Cowper Inn
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Avg. $380 /night, 2/7 - 2/8
$380
per night
$380
per night
$380
per night
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About
#1 of 2 B&Bs in Palo Alto
Location
4.7
Rooms
3.5
Value
3.3
Cleanliness
4.0
Service
3.8
Sleep Quality
3.8
The Cowper Inn is a beautifully restored Craftsman style house that recreates the comfort and elegance of the period's best homes. The parlor, with several conversation areas, a fireplace, and a piano, is a warm and gracious room for visiting or relaxing. Each uniquely shaped guest room is furnished with antiques, television, and telephone. Breakfast, featuring seasonal fruit and fresh-baked breads, is served daily in the paneled dining room. Guests may enjoy sitting outside on the two wicker-decorated porches or in the garden. There is parking on the grounds and easy access to public transportation to San Francisco and San Jose. The Inn is part of the quiet residential neighborhood of Professorville. Downtown Palo Alto's restaurants, shops, and people watching are a two minute walk from the Inn.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Parking garage
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Airport transportation
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shuttle bus service
Shared lounge / TV area
Room features
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Romantic
Location
705 Cowper St, Palo Alto, CA 94301-2603
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 77 out of 100
77
San José Mineta International Airport
13.8 mi•
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San Francisco Intl Airport
17.3 mi•
See all flights
Palo Alto
11 min•Caltrain
Rental Cars
63 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
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Detailed Reviews
This place really can’t call it self a B&B there is a bed, but you do not get breakfast anymore. There’s a coffee pot of sorts in the room. The gentleman that runs the place was very nice. The room was very comfortable, but it did smell very old, damp, moldy. For the price I paid for one night I would not choose to stay here again. Wayover priced, but it was convenient to walking around downtown University Avenue.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
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.
I have been traveling to Palo Alto for business and waited several weeks for there to be an opening in the Cowper Inn. I arrrived and found that my room was in the basement - AKA garden level. The views from the windows were of the backs of hedges, the ankles of pedestrians and car wheels. Plus the window treatments (Venetian blinds) did not completely cover the windows. This made me very uncomfortable. In addition, my room (#35) was directly below the kitchen/dining room, so in the morning there was a great deal of commotion very early.
That said - I adored the decor and location could not be beat. Easy walk to down town area. The period antiques in the common area were great. The bed was comfortable. All linens are white so you can tell cleanliness (one chair in my room I wouldn't sit on) Towels a bit ratty and not so thirsty. However, Aveda products were great. Breakfast was sufficient - although there was nothing particularly spectacular (hard boiled eggs, cold cuts, cheese, bread, fruit)
Outdoor courtyard area for wine and relaxing - as on the big porch.
I will try to repeat - but just ask more questions about room location.
That said - I adored the decor and location could not be beat. Easy walk to down town area. The period antiques in the common area were great. The bed was comfortable. All linens are white so you can tell cleanliness (one chair in my room I wouldn't sit on) Towels a bit ratty and not so thirsty. However, Aveda products were great. Breakfast was sufficient - although there was nothing particularly spectacular (hard boiled eggs, cold cuts, cheese, bread, fruit)
Outdoor courtyard area for wine and relaxing - as on the big porch.
I will try to repeat - but just ask more questions about room location.
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Date of stay: June 2013Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: There are two buildings - try for main building and not the basement. Street side or courtyard...
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.
We stayed for several nights at the Cowper Inn. On the plus side, the location is great and the breakfast is very nice. But, our room was in the basement, and it was very cold when we arrived. The space heater eventually solved that problem, but the water pressure in the shower was pretty low. It's nice to have parking in Palo Alto, and as long as you don't expect luxury, this is a nice option.
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Traveled on business
Rooms
Location
Service
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.
You could stay elsewhere in downtown Palo Alto for $400, $500, $600 or more a night, or you can check in at the charming Cowper Inn with its stately redwoods out front, cute rooms, attentive innkeeper and charm galore. I housed three French delegates on official business to the City of Palo Alto at the Cowper Inn and everyone was delighted with their stay. I greatly appreciated the owner Hugo's patience and flexibility as dates changed and specific requests were made. The Inn is delightfully situated one an almost fully residential, quiet, leafy street one block from University Avenue, the main drag in town. You really cannot get a better location anywhere in Palo Alto.
I'm sure there might have been a few quirks here and there. The property is 100 + years old and there might be some cobwebs or creaky floors, but nothing major.
Note that the Inn looks like a B&B, but they do not serve breakfast, at least as of Sept. 2023. They used to, and some of the pix on the site suggests they still do, so just make note of that.
