashpad. See More

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  • Nobu Hotel, Palo Alto Palo Alto 86 rooms from £257

    City Style  -  In the heart of Palo Alto, just by Stanford, enjoy a sophisticated stay in the Iconic Japanese restaurant
    Foodies  -  The hotel has the famed NOBU restaurant serving exemplary Japanese cuisine
    Lively  -  Hip and happening.
    Restaurant with rooms
    Air conditioningRestaurantDisabled accessParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A sophisticated boutique hotel in the heart of Silicon Valley. Rooms are light and spacious with perfect minimalist style that includes plenty of pale wood and glass, while the bathrooms are indulgent. Home to the world-renowned Japanese restaurant Nobu - this is a foodie destination. See More

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  • Hotel Nia Palo Alto 250 rooms from £262

    Short break  -  A perfect base if jetting into Silicon Valley for a meeting. Enjoy a range of dining options, fitness & work facilities on-site
    Business meetings  -  With the offices of Google and Facebook super close by, this is a prime location for business in the tech and digital worlds
    City Style  -  Sophisticated with a lot of substance as well as style; this is much more than just a bland modern luxury hotel
    Restaurant  -  The laid-back but elegant restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine made of locally-sourced ingredients in a tranquil setting
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Luxury hotel with ideal amenities in the heart of Silicon Valley. Decor blends high-tech industrial-chic with contemporary glam touches. Designed for executives but can be enjoyed by everyone with event space, outdoor pool, gardens, fab dining, gym and city views. Cool but cosy downtown hub. See More

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  • Stanford Park Hotel Palo Alto 162 rooms from £304

    Local exploring  -  The hotel is the perfect spot for exploring the Stanford area with shopping, music venues and gardens all nearby
    Sights nearby  -  Explore the Filoli Gardens, or visit the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden
    Restaurant  -  Menlo Tavern at Stanford Park Hotel serves American cuisine
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor swimming pool
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    An independent luxury hotel situated just by Stanford University. Traditionally styled rooms are spacious and elegant, some with fireplaces and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Enjoy a handcrafted cocktail at the bar followed by delicious seasonal Californian fare at the bistro. A superb stay! See More

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  • Enchante Boutique Hotel Palo Alto 19 rooms from £313

    Romantic Break  -  After a romantic dinner enjoy inviting canopy beds with silky sheets, fluffy gowns, stand-alone tubs and cosy in-room fireplaces
    City Style  -  A little corner of France in Silicon Valley. Thoughtfully and authentically decorated to a high standard without feeling themed
    Sights nearby  -  The grand Winchester Mystery House is well-worth a visit, as is NASA Ames Research Center
    Restaurant  -  Champagne One Main is a bistro serving French/American cuisine
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    Exquisite boutique hotel modelled on a French-style chateau. Luxe rooms perfectly combine traditional period interiors (chandeliers, fireplaces and antiques) with modern comforts and spoiling Carrera marble bathrooms. French/American bistro and fireside library. Fab for grown-up romantic getaways. See More

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  • Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley Palo Alto (EAST PALO ALTO) 200 rooms from £605

    5* Luxury  -  Expect all the luxury trimmings including fine-dining, high-end service and well-equipped modern rooms
    Total relaxation  -  With a rooftop pool and a spoiling spa, this is a great option for relaxing
    Sights nearby  -  Head into San Francisco and admire the Golden Gate Bridge
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A luxury five-star set in East Palo Alto. Rooms are sleek and contemporary with simple white style, large desks and indulgent bathrooms with L’Occitane products. Dining options consist of high-end Italian and a more casual option. A rooftop pool and bar is a hit and the service is on point. See More

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  • Rosewood Sand Hill Palo Alto (Menlo Park) 122 rooms from £624

    Active Holiday  -  There's plent to keep busy with nearby from horse riding to golf or wine tasting
    Foodies  -  Madera has one Michelin Star and offers a menu of refined dishes
    Sights nearby  -  Take a day trip to San Francisco only 40 minutes away
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking

    A ranch-style countryside escape just outside of Palo Alto. Rooms are grand and stylish with large marble baths, original artworks and enviable views of the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz Mountains. Relax by the dramatic pool and gardens and eat at the exquisite Michelin starred Restaurant. See More

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  • The Clement Palo Alto (California) 23 rooms from £842

    All inclusive  -  Included in the price are all food and beverages, parking and much more
    Restaurant  -  The dining room and the kitchen provide a range of informal dining options with a focus on refreshing Californian cuisine
    Sights nearby  -  Right next to Stanford University Campus and close to the Cantor Art Centre, and Shoreline Amphitheatre
    Swimming Pool  -  Rooftop pool with views over Palo Alto
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    All-inclusive urban luxury retreat in the heart of Silicon Valley. 23 one- and two-bedroom suites provide all the high-end amenities a tech titan or visiting Stanford professor might want, plus you can expect seasonal Californian cuisine, a 24-hour pantry for snacks, and a panoramic rooftop pool. See More

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