Renowned as the home of Stanford University, Palo Alto has developed from a sleepy college town to a thriving business and cultural centre, home to many of Silicon Valley's sharpest minds. Popular with well-heeled business or leisure travellers visiting the University as well as outdoorsy travellers, the city offers a whole host of accommodation options, including simple B&Bs and chic city boltholes. Whilst many of the best places to stay in Palo Alto are clustered around the city centre and the Stanford Campus, one of our top spots is a gorgeous, resort escape on the outskirts of town, perfect for soaking up the region's natural beauty.

The illustrious University is one of Palo Alto's biggest draws. You can spend almost a whole day exploring the beautiful grounds of Stanford Campus, as well as strolling downtown along University Avenue. Pop into quirky shops, sample delectable dishes at trendy eateries, and savour fresh produce from local growers and makers at the farmers' market.

Palo Alto's abundance of successful residents means that its neighbourhoods are filled with impressive houses, and that there is a burgeoning foodie and cultural scene to discover. Catch a classic film at the Stanford Theatre, or hike into the foothills to admire the 150-foot-wide Dish, a radio telescope built in 1965. For an insight into the area's famed tech focus, venture to the Computer History Museum, in nearby Mountain View. Hikers, cyclists and birdwatchers will adore the 1,940 acres of the Baylands Nature Preserve, where there's a huge array of wildlife to spot.

Whether you're in town for a conference or a weekend of sightseeing, the best places to stay in Palo Alto promise a top-notch base from which to experience this innovative city's many fabulous bars, eateries and cultural delights. With San Jose and San Francisco nearby, too, there's plenty to see and do!

The Best Places to Stay in Palo Alto

For central city style

• The Hotel Nia is a luxurious hotel with high design values that incorporate the location, the high-tech locale and industrial chic trends, into a glamorous environment.  There are 250 rooms and suites, a huge pool with a fire-pit, a relaxed but elegant Mediterranean restaurant, complimentary bike hire, a gym and spa, lush gardens and a business centre.  
• Garden Court Hotel is a chic, Mediterranean-inspired property with 62 rooms featuring crisp linens and a blue-and-white colour palette. Well-placed for exploring Palo Alto, the hotel also offers a noteworthy Italian restaurant and soothing in-room massages. An elegant city pad for work or play.
• Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley is a lavish contemporary hotel, with 200 sleek rooms and suites in a glass-fronted edifice. Enjoy a 5* stay with classic Four Seasons attention to detail, a wonderful spa, fantastic eateries and a lively rooftop pool and bar area. An ultra-modern city hotel for business or leisure travellers in search of absolute luxury.

For Romance

• Enchanté Boutique Hotel is an opulent boutique hideaway with 19 rooms and suites in Los Altos. Ensconced in a French-style château, you can expect charming period decor, indulgent marble bathrooms and a cosy bistro. An award-winning small hotel. One for blissful romantic getaways!

For Foodies

• Nobu Hotel is a super-sophisticated boutique hotel with minimalist interiors. Home to the world-famous Nobu restaurant, this is an exceptional foodie choice. Feast on an innovative menu of Japanese dishes in swish, serene surroundings!

For a Luxury Resort

• Rosewood Sand Hill is an sumptuous resort, boasting views of the Bay Area and the Santa Cruz Mountains. Bedrooms and bathrooms are grand, with a cool, contemporary feel, and there are stacks of activities for the whole family, including horse-riding, golf and an indulgent spa. Michelin-starred Madera is a real highlight.

For Families

• Stanford Park Hotel offers luxury and sophistication in comfortable, classic rooms and suites. Think big beds, cosy armchairs, embroidered quilts and log fireplaces, perfect for kicking back after days of strolling the city. Open since 1895, this is a smart, historic base for visitors eager to make the most of the area. Facilities include a courtyard swimming pool and the excellent Menlo Tavern. Suites are ideal for families. Old-school style.

Prefer an apartment or holiday rental?

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Palo Alto?

• Fly to San Jose Airport and take the bus and train to Palo Alto, or travel to San Francisco Airport and hop aboard the subway and the train to Palo Alto. Alternatively, the journey by car or taxi should take around 30 minutes from San Francisco and 20 minutes from San Jose.
• California is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• The summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit Palo Alto, and also when many university students will have gone home. For cooler weather and great hotel deals, travel in the spring (April and May) or autumn (September and October).

Still not sure?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in San Jose.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.