Our group of three visitors had a ground-floor portion of the house with three fully private rooms, each with its own bathroom, and a small common area. This would be a great space for a group or large family.
I highly recommend checking out the Cowper Inn!
I'm sure there might have been a few quirks here and there. The property is 100 + years old and there might be some cobwebs or creaky floors, but nothing major.
Note that the Inn looks like a B&B, but they do not serve breakfast, at least as of Sept. 2023. They used to, and some of the pix on the site suggests they still do, so just make note of that.
Our group of three visitors had a ground-floor portion of the house with three fully private rooms, each with its own bathroom, and a small common area. This would be a great space for a group or large family.
I highly recommend checking out the Cowper Inn!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Location
Service
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.
Sorry to have to report the horrible experience we had at the Cowper Inn. I understand it used to be lovely, however maybe because of Covid, it was less than desirable. First there was no breakfast (I'm sure due to Covid) but that wasn't reflected in the price. Second, the door was locked and no one answered the bell. At a loss of what to do, we finally called the number on the website and a man answered. He finally came out dressed in PJ bottoms and a sweatshirt. After spending 15 minute telling us about how broke they were due to Covid, he unlocked the door and did help us with our luggage since our room was on the 2nd floor. According to him, they were totally booked. The room was nice - two large beds and appeared to be clean, but we soon discovered the TV didn't work, the coffee pot was moldy and the toilet wouldn't flush and was full of HOT water. When we notified the "staff" we were told that no, the TV doesn't have a cable box so doesn't work. They cleaned the coffee pot and we were told to use the toilet in the bathroom that was in the hallway. When we used the toilet in the hallway bath, we discovered that toilet didn't work EITHER. THEN we were told to use the toilet in the room downstairs. All of a sudden they were NOT booked up?? They called "the plumber" who turned out to be a handyman. Upon investigating, he left to go get parts. When we asked about the hot water in the toilet, we were told that was the plumber's problem.
Of course we were told we had to pay for the room in advance, so when we asked for a rebate due to all the inconveniences, we were told there was NO WAY they were giving us any compensation for anything. They were rude and adamite and no way were they changing their mind. SO - our only resort is to write this honest review of our experience. We totally understand that businesses have suffered due to the pandemic, but as paying guests, we felt we should have had better treatment.
Of course we were told we had to pay for the room in advance, so when we asked for a rebate due to all the inconveniences, we were told there was NO WAY they were giving us any compensation for anything. They were rude and adamite and no way were they changing their mind. SO - our only resort is to write this honest review of our experience. We totally understand that businesses have suffered due to the pandemic, but as paying guests, we felt we should have had better treatment.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Don't go - not worth the price.
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.
Positive: Two Victorian houses near shops and restaurants of University Ave.
Negative: No reception desk, no heating or blankets
I thought it a bit strange to receive a email a few days ahead of my four night stay informing me that the reception desk was only open from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. I arrived about 3:30, left my suitcase at the bottom of the 10 step staircase, walked up, and opened the front door to find an empty vestibule without a reception desk. Went out, sat on the front steps, and phoned the Cowper Inn. No answer, left a message.
About 10 mins. later, a man hurried up to the steps and showed me to a pleasant room in the house next door to the main one. That night was fine.
The second night, I awoke at 3:00 am, shivering. Turned on the light but was unable to find a thermostat or any ducts. Searched the closet and drawers for a blanket: none. So I put on a pullover and wrapped a cardigan around my legs - good thing I live in Canada - but did not sleep the rest of the night.
Next morning, walked into the hallway to find it had heating ducts which were closed so I opened them. Called the manager about the cold; his reply was, Why didn't you get the blankets out? There are no blankets. No blankets! I'll be sure blankets are put in your room.
At the end of the afternoon, one thin, summer-weight blanket had been placed on the bed. I slept 3 hours that night.
On my last evening, my nephew who is doing research at Stanford, came by. Incredulous that my room had no ventilation ducts, he walked down the hallway, confirming that I had opened all the ducts, and then peered into a closet. "Look at this!" He pulled out a space heater, took it to my room, set it on high, and soon the room was warm.
Incidentally, the decoration of my room was totally different than its photo on the website. The Cowper Inn has a lovely setting but pathetic management. Caveat emptor.
Negative: No reception desk, no heating or blankets
I thought it a bit strange to receive a email a few days ahead of my four night stay informing me that the reception desk was only open from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. I arrived about 3:30, left my suitcase at the bottom of the 10 step staircase, walked up, and opened the front door to find an empty vestibule without a reception desk. Went out, sat on the front steps, and phoned the Cowper Inn. No answer, left a message.
