Known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” Palo Alto is best known as being the home of the Stanford University campus and tech companies like Hewlett-Packard, as well as being the former headquarters of Facebook, Google, and many other tech giants. But delve a little deeper than Palo Alto’s most famous residents and you’ll quickly see why people love spending time in this Bay Area gem.
In true California fashion, Palo Alto is a place for nature lovers who will love exploring the city’s 30+ parks and 40+ miles of walking/biking trails. And if it’s culture you’re after, Stanford is home to the Rodin Sculpture Garden and the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden.
Sample local eats at the Palo Alto Farmers Market, catch a classic film at the 1925 Stanford Theatre, get a glimpse of the Hewlett-Packard Garage, or shop till you drop at the Stanford Shopping Center. Whatever your interests, you’re bound to enjoy your time in Palo Alto!
With so many things to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to at the end of a long day. It’s no secret that there is an impressive number of forward-thinking places to stay in Palo Alto. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So I’ve created a list of the 10 best luxury hotels in Palo Alto to help you plan your perfect getaway!
- Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are my top 3 picks!
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Where to Stay in Palo Alto
Sandwiched between Menlo Park and Mountain View in Silicon Valley, Palo Alto is a refreshingly small town with roughly 66,000 residents. So, no matter where you stay, you’ll never be too far from where you want to be.
If you’re in town to visit Stanford, you’ll find some of the best hotels in Palo Alto less than a mile away in downtown. Many hotels even offer complimentary bikes, so you can pedal around campus if you’d like! Plus, downtown is where you’ll find top attractions, like the farmers’ market, Stanford Theatre, and the Hewlett-Packard Garage.
You’ll also find some really cool, innovative hotels just a few miles away in Mountain View, including the eco-luxury Ameswell Hotel and the “lifestyle urban resort” of Shashi Hotel.
The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Palo Alto, CA
1. el PRADO
If you’re searching for downtown Palo Alto hotels, el PRADO is one of the most unique places to stay in town. This boutique hotel features just 62 rooms and suites, all of which are outfitted with plush pillow-top beds, 49-inch or 55-inch flat-screen TVs, full mini-bars, and marble baths with rain showers and Molton Brown amenities.
Explore the hotel grounds and you’ll find a lovely Spanish-style courtyard with plenty of seating around the fireplace, a fully outfitted fitness center, and an excellent Italian restaurant. This hotel is just steps away from a variety of restaurants, but you can always opt to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in your room if you’re feeling lazy!
2. Graduate Palo Alto
When it comes to cool boutique hotels in Palo Alto, it’s tough to beat the Graduate. Located less than a mile from Stanford University, this is an especially fun option if you’re in town to visit campus.
Like all Graduate hotels, this place is chockful of local and university spirit and you’ll immediately be impressed by the whimsical and eclectic lobby decor. The theme extends to the colorful rooms which are outfitted with hand-painted Redwood wallpaper, custom artwork, a minifridge, and complimentary Wi-Fi, RightWater, Coava Coffee, and Malin + Goetz bath products.
The Graduate also offers complimentary bikes, perfect for cruising around campus, as well as an on-site gym and a “day-to-night” cafe and bar. But one of the best features of this place is President’s Terrace, the only rooftop bar in Palo Alto. This is the place to be for creative cocktails and West Coast cuisine.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley
If it’s luxury hotels in Palo Alto you’re after, look no further than the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto. Whether you’re in town for work or play, the Four Seasons has everything you need for a relaxing and productive stay.
Explore the hotel, and you’ll find a rooftop pool lined with loungers, a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and Himalayan salt sauna, and all sorts of unique workspaces. And when it comes to dining, you can enjoy California cuisine at Quattro, cocktails at Quattro Bar, coffee and pastries at the Lobby Lounge, and in-room dining 24/7.
Speaking of rooms, you’ll love the floor-to-ceiling windows letting in plenty of light, the ergonomic workstation, smart TV with DVR, and extras like plush terry bathrobes and twice-daily housekeeping!
4. The Clement Hotel
One of the very best luxury hotels in Palo Alto, The Clement Palo Alto is a great choice if you’re in need of a pampering, all-inclusive stay. This is the perfect pick if you’re visiting for a special celebration, too, because you can choose from Anniversary and Birthday packages.
