A winding road in a hilly area with a prominent tower and a distant cityscape.

Palo Alto Hotel Guide - Cheap Hotels in Palo Alto, California

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Check availability on Palo Alto Cheap Hotels

Tonight
25 Aug - 26 Aug
Tomorrow
26 Aug - 27 Aug
This weekend
28 Aug - 30 Aug
Next weekend
4 Sept - 6 Sept

Our top choices for Palo Alto cheap hotels

1. Hilton Garden Inn Palo Alto

Hilton Garden Inn Palo Alto
Charleston Meadows
United States
John
Hilton Garden Inn Palo Alto

2. Creekside Inn

Creekside Inn
Barron Park
United States
Melinda
Creekside Inn

3. The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto
Green Acres
United States
Kelly
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

4. Comfort Inn Palo Alto

Comfort Inn Palo Alto
Ventura
United States
Sawyer
Comfort Inn Palo Alto

5. The Nest Hotel Palo Alto

The Nest Hotel Palo Alto
Ventura
United States
Allison
The Nest Hotel Palo Alto

6. citizenM Menlo Park

citizenM Menlo Park
Menlo Park
United States
Zilose
citizenM Menlo Park

7. Crowne Plaza Cabana, Palo Alto by IHG

Crowne Plaza Cabana, Palo Alto by IHG
Palo Alto Orchards
United States
Joseph
Crowne Plaza Cabana, Palo Alto by IHG

8. Glass Slipper Inn - Stanford Palo Alto

Glass Slipper Inn - Stanford Palo Alto
Ventura
United States
Jake
Glass Slipper Inn - Stanford Palo Alto

9. Hotel Parmani

Hotel Parmani
Palo Alto
United States
Claudia
Hotel Parmani

10. The Palo Alto Inn

The Palo Alto Inn
Palo Alto Orchards
United States
RuthAnn
The Palo Alto Inn
View all properties

Find out more about Palo Alto

Discover cheap things to do in Palo Alto

Palo Alto, California, offers a delightful mix of culture and nature that budget-conscious travellers will appreciate. Start your adventure at the stunning Stanford University campus, where you can stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire iconic architecture, all for free. Just a short walk away, the Cantor Arts Center hosts a diverse collection of artwork, including pieces by Rodin, and entry is complimentary. For a taste of local nature, head to the Baylands Nature Preserve, where miles of trails wind through wetlands, providing an excellent opportunity for hiking or birdwatching without spending a penny. If you’re travelling with children, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is a fantastic option, offering affordable admission and a chance to engage with interactive exhibits and friendly animals. In terms of dining, the area is home to a variety of food trucks and casual eateries that serve delicious meals without breaking the bank, such as the popular Oren's Hummus and the local favourite, The Counter Burger. For accommodation, consider booking a hotel in the downtown area where you’ll find a range of budget-friendly options that provide easy access to these attractions. Exploring downtown, with its vibrant atmosphere and variety of shops, adds to the experience, making it a perfect base for your Palo Alto escape.

Find the best cheap hotels in Palo Alto

For travellers seeking budget-friendly options in Palo Alto, these hotels offer excellent value without compromising on comfort or convenience. Each hotel provides essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay while keeping costs down.Country Inn Motel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Budget travellers will find the Country Inn Motel exceptionally appealing, featuring a stellar review rating of 9.4. This hotel provides essential amenities such as free WiFi and self-parking to ensure a straightforward stay. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, perfect for relaxation or a refreshing dip after a day of exploring Palo Alto.
  • Other amenities: In addition to the cost-effective amenities, this motel includes air conditioning for comfort, daily housekeeping, and a well-maintained garden area. The kitchenette facilities, with a refrigerator and microwave, provide added convenience for travelers who prefer to prepare their own meals. The hotel also features accessible parking and contactless check-in for a smooth arrival experience.
  • Nearby attractions: San Antonio Shopping Center - 1.2 km, Los Altos History Museum - 3 km

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is an outstanding choice for budget travelers seeking comfort and value, a remarkable review rating of 9.2. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast daily and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a convenient and straightforward experience. The hotel also features self-parking at no additional cost, making it easy for guests to explore the area without worrying about parking fees.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include a kitchenette in select rooms, perfect for preparing light meals during your stay, and a lovely garden area for relaxation. Guests can take advantage of early check-in and late check-out options, providing flexibility for travel plans. The hotel design is art deco-inspired, adding a touch of charm, while the nearby winery tours and golf lessons offer nearby recreational activities.
  • Neighborhood: Green Acres
  • Nearby attractions: San Antonio Shopping Center - 2.1 km, Stanford University - 3.8 km