About 10 mins. later, a man hurried up to the steps and showed me to a pleasant room in the house next door to the main one. That night was fine.
The second night, I awoke at 3:00 am, shivering. Turned on the light but was unable to find a thermostat or any ducts. Searched the closet and drawers for a blanket: none. So I put on a pullover and wrapped a cardigan around my legs - good thing I live in Canada - but did not sleep the rest of the night.
Next morning, walked into the hallway to find it had heating ducts which were closed so I opened them. Called the manager about the cold; his reply was, Why didn't you get the blankets out? There are no blankets. No blankets! I'll be sure blankets are put in your room.
At the end of the afternoon, one thin, summer-weight blanket had been placed on the bed. I slept 3 hours that night.
On my last evening, my nephew who is doing research at Stanford, came by. Incredulous that my room had no ventilation ducts, he walked down the hallway, confirming that I had opened all the ducts, and then peered into a closet. "Look at this!" He pulled out a space heater, took it to my room, set it on high, and soon the room was warm.
Incidentally, the decoration of my room was totally different than its photo on the website. The Cowper Inn has a lovely setting but pathetic management. Caveat emptor.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
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.
My main complaint with the Inn is that one morning (of our 4-night stay), breakfast was delayed by at least 45 minutes - at which point we needed to leave to get on with our day. While management took responsibility, they DID NOT provide any refund to our bill nor respond to email reminders to do so. This is a B & B, and breakfast (for 2) is certainly part of their fee. To no offer a reduction in our bill is indefensible.
Other than that, I do not recommend staying in the house that adjoins the main house because the room was quite small and there was no common room or space in the entire house - rather one had to go next door.
I have visited the Stanford/Palo Alto area several times, staying at a number of places. I will NOT be staying again at the Cowper Inn.
Other than that, I do not recommend staying in the house that adjoins the main house because the room was quite small and there was no common room or space in the entire house - rather one had to go next door.
I have visited the Stanford/Palo Alto area several times, staying at a number of places. I will NOT be staying again at the Cowper Inn.
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Date of stay: March 2020
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.
My husband and I spent 4 nights recently. The inn is a historical lovely building with a nice outdoor patio and own parking space back of the building. Our room had a small kitchenette. Everything worked great. I liked their quality of linens and towels.
Located in the heart of Palo Alto and you can walk to cafes and restaurants. Also, the inn is quiet and private.
If you like contemporary hotels, Cowper Inn is not for you. But we enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back.
Located in the heart of Palo Alto and you can walk to cafes and restaurants. Also, the inn is quiet and private.
If you like contemporary hotels, Cowper Inn is not for you. But we enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back.
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Date of stay: October 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
I would gladly rank it ZERO if I could. I made my reservations far in advance and received a written confirmation for a 2-night stay. Four days before departure on my business trip to Palo Alto I received a phone call from Cowper Inn stating that there's a "glitch" in their computer system and they can't accommodate me for 2 nights. They suggested I stay one night in Cowper Inn and then get to another hotel.
I've been traveling on business quite a bit and I have NEVER come across something like this. Now, I'm desperately trying to find another hotel in the area.
I've been traveling on business quite a bit and I have NEVER come across something like this. Now, I'm desperately trying to find another hotel in the area.
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Date of stay: October 2013Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
From the outside, the two houses look charming. From the inside, the place varies QUITE A BIT. Our room was in the house next door, not the main house with the front desk and the breakfast room, which seems to have nicer, more "period" interiors. Our room was JUST inside the house's front door, barely 10 steps away, in what used to be the front parlor. The large, original pocket door into our room was charming, but did not provide any sound privacy.
Architecturally, this room has a lovely, large corner bay window overlooking the street, a very high ceiling, and original wood floors and mouldings. However, the last remodel, apparently done in the 1980's, was wholly unattractive and disappointing, certainly not what one expects from a century-old B&B, especially for $179/night. It felt very dingy and not entirely clean (cobwebs and dust were evidence of careless housekeeping). The tacky wallpaper and 80's mauve colors were inappropriate and depressing (more suited to a dated Holiday Inn than a vintage B&B). Although the minimal furniture was antique or vintage, it was in rather shabby condition, in need of repair.
The en suite bathroom is so tiny that it only fits a toilet and very narrow shower stall, again with dated mauve tiles and fittings. The mauve sink is just outside the bathroom, next to the bay window. One whole wall of this room has odd, ugly built-in shelves, barely covered by a curtain, and housing an old, small, deep (not flat screen) TV set. The windows had been left open when we arrived, and they were almost impossible to close and lock. Being on the first floor, this is especially troubling.
