Book on our site
Up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From524US$ /night
Check-in
23Nov2025Select date
Check-out
24Nov2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94301
-
Near the city center

Accommodations

El Prado consists of 62 guest rooms and suites featuring luxurious pillowtop beds, plush robes, and minibars. Each room is crafted to combine Spanish-style architecture with contemporary furnishings while offering ample natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows. Many accommodations come equipped with private balconies, providing beautiful views of either the central courtyard or downtown Palo Alto.

Dining

Guests at El Prado can start their day with breakfast options served from Coffeebar, including freshly brewed coffee and various dishes delivered directly to their rooms. Evening dining is also available through an in-room menu featuring a selection of cocktails and meals. For those looking to explore further, the nearby downtown dining scene offers upscale restaurants serving global cuisines.

Location

The hotel is situated in downtown Palo Alto, just under one mile from Stanford University and steps away from University Avenue's shops and eateries. Valet parking is available on-site, with 24-hour service to accommodate guests. The central location also provides easy access to technology campuses, including Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Business Services

El Prado provides various amenities catering to business travelers, such as a fully-equipped fitness center and meeting spaces totaling 7,300 square feet. The hotel offers dedicated event planning services, enabling seamless organization of corporate functions and gatherings. High-quality audiovisual equipment and customizable catering menus are also available.

Pet-Friendly Options

El Prado welcomes guests traveling with pets, offering designated dog-friendly rooms. Specific accommodation arrangements ensure comfort for both the pets and their owners. Requests for additional pet amenities can be made through the hotel's concierge.

Highlights

Location: downtown Palo Alto, steps to dining options

Rooms: 62 guest rooms with private balconies

Dining: Coffeebar breakfast and in-room dining menu

Business: 7,300 square feet of distinctive event space

Pet-Friendly: dog-friendly rooms available

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through the Stanford University campus for stunning views.
  • Visit the Cantor Arts Center for free art exhibitions and tours.
  • Try the famous BBQ from the Blue Line Pizza nearby for lunch.
  • Explore the Palo Alto Farmers' Market every Saturday morning.
  • Take a walk at the historic Hahn Park for beautiful scenery.
View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
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
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre
Palo Alto 1.6 km
Airports
Mineta San Jose International (SJC) 26.0 km
San Francisco International (SFO) 31.8 km
Train
California Ave Caltrain 2.6 km
Train100 m
Bus
Bus stop300 m

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • Handicap 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
Show more

Dining Onsite

Experience culinary delights at El Prado with its exquisite dining options that celebrate authentic Italian flavors at Il Fornaio and refreshing tapas at the Tapas Bar and Lounge. Each venue offers a unique ambiance, perfect for indulging in memorable meals after exploring vibrant downtown Palo Alto.
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo
El Prado Hotel Palo Alto Restaurant photo

Il Fornaio

Italian fine dining
Ambiance
Traditional Italian setting with warm decor, perfect for family gatherings or romantic dinners.
Key Offerings
Savor classic dishes such as handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas, complemented by a curated wine list. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Reservation
Recommended
Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Friday: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM; Sunday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM.

Tapas Bar and Lounge

Spanish tapas
Ambiance
Chic and contemporary lounge on the second floor, ideal for socializing over small plates.
Key Offerings
Enjoy an array of small dishes paired with signature cocktails crafted from herb-infused syrups and Spanish liquors. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
Reservation
Not required
Tuesday to Saturday: 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

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
Chantal Guillon
140 m
444 University Ave
Thyme
120 m
496 Hamilton 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
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Questions of the users
About El Prado
Is it possible to have a kettle or coffee machine in the room, and do you offer breakfast options at the hotel?
05 February 2024
Kettles can be provided upon request, and complimentary coffee and tea are available from 7 AM to 10 AM on the elevator landings. A full breakfast menu is also offered through room service.
Are breakfast items included in the room rate?
12 March 2024
The price includes a selection of freshly baked pastries, fruit, and coffee from Peet's, along with tea.
Which room types feature bathtubs for guests?
17 April 2024
The double queen bed units and some select suites come equipped with bathtubs. Reservations can be made for those specific rooms.
Are there connecting rooms available for families traveling together?
22 May 2024
Requests for connecting rooms can be noted, and the hotel will do its best to accommodate them, although availability depends on occupancy.
Can you provide information about the safety of the area surrounding the hotel?
30 June 2024
The hotel is located in a safe area, well-lit and lively with a mix of tourists and locals, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests.
What distinguishes the various king suites, including the one with a balcony, from other room options?
10 July 2024
The Deluxe King room is 350 square feet, while the Deluxe Junior King Suite is 450 square feet and includes a parlor area. The Deluxe King Suite measures 500 square feet with an expansive living room. All options feature balconies and king-sized beds.
Is there a shuttle service available to nearby attractions, and does the hotel feature an outdoor pool?
18 August 2024
The hotel does not provide a shuttle service but can assist with booking town cars. Unfortunately, there is no outdoor pool at the property.
Does the hotel offer complimentary parking for guests?
24 September 2024
Valet parking is available for $28.00 per night, but the hotel does not offer free parking on-site. Off-street parking may be available nearby for limited hours.
What amenities does the hotel offer to ensure a comfortable stay?
15 October 2024
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, work desks, minibars, and 24-hour concierge service for additional assistance.
Are there special packages available for couples looking to book a romantic getaway?
02 November 2024
Yes, the hotel offers a Romantic Getaway package that includes special amenities such as a bottle of sparkling wine, a sweet dessert plate for two, and a late check-out.
Check-in
23Nov2025Select date
Check-out
24Nov2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room