No matter what, you’ll get cooked-to-order meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Dining Room, as well as access to the fully-stocked, 24-hour guest pantry for drinks and snacks. You can also enjoy unlimited drinks by the cozy fireplace in the Living Room.
The 23 one- and two-bedroom luxury suites here all feature separate living rooms with sofa beds, two 65-inch Samsung IPTVs, a Nespresso VertuoLine machine, and a stone-lined bathroom with heated floors and separate showers and soaking tubs.
5. Kasa Palo Alto
One of the coolest boutique hotels in Palo Alto, Kasa Palo Alto is the perfect pick if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly hotel with a dash of luxury. This is another great pick if you’re looking for a hotel that’s close to Stanford University.
Set in a fully revamped motel, this place has been entirely reimagined, and in true Silicon Valley fashion, the tech-enabled rooms feature self-check-in, 24/7 guest support by text, phone, or chat, and a Virtual Front Desk.
Check in to your room and you’ll love the retro decor, comfy memory foam bed, designated workstation, large flat-screen TV, and Malin+Goetz bath products. Plus, you’ll get handy extras like a Nespresso coffee maker, microwave, and vintage-inspired Frigidaire minifridge!
6. Nobu Hotel Palo Alto
If you’re searching for luxury hotels in downtown Palo Alto, Nobu Hotel Palo Alto is one of the best. This place boasts just 73 guest rooms, including those on the exclusive Ryokan level on the 7th and 8th floors. These rooms give you furnished private balconies, deep teak soaking tubs, and priority reservations at Nobu restaurant.
But even if you don’t feel like splurging on a Ryokan level room, at Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, 82-inch smart TVs, Nespresso makers and Ikaati tea, linen yukata robes, balconies, and Natura Bissé bath amenities all come as standard.
7. AC Hotel by Marriott Palo Alto
AC Hotel Palo Alto has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Start your day with a workout in the fitness center before grabbing a European breakfast at AC Kitchen and heading out for the day.
When you return in the evening, the indoor/outdoor AC Lounge is the perfect place to unwind over cocktails and craft beer. And if you want to dine close by, Wild Onion Bistro + Bar is located in AC Hotel’s sister property right next door.
Once you’re ready to retire to your room, you’ll appreciate the sleek, minimalist style, 55-inch smart TV, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and the designated work desk.
8. Hotel Citrine
Hotel Citrine is easily one of the coolest hotels in Palo Alto. The stylish rooms here boast mid-century decor, hardwood floors, flat-screen TVs, spacious workstations, and complimentary bath amenities.
Upgrade to a suite and you’ll get loads more space, as well as separate bedrooms and living rooms and huge furnished balconies. But whichever room type you choose, you’ll also get access to the outdoor pool area, gym, and business center.
And if you’re feeling peckish, the on-site restaurant Wild Onion Bistro + Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves up organic, locally sourced dishes.
9. The Ameswell Hotel
Located in Mountain View, just 10 minutes from the Stanford University campus, The Ameswell Hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for style in the heart of Silicon Valley. With features like only 4% use of single-use plastics and in-room recycling, this is also one of the coolest hotels near Palo Alto if you care about sustainability.
The retro-inspired rooms here feature plush Sealy mattresses with Rivolta Italian bed linens, 65-inch smart TVs, ultra high-speed Wi-Fi, and 100% organic bath amenities by Juice Beauty. Opt for the Wellness King and you’ll get the Lululemon’s Mirror Fitness App, as well as in-room weights and resistance bands, and all-natural energy drinks.
Once you work up an appetite, you can dine on creative California cuisine at Roger, pick up grab-and-go meals at The Flyby, or go wine tasting at “A” Wine Bar!
10. Shashi Hotel Mountain View, an Urban Resort
Another gem in Mountain View, Shashi Hotel Mountain View is a “lifestyle urban resort” perfect for those looking for luxury hotels near Palo Alto. There’s a lot to love about Shashi Hotel, including the chic pool area, the cocktails at The Emerald Hour, the casual Spanish cuisine at Broma, and the prix fixe dining at Belle Terre.
You’ll love the rooms, too, which are all outfitted with high-tech features like 65-inch smart TVs with Apple TV, wireless charging stations, the Shashi App, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Expect luxurious touches as well, from the artisanal in-room coffee to the plush robes and slippers.