Service is nearly non-existent. I have stayed at many B&Bs in the U.S. and Europe, so I know that B&Bs don't have staff like a hotel, but I've never found it so difficult to get ahold of an employee as I did here. We arrived in the late afternoon/early evening, but were not met by anyone. An envelope with our room key was just left for us at the front door of the main house, with no explanation of how to find our room in the other house. Later, when I called the front desk to ask some questions, all I got was a recording, and no one returned my message.
The next morning, when I went to breakfast in the main house next door, I looked around at other rooms whose doors were open. Some looked MUCH better than mine, with genuine period feel, far more attractive furniture and decor, and much larger bathrooms, unlike mine. The only way I would stay at the Cowper Inn again is if I could be guaranteed one of the better-renovated, more attractive, vintage-style rooms, which is what I expect when I stay at a B&B.
Breakfast and location are the very best features at the Cowper Inn. The serve-yourself, buffet-style breakfast was very tasty, fresh, homemade, and plentiful, served in the authentic, charming Arts & Crafts period front rooms of the main house. The locally-made yogurt was addictive! The lovely residential neighborhood was homey and well-located, and the street parking was not difficult for us.
Perhaps the Cowper Inn doesn't feel the need to bring itself up to snuff because lodging choices in the Palo Alto area are not as good as one would think, and they can command high prices simply because of the area. If you stay at the Cowper Inn, don't expect much.
Architecturally, this room has a lovely, large corner bay window overlooking the street, a very high ceiling, and original wood floors and mouldings. However, the last remodel, apparently done in the 1980's, was wholly unattractive and disappointing, certainly not what one expects from a century-old B&B, especially for $179/night. It felt very dingy and not entirely clean (cobwebs and dust were evidence of careless housekeeping). The tacky wallpaper and 80's mauve colors were inappropriate and depressing (more suited to a dated Holiday Inn than a vintage B&B). Although the minimal furniture was antique or vintage, it was in rather shabby condition, in need of repair.
The en suite bathroom is so tiny that it only fits a toilet and very narrow shower stall, again with dated mauve tiles and fittings. The mauve sink is just outside the bathroom, next to the bay window. One whole wall of this room has odd, ugly built-in shelves, barely covered by a curtain, and housing an old, small, deep (not flat screen) TV set. The windows had been left open when we arrived, and they were almost impossible to close and lock. Being on the first floor, this is especially troubling.
Service is nearly non-existent. I have stayed at many B&Bs in the U.S. and Europe, so I know that B&Bs don't have staff like a hotel, but I've never found it so difficult to get ahold of an employee as I did here. We arrived in the late afternoon/early evening, but were not met by anyone. An envelope with our room key was just left for us at the front door of the main house, with no explanation of how to find our room in the other house. Later, when I called the front desk to ask some questions, all I got was a recording, and no one returned my message.
The next morning, when I went to breakfast in the main house next door, I looked around at other rooms whose doors were open. Some looked MUCH better than mine, with genuine period feel, far more attractive furniture and decor, and much larger bathrooms, unlike mine. The only way I would stay at the Cowper Inn again is if I could be guaranteed one of the better-renovated, more attractive, vintage-style rooms, which is what I expect when I stay at a B&B.
Breakfast and location are the very best features at the Cowper Inn. The serve-yourself, buffet-style breakfast was very tasty, fresh, homemade, and plentiful, served in the authentic, charming Arts & Crafts period front rooms of the main house. The locally-made yogurt was addictive! The lovely residential neighborhood was homey and well-located, and the street parking was not difficult for us.
Perhaps the Cowper Inn doesn't feel the need to bring itself up to snuff because lodging choices in the Palo Alto area are not as good as one would think, and they can command high prices simply because of the area. If you stay at the Cowper Inn, don't expect much.
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Date of stay: November 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: Ask specific details about what your room and bathroom look like to have some idea of what...
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.
"The Carriage House was our choice. It stands alone for privacy. Short walk to the main house."Read full review
PRICE RANGE
$379 - $380 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
cowper hotel palo alto
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaPalo Alto
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cowper Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Cowper Inn?
Nearby attractions include Hewlett Packard Garage (0.3 miles), Downtown Palo Alto Farmer's Market (0.2 miles), and The Museum of American Heritage (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Cowper Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Cowper Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Cowper Inn?
Yes, free parking and a parking garage are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Cowper Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Tamarine Restaurant, Crepevine Restaurants, and Il Fornaio.
Does Cowper Inn have airport transportation?
Yes, Cowper Inn offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Cowper Inn located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Palo Alto.
Are there any historical sites close to Cowper Inn?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Hewlett Packard Garage (0.3 miles), The Rengstorff House (4.0 miles), and Mount Eival (4.5 miles).