Palo Alto Hotels

Top reasons to visit Palo Alto

• Cultural Attractions: Palo Alto is home to fascinating museums and educational institutions, perfect for those keen on history and innovation.
• Vibrant Downtown: Explore charming shops and cafés in Downtown Palo Alto for a delightful urban experience.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy urban parks and nature preserves, ideal for outdoor adventures and family-friendly fun.
• Local Life: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of East Palo Alto and engage with the community's unique culture.
• Diverse Accommodations: Find a range of hotels from luxurious to charming motels, catering to all types of travellers.

Find great hotels near Palo Alto

Discover an array of hotel accommodations in Palo Alto, California, ideal for both business travellers and leisure seekers. From luxurious stays to charming motels, you will find pet-friendly options and LGBTQIA welcoming environments. Explore top hotels with excellent reviews and a variety of services tailored to your needs, ensuring a memorable visit to this vibrant tech hub.

• Maple Tree Inn: Nestled approximately 14km from Palo Alto, the Maple Tree Inn is a charming 3-star hotel that caters to both business and leisure travellers. With a commendable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, this establishment is known for its pet-friendly environment, welcoming dogs with specific policies to ensure a comfortable stay for both pets and their owners. The hotel features a range of amenities designed for business travellers, alongside a tranquil setting that allows guests to unwind after a day of exploration or meetings.
• Motel 6 Belmont, CA - San Francisco - Redwood City: This budget-friendly option, located 14km from Palo Alto, offers a straightforward and economical lodging experience. The Motel 6 Belmont is ideal for travellers seeking a simple, pet-friendly environment, allowing pets free of charge alongside waived fees for service animals. It features essential amenities that prioritise comfort and convenience, making it a practical choice for those on a budget wishing to explore the San Francisco Peninsula.
• Good Nite Inn - Redwood City: Situated just 10km from Palo Alto, the Good Nite Inn offers a cosy retreat with a guest rating of 8.6 out of 10. This budget-friendly hotel is especially suitable for pet owners, with policies in place regarding fees and deposits for pets. Guests appreciate the warm atmosphere and the hotel's proximity to local attractions, making it an excellent base for those looking to enjoy the vibrant culture of the region while keeping their furry companions close.

Where to stay in and around Palo Alto

Palo Alto offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for various types of travellers. Explore the vibrant Downtown Palo Alto, where charming shops and cafés await, or venture into East Palo Alto for a taste of local life. With its convenient location, you can easily enjoy the surrounding scenic areas and recreational opportunities, ensuring a memorable Californian journey filled with friendly people and delightful discoveries.

• Stanford: Nestled around Palo Alto, Stanford is renowned for its prestigious university, making it a hub of culture and education. Visitors are drawn here throughout the year, with peak arrivals in March, July, and September. The area offers a vibrant experience encompassing cultural events, family-friendly activities, and business opportunities. Explore the historic campus, enjoy the nearby shopping centres, and visit the impressive sports facilities. The atmosphere is lively, with plenty of educational and recreational activities to suit all interests.
• Menlo Park: Located a mere 3km from Palo Alto, Menlo Park is a charming city that attracts travellers with its blend of culture, family experiences, and business ventures. The peak visitor months are April, July, and September, where you can immerse yourself in its quaint streets lined with shops and eateries. Menlo Park boasts a distinctive character, with its proximity to the historic Stanford University and beautiful valley landscapes. The local shopping malls and centres offer an excellent opportunity for leisure and exploration.
• East Palo Alto: This vibrant neighbourhood, also close to Palo Alto, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities. With peak visitor numbers in March to April and July, East Palo Alto offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and community spirit. The area features convenient shopping malls and centres, all while being surrounded by stunning views of the valley and access to historic landmarks. Enjoy the welcoming vibe and explore the recreational spaces perfect for families or those looking to engage with the outdoors.

Things to do in Palo Alto

Shopping

Palo Alto offers a range of shopping experiences, from the Stanford Shopping Center with its upscale brands to local boutiques in downtown. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting the Great Mall in Milpitas for outlet shopping or the Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara for more variety.

Recreation

Explore the tranquil offerings at the Stanford Inn, where you can engage in yoga sessions and nature walks amidst picturesque surroundings. For rejuvenation, the Spa at the Four Seasons provides soothing treatments, while local parks invite leisurely strolls and outdoor activities to unwind and connect with nature.

Adventure

The Stanford Dish is a popular hiking trail offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Stanford University campus. Explore the scenic paths while enjoying the fresh air and spotting local wildlife. It's a fantastic way to embrace the outdoors and experience the beauty of the area.

Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve features extensive trails for hiking and birdwatching, with diverse ecosystems including marshlands and tidal flats. Wander through this tranquil space while observing various bird species and enjoying the scenic vistas of the Bay.

The Foothills Park provides excellent opportunities for hiking and picnicking amidst picturesque landscapes. With its rolling hills and scenic views, it’s an ideal spot to unwind, explore nature, and engage in outdoor activities such as cycling and walking.

Nightlife

Palo Alto's nightlife offers a mix of chic lounges and lively bars. Visit the stylish Patio at the Four Seasons for a sophisticated cocktail, or enjoy craft beers at the popular Old Pro. For a vibrant atmosphere, check out the live music at the Stanford Theatre.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Palo Alto

Palo Alto provides numerous ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Menlo College, Stanford Memorial Church, and Baylands Nature Preserve. For transport, consider biking or using the bus, which are budget-friendly options. To find the best accommodation deals, plan your trip in February or November to December, avoiding the pricier August to October months. Booking on a Friday is generally cheaper than Tuesday. Additionally, use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and explore package deals that combine hotels and flights for potential savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Palo Alto are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Palo Alto is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in Palo Alto is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and special offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay in Palo Alto with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Palo Alto

Palo Alto offers a delightful mix of cultural, family, and business-themed attractions. Visitors can explore urban parks, nature preserves, and history museums, catering to those seeking outdoor adventures and rich cultural experiences. This vibrant city is perfect for tourists looking to immerse themselves in family-friendly activities while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.

• Stanford Memorial Church: Nestled within the Stanford University campus, this stunning church is renowned for its breathtaking mosaics and stained glass windows, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. Its serene atmosphere invites quiet contemplation and admiration of the intricate artistry.
• Stanford University Arboretum: This expansive outdoor space offers a delightful escape into nature, featuring a diverse collection of plants and trees. It's an ideal spot for families to explore and enjoy leisurely strolls amidst the beauty of the natural environment.
• Winchester Mystery House: Located 23km from Palo Alto, this enigmatic mansion captivates visitors with its peculiar architecture and intriguing history. The labyrinthine design and numerous rooms tell tales of mystery and fascination, making it a unique cultural experience.

Best time to go to Palo Alto

The best time to visit Palo Alto can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Palo Alto falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Palo Alto falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	57.4°F (14.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
June	66.2°F (19.0°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
July	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Palo Alto

Visiting Palo Alto is convenient with three major airports nearby. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is situated 29km away, with luxurious hotel options such as the Fairmont San Francisco and The Ritz-Carlton, both offering transfer services. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is 21km from Palo Alto, featuring hotels like the Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto and Santa Clara Marriott, easily accessible from the airport. Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located 148km away, has hotels like the DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento, providing nearby access. Each airport offers a range of transportation services to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.