About this property
Built in 1924, this historic Palo Alto hotel is just 1.6 km from Stanford University. Guests can enjoy dining at Bistro Maxine, located next door. A flat-screen TV and dark wood furniture are found in each bright, decorative room of the non-smoking Cardinal Hotel. A work desk and an iron are also included. Bistro Maxine serves both traditional and continental breakfasts each morning. Lunch, dinner and dessert crepes are also offered. Guests of the Cardinal can enjoy free weekday newspapers as well as coffee, tea and cocoa in the lobby. A business centre is available as well. The Palo Alto Caltrain Station is an 8-minute walk from the hotel. The San Francisco International Airport is less than 21 miles away.
Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.7 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular facilities
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Restaurant
- Breakfast
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Ali
Turkey“Best location best people. This Hotel shares the soul of Palo Alto” - Thea
Switzerland“Easy and simple with the bathrooms in the hallway; yet exactly the perfect location and comfort. Can only recommend since you go out and can walk throughout downtown by foot. The staff was also very welcoming and forthcoming.” 
Stefan
Bulgaria“The location is great - easy to find, plenty of restaurants and coffee shops nearby, train station just a few minutes away. The team was awesome - very friendly and hospitable!”- Nelson
Cayman Islands“The location was fantastic - downtown Palo Alto, near train station and plenty of dining options. The rooms are spacious and clean. Staff is helpful.” 
Sveta
United Kingdom“Great location in the center of Palo Alto. Good staff.”- Ayuko
United States“When I arrived, the room was cold , but no way to swich on for the temperature” - Camarena United States“Location was perfect for the business I had in the city.”
- Chantelle
Ireland“The staff are fantastic, especially Christian who gave us a little tour of some of the beautiful original features of the hotel. It’s so charming. Rooms were large and airy and clean.” - Julia Switzerland“- nice charme in a very central location - super friendly staff - I was able to have my luggage kept at the hotel on the day of the check-out”
- Yumei
Australia“Great antique hotel with rich history and convenient location. But can be a bit noisy at night and morning”
Hotel surroundings
Restaurants
- Bistro Maxine - Independent restaurant in the same building - breakfast and lunch ONLY
- CuisineFrench
- Open forBreakfast • Brunch • Lunch
- AmbianceFamily friendly • Traditional
- Dietary optionsVegetarian • Dairy-free
House rules
Child policies
Children of any age are welcome.
Children 12 years and above will be charged as adults at this property.
To see correct prices and occupancy information, please add the number of children in your group and their ages to your search.
Cot and extra bed policies
The number of cots allowed is dependent on the option you choose. Please check your selected option for more information.
There are no extra beds available at this property.
All cots are subject to availability.
The fine print
Please take into account for non refundable rates the hotel will not consider waivers.
Important Room Info: Shared Bathroom Queen Room
This guest room does not have a private bathroom.
It includes a sink and vanity inside the room, but the toilet and shower are located in the hallway. These are shared, individual-use, lockable bathrooms shared with other guests.
Please ensure you are comfortable with this setup before your stay.
Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
