Most motels in Palo Alto are on The Strip (El Camino) and run like one. They may be OK, but for $100 a night, Hotel California is on a real street, with a great coffee shop next door and great places to eat or have a drink just steps away. Most notably, it's run like a country inn from my childhood - personal touches, a shared kitchen and lovely patio. Fruits, breads and coffee set out early each morning. Beds very comfortable. Rooms are small, quaint, and clean.

The rooms are tiny and the TVs sure have about 20 years behind them. The shower was almost too small for a 6'/200lb person, and the closet and the bed should've gone to an antiques shop. However the location is fantastic, and the kitchen is nice. I expected more from the "complimentary breakfast" though. The free wireless internet works well, and the patio inside is a nice place for a morning cup of tea or an evening a smoke.

Our room (119) was infested with bed bugs. I trust they're remedying the situation, but beware. I've stayed there many times, and I generally like the place. But I probably won't again any time soon. Pay no attention to my ratings; I just wanted to mention this issue.

This is the smallest hotel I've ever stayed in. I am literally not sure a fat person would fit into the shower. The decor and amenities are laughably outdated and meager. It has a kitchen and free breakfast if you enjoy bad coffee and frozen pastries.The management, though, was friendly, and this hotel has a quaint charm to it. The best part is it's location. It is a few blocks from CalTrain and from Marguerite. The Stanford campus is a nice walk away, and there are several restaurants and coffee shops nearby. It's one of the cheaper options around and transportation convenience and free Internet also helped make it good for a budget. Basically, it's a good option if you just want someplace cheap, clean and convenient to stay at night while you do other things most of the time. I stayed there for a Stanford Reunion and it was perfect for that purpose.