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Reviewed August 11, 2011

We stayed at the Cowper Inn for one week during which time we stayed in 2 different rooms. We were in the room 26 as mentioned in a previous review. We were initially thrilled with the space, though as we settled it was clear the furnishings were old and poorly maintained. Kitchenette poorly stocked- a few random utensils, no cleaning supplies, no kitchen towels. Housekeeping left dishes to be dried on paper towels which left a wet mess for us to clean up. Bathrobes in closet were old, pill-y fleece in serious need of replacement- rough on the skin when worn. Bedroom eaves were so steep you couldn't stand next to bed. This room DID NOT have its own en suite bath, but rather had a "private" bath down the hall which was inconvenient and full of black mold creeping up the wall corners. Yuck. Management- PLEASE revamp room 26 and its bath.

The second room was a major upgrade. In the main house, larger private bathroom, nicely appointed with furniture that felt appropriate for B&B without feeling tired.

The breakfast was delicious and we enjoyed some of the best blueberry pancakes I've ever eaten. We thought management and housekeeping were friendly, we did notice that there was rarely anyone at the front desk, so can see others' frustration at check in, etc. I wil say that the price for this downtown Palo Alto location is probably the lowest you'll find. Are we just getting what we pay for?

This review is a tough one... Avoid the Victorian House- it needs some serious TLC. Truthfully, I would not send my family here to stay given the inconsistency among rooms and potential for discomfort and less than ideal conditions.

Date of stay: July 2011
  • Trip type: Traveled with family
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3  Thank Tknee
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed August 10, 2011

The Cowper Inn has great potential, but poor execution. The location is marvelous, and the suites are housed in two grand old Craftsman houses. Unfortunately, the rooms are tiny and everything in them is old or cheap. The beds (I popped into and explored several rooms) are all *very* soft. The furniture was old, chairs had worn upholstery and uncomfortable. Doors didn't fit tightly. Hallway lights that stay on all night shone into the room. You can hear all your neighbors. Even the wallpaper in my room was starting to peel off. When things have been replaced, the innkeepers have used the cheapest possible (e.g., plastic faucets, Ikea furniture in the dining room, etc.) You can get a larger, more private, and equally charmless suite at a hotel for less money. Food was acceptable; not remarkable. All in all, the place is overpriced. It needs updating. On the upside, at least it is clean.

Date of stay: August 2011
  • Trip type: Traveled on business
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2  Thank PeripateticProfessor
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed July 27, 2011

This is from October 2009.

We stayed in the Victorian house of Cowper Inn in room 26. While the room is spacious and has a small alcove room with a single bed and the main room with the full bed, the inn itself is old and dusty and not cheap. (We paid a total of $184). Also it was very stuffy in the area with the large bed with no air conditioning with a loud noisy fan to cool the room.

Also we were trying to check in at 3 pm (check in can start at 2 pm) but we got a sign that said out to lunch. Why would you go on your errand or lunch when people are going to check in?

Anyway our friends were staying in the craftsman house next door and it was much much better - it actually was cooler more well kept, cleaner. It was like heaven and the other place. They even had soft short robes were as the Victorian looked liked something out of a scary movie.

At least they had good chocolate chip cookies and Aveda products.

If you stay here, make sure you stay in main house - the craftsman. I will not stay here again.

Room tip: Ask for the Craftsman house.
Date of stay: August 2010
  • Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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4  Thank augusttravel
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed July 23, 2011

The inn has two houses. I can't comment on the main house. My room was in the Victorian next door. That house is badly in need of upgrades and repairs. It smells musty. The walls and floors seem to be paper thin - you will hear every sound your neighbors make - next door and above. When they shower at 6 a.m., sounds like you're standing under Niagra Falls. The window locks in my room were all broken. I did not feel comfortable staying in a room that could not be secured. I found the place shabby, and not in a good way. The bed, however, we very comfortable with lovely, soft sheets. The breakfast was very good. All in all, I'd not return.

Room tip: I'd try the main house, and a second floor room.
Date of stay: July 2011
  • Trip type: Traveled solo
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    • Sleep Quality
    • Cleanliness
4  Thank novatohunter
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed November 22, 2010

This was my second visit to the Cowper Inn, a lovely B&B. The location is great and the staff are very helpful without being intrusive. I looked forward to the breakfast each morning-organic choices, fresh squeezed OJ, Peet's coffee, homemade granola, and fresh scrambled eggs were some of the offerings. The Inn also offers free internet. Lovely sitting area with a fireplace. Room was nice and well-maintained.

Date of stay: November 2010
  • Trip type: Traveled on business
    • Value
    • Location
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
2  Thank travel_pkl
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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