Homewood Suites by Hilton Palo Alto

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Homewood Suites by Hilton Palo Alto is a fantastic budget option with an excellent review rating of 9.2. This hotel provides essential amenities like free WiFi and daily breakfast at no extra charge, perfect for travellers on a budget. Additionally, the free self-parking adds to the convenience for guests with vehicles.
  • Other amenities: Guests can enjoy a range of features, including an outdoor pool, fitness centre, and grocery shopping service for ease in meal preparation. The spacious suites come equipped with kitchen facilities, including a microwave and dishwasher, allowing guests to feel at home during their stay. The hotel also provides early check-in and daily housekeeping to enhance the guest experience.
  • Nearby attractions: San Antonio Shopping Center - 1.3 km, Los Altos History Museum - 3.1 km

The Palo Alto Inn

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Palo Alto Inn is an excellent budget-friendly option, rated highly by travelers at 8.8. It offers complimentary WiFi and self-parking, ensuring travelers have everything they need for a comfortable stay. The inn boasts a welcoming atmosphere alongside convenient amenities like contactless check-in and daily housekeeping.
  • Other amenities: Further enhancing the experience, this hotel features a terrace for relaxation, snack bar options for quick bites, and climate control for optimal comfort. With a garden area and free cribs available, it caters well to various needs. Guests can also enjoy room service and concierge support for any additional assistance during their stay.
  • Neighborhood: Palo Alto Orchards
  • Nearby attractions: San Antonio Shopping Center - 1.5 km, Los Altos History Museum - 3.4 km

Hilton Garden Inn Palo Alto

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Hilton Garden Inn Palo Alto presents a comfortable and budget-friendly stay with a solid review rating of 8.6. Guests benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and toiletries, alongside various convenient features such as self-parking. The indoor pool provides a relaxing escape, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include a fitness centre to keep guests active, a snack bar for quick refreshments, and electric car charging stations for eco-conscious travelers. The hotel’s climate control ensures comfort in every room, while the option of connecting rooms caters to larger groups or families. Guests can also enjoy nearby golfing opportunities, making it a well-rounded choice for those looking to explore Palo Alto.
  • Neighborhood: Charleston Meadows
  • Nearby attractions: San Antonio Shopping Center - 1.7 km, Los Altos History Museum - 3.6 km

Top Palo Alto Hotel Reviews

Creekside Inn

Creekside Inn

10/10 Excellent
"Creekside inn was great for our stay. It was a great location along with amenities we enjoyed especially the outdoor pool and area. The staff was very friendly and helpful and the room was clean. Would definitely stay there again!"
Lynette 3-night trip
Posted 1 hour ago
Creekside Inn
Crowne Plaza Cabana, Palo Alto by IHG

Crowne Plaza Cabana, Palo Alto by IHG

10/10 Excellent
"Staff were polite and pleasant to deal with. Room was clean and comfortable, and very quiet."
Gail 1-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
Crowne Plaza Cabana, Palo Alto by IHG
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

10/10 Excellent
"We booked the suite to be able to host family living in student housing. There was a table for 6, sitting space, kitchenette, bedroom. The staff helped readily with any inquiries."
Maria 4-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto
Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel

Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Looking forward to our next stay"
Richard 1-night trip
Posted 15 hours ago
Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
Dinah's Garden Hotel

Dinah's Garden Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Unique property: Koi ponds, poolside eating, very private. The staff is friendly and helpful. The rooms are very clean."
Vicki 1-night trip
Posted 16 hours ago
Dinah's Garden Hotel
Leland Hotel Palo Alto

Leland Hotel Palo Alto

8/10 Good
"Clean, nice"
Gary 2-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Leland Hotel Palo Alto
The Palo Alto Inn

The Palo Alto Inn

8/10 Good
"Clean room with easy parking . Close to Stanford Hospital if you are getting a procedure done and are from out of town!"
Eric 2-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
The Palo Alto Inn

Frequently asked questions

What is Palo Alto like for travellers on a budget?
Palo Alto has a variety of cheap accommodation options and places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. In addition to its well-known attractions such as San Francisco Bay, this destination is home to Silicon Valley and Baylands Nature Preserve, which you can enjoy while spending very little.
What's the best budget-friendly hotel in Palo Alto?
Based on reviews, Creekside Inn is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Other choices to stay on the cheap include The Zen Hotel Palo Alto and The Palo Alto Inn.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Palo Alto?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Palo Alto, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and July, with an average temperature of 20°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 12°C. Average annual precipitation for Palo Alto is 460 mm.
What is there to see and do in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto attracts visitors with its major shopping area and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the popular local attractions that are highest on your list, such as Levi's Stadium and California's Great America, and choose other low-cost activities to fill your itinerary. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Stanford Theatre and Hoover Tower, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Stanford Shopping Center.
How can I get to Palo Alto and get around on a budget?
Scoping out the transportation options in Palo Alto is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is 7.8 mi (12.5 km) from the centre in San Carlos, CA (SQL). However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.), which is 12.7 mi (20.5 km) away. To venture out into the surrounding area, hop aboard a train at California Ave Station or Palo Alto Station.

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