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From524US$ /night
Check-in
13Jan2026Select date
Check-out
14Jan2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Close to the city center
Perfect
9.1
9.3
/10
4.8
4.5
/5

Situated approximately a 25-minute walk from the Rodin Sculpture Garden, the 4-star El Prado Hotel Palo Alto offers a business centre with a range of business amenities. Boasting a location in close proximity to the Farmers' Market, the hotel features 45 rooms as well as a restaurant.

Location

Guests can access the Whole Foods Market 900 metres from this Palo Alto hotel, while Burgess Park is 2.3 km away. The El Prado is a few moments from Uvas Gold Apiary and 30 km from Mineta San Jose International airport.

The property is around 5 minutes by car from Lytton Avenue & Cowper Street bus stop and 3.6 km from California Ave Caltrain train station in Palo Alto.

Rooms

The rooms comprise a balcony complete with a trouser press and air conditioning, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Along with a stone fireplace, they also have a study desk. Bathrooms include a separate toilet and a shower, along with comforts such as hairdryers and bath sheets. Guests can also enjoy street views.

Eat & Drink

Serving both food and drinks, Tamarine Restaurant & Gallery is situated just near the El Prado Palo Alto.

Leisure & Business

Business and leisure travellers can also make use of a laptop safe and a photocopy machine.

“El Prado strikes me as a boutique gem in Palo Alto, especially suited to business and solo travelers valuing both location and a certain understated luxury. Its Spanish Colonial design, while distinctive, doesn't overshadow practical touches like in-room conveniences and walkable access to diverse dining; I appreciate that balance.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
Deluxe Queen Room Two Queen Beds
2 persons
33 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Shower
Heating
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
37 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Courtyard King Fireplace
2 persons
37 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
King Suite Balcony
2 persons
51 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Shower
Heating
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Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Dressing area
  • Terrace
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Indulge in the delightful dining experiences at El Prado, where the authentic flavors of Italy meet the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Palo Alto. From charming settings to handcrafted cocktails, guests will find a perfect backdrop for memorable meals and gatherings.
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Il Fornaio

Italian
Ambiance
Embrace the warmth of traditional Italian dining in a cozy and inviting setting, where rustic charm meets modern sophistication.
Key Offerings
Savor expertly crafted Italian dishes that celebrate regional flavors, complemented by a carefully curated wine list. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are available for all-day enjoyment.
Reservation
Recommended
Breakfast: 07:00 - 10:30; Lunch and Dinner: 11:30 - 22:00 (Monday to Thursday), 11:30 - 23:00 (Friday), 08:00 - 11:00 for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.

Tapas Bar and Lounge

Spanish Tapas
Ambiance
Located in the drawing room on the second floor, this lounge beckons guests with its relaxed atmosphere, featuring rich textures and inviting décor.
Key Offerings
Delight in a diverse selection of handcrafted signature cocktails infused with herb syrups and Spanish liquors, perfectly paired with creative tapas. Ideal for a late afternoon or evening unwind.
Reservation
Not required
Open Tuesday to Saturday 15:00 - 22:00.

Hotel location

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Map view
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
Nearby
351 Homer Ave
Museum of American Heritage
540 m
601-699 Gilman St
Farmers' markets
460 m
south side of the mausoleum off of Quarry Road between Campus Drive and Arboretum Road
Arizona Garden
510 m
Restaurants
Il Fornaio
10 m
520 Cowper Street
Blue Bottle Coffee
150 m
456 University Avenue
Umami Burger
120 m
452 University Ave
Thyme
120 m
496 Hamilton Ave
Chantal Guillon
140 m
444 University Ave
Vino Locale
220 m
431 Kipling St
Yayoi
220 m
403 University Ave
Paris Baguette
230 m
383 University Ave
Starbucks
240 m
376 University Ave
Joya
310 m
339 University Ave
Explore Palo Alto
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Museum of American Heritage
Museum of American Heritage
7 minutes' walk
A hidden gem showcasing American inventiveness. Features rotating exhibits and hands-on displays, ideal for curious minds of all ages.
Hewlett Packard Garage
Hewlett Packard Garage
11 minutes' walk
The birthplace of Silicon Valley, this historical site offers a glimpse into innovation history. A marker for tech enthusiasts and history buffs.
Arizona Garden
Arizona Garden
7 minutes' walk
A tranquil botanical garden dedicated to California's native plants. Perfect for a serene stroll or a peaceful moment outdoors.
El Palo Alto Park
El Palo Alto Park
15 minutes' walk
Home to the historic El Palo Alto tree, this park offers picnic spots and nature trails for a relaxing family outing.
Hiking at Stanford Dish
15 minutes' drive
Popular for scenic views, this hiking trail challenges outdoor enthusiasts. Rentals available nearby for biking lovers.
Yoga at The Stanford Yoga Center
10 minutes' drive
A serene place for relaxation and wellness. Offers a variety of classes suitable for all skills, with drop-ins welcome.
Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio
1 minute' walk
An upscale Italian eatery renowned for its fresh pasta and fine wines. Elegant ambiance, great for romantic dinners or business meetings.
Umami Burger
Umami Burger
2 minutes' walk
Casual burger spot famous for its gourmet blends. Offers vegetarian options and a lively atmosphere, perfect for a family meal.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee
2 minutes' walk
Sleek coffee shop known for its artisanal brews. Ideal for a casual meeting or a quick caffeine fix with quality pastries.
TheatreWorks
10 minutes' drive
A regional theater showcasing innovative performances and new works. Great for a cultured evening out with friends or family.
Palo Alto Art Center
Palo Alto Art Center
25 minutes' walk
Offers engaging art exhibitions and community classes. Family-friendly events make it perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Local transport and travel tips
City Centre
Palo Alto20 min  ·  1.6 km
Airports
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)39 min  ·  26.0 km
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)48 min  ·  31.8 km
Train
California Ave Caltrain32 min  ·  2.6 km
Train2 min  ·  100 m
Bus
Bus stop4 min  ·  300 m
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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 USD 28 per day.
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
FAQs
About El Prado
What is the distance from El Prado to Stanford University?
El Prado is approximately 2 km from Stanford University.
What amenities are available in the guest rooms at El Prado?
All guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, an in-room safe, and a minibar.
Is there on-site dining available at El Prado?
El Prado offers on-site dining options including Il Fornaio for Italian cuisine and a Tapas Bar for Spanish sharing plates.
What is the check-in and check-out policy at El Prado?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
What fitness facilities are available at El Prado?
El Prado has a fully equipped fitness center with ellipticals, treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights.
What nearby dining options are available around El Prado?
Dining options within 0.5 km include Peet's Coffee & Tea, Tamarine Restaurant, and Sushirrito.
How far is El Prado from Mineta San Jose International Airport?
El Prado is 30 km from Mineta San Jose International Airport.
What kind of events can be hosted at El Prado?
El Prado can host weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings, with experienced coordination available.
Is there parking available at El Prado?
Public parking is available nearby at no additional charge, but reservations are not possible.
Which technologies are featured in guest rooms at El Prado?
Guest rooms include GLink iPhone and Android docking stations, along with flat-screen HDTVs.
What is the distance from El Prado to the California Avenue Caltrain station?
El Prado is located 3 km from California Avenue Caltrain station.

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