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Garden Court Hotel: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
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Garden Court Hotel
Ranked #1 of 23 hotels in Palo Alto
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108 reviews from our community

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San diego, CA
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
“Thanksgiving Stay”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 25, 2012

Garden Court Hotel had an excellent location at Cowper and University Avenue, where all the shops and restaurants are within easy walking distance. New Apple store on University Avenue. Valet parking only - $17 per day with underground parking. Very nice hotel restaurant. Check in lobby is on the second floor. Valet service is on Cowper Street. Nice visit, fairly expensive at a nightly rate for our room of $379. Recommend.

Room Tip: Deluxe bedroom with a king bed, large with nice decor. Balcony and Eco friendly lighting. Stayed i...
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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeffery P, Manager at Garden Court Hotel, responded to this review
January 8, 2013
Dear EdwardSanDiego,
We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving stay here at The Garden Court Hotel. The option to stroll downtown or simply stay in and enjoy our guestrooms are the kind of options we are pleased our location is able to give. Great that you were able to enjoy Downtown Palo Alto and experience the new Apple Store. We do hope you will return.

Warmest regards,

Jeffery L. Phillips
Rooms Division Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Minneapolis
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Great place for business, leisure”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 19, 2012

I recently stayed at the Garden Court for four days of business. I would rank this one of the best business hotels I've ever been to. Located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, the hotel has free wireless, free printing at its business computers, and full business-need supplies within every room. The staff was helpful and friendly at every turn. I also recognized and appreciated that the conference rooms were totally separate from the intimate lobby area -- if I were to return to the hotel as a vacationing visitor, I would not necessarily feel that I was staying at a business-only hotel. Also -- a very good restaurant at street level. I hope to return!

Room Tip: My room faced the inner court, overlooking the awning-covered restaurant. I was concerned about noi...
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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled on business
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask bigband5309 about Garden Court Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ontario
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
9 hotel reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Returning to My Favorite Hotel: Could it be as good as I remembered?”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 17, 2012

When I first stayed at the Garden Court in Spring 2012, it was a brand new discovery (and a welcome relief from suburban-style hotels in the Mt View area). Recently, I had the opportunity to stay at The Garden Court again -- but this time for a family event in the SF Bay area.

I wondered if I would like it as much the second time around? The stakes were high -- this time we had booked several rooms, and I had told family how wonderful it was....

Fortunately, the answer is "Yes". It was just as beautiful as I remembered. We stayed in a sunny room with huge French doors across one wall opening onto a balcony with a street view. Having real doors that open onto a balcony you can step out onto is so lovely. My husband sat on the balcony and worked on his laptop. He chatted with his Dad, while they enjoyed watching the quiet foot traffic on the street below.

What makes this hotel so good? In short, I love the classic design, the smart colour scheme, the artwork, the architecture and the gracious service. (I left a thank you note and tip for the cleaning staff.)

I also love the location -- it is so pedestrian-friendly. Palo Alto has so many great shops and restaurants -- all within walking distance of the hotel. As in my first review, I found it to be a romantic place to relax and recharge!

I highly recommend it and can't wait to return -- again!

Room Tip: Shhh... The streetside rooms are quieter than the rooms which face onto the courtyard (where they of...
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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Palo Alto, California
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
6 hotel reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Wonderful Rest”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 26, 2012

I have stayed at the Garden Court Hotel many times and have loved each one. The staff is friendly and efficient. The location in the heart of downtown Palo Alto is ideal. The rooms are neat, clean and wonderfully decorated. But the best part of all are the beds. Some of the best hotel beds I have ever slept in. So soft and comfortable! If you want a good night's rest, check in here! The morning coffee and pastries and excellent too!

  • Stayed March 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Houston
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
7 hotel reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Pricey but Worth it”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 18, 2012

I have stayed at the Garden Court over 10 times
The staff is terrific and very helpful.
They organized an onsite 3 day meeting for and it went flawlessly.
The restaurant attached Il Fornaio is a great Italian restaurant.
The best part about the Garden Court is the location in downtown Palo Alto, you can walk to everything you need!

Room Tip: Request a patio/garden view.
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  • Stayed September 2012, traveled on business
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Additional Information about Garden Court Hotel

Also Known As:
Garden Court Palo Alto
Hotel Garden Court
Address: 520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone Number:
Region: United States > California > Palo Alto
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Business Center Fitness Center Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Pets Allowed Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#1 Luxury Hotels in Palo Alto
#1 Business Hotels in Palo Alto
#1 Family Hotels in Palo Alto
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Nestled in downtown Palo Alto’s tree lined streets, Garden Court Hotel completed a $9 million renovation in 2010. Offering 62 guestrooms and suites this upscale, boutique hotel is ideal for business travelers meeting in Silicon Valley, leisure guests exploring the area and brides looking for a romantic European style wedding. Debuting contemporary- chic design, charm, luxurious amenities, attention to detail, spectacular location and privacy this ultimate retreat is a home away from home for everyone. ... more   less 
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Garden Court Hotel
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