The Westin Palo Alto

The Westin Palo Alto resides at 675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, California, 94301, directly across from Stanford University’s sprawling grounds in Silicon Valley’s core. Opening its doors in May 2000 under Marriott International’s Westin brand, this 184-room hotel occupies five Mediterranean-style buildings across a 4-acre site. Developed by Pacific Hotel Management at a cost of $40 million, its terra-cotta roof and stucco walls, designed by Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, cover 120,000 square feet. The hotel stands 14 miles from San Jose International Airport and 0.8 miles from the Stanford Shopping Center, accessible via a short walk or drive.

Functionality defines the property, with rooms averaging 350 square feet and equipped with mini-fridges and Starbucks coffee makers. The hotel offers 8,457 square feet of meeting space across five rooms, built during its initial construction, and underwent a $5 million renovation in 2021, modernizing 90 rooms with new flooring and energy-efficient lighting, cutting power usage by 10%, per Marriott data. Employing approximately 60 staff, it maintains 24-hour operations. Guests access onsite dining at Restaurant Soleil, added in 2000, and relax in five courtyards featuring tiled floors and heaters, a hallmark of its design.

The hotel’s placement caters to Stanford visitors and Silicon Valley explorers, with Caltrain’s Palo Alto station 0.6 miles away, linking to San Francisco and San Jose. Parking costs $28 daily in an underground lot with 150 spaces, or $38 via valet, as of February 2025. Pets up to 80 pounds are permitted without fees, a rarity among local properties. A no-smoking policy incurs a $250 fine for violations, ensuring a controlled environment.

Hotel Features

• Room quantity: 184 units across five buildings.
• Room variants: Traditional king rooms, double queen rooms, junior suites.
• Room measurements: Average 350 square feet; suites up to 600 square feet.
• In-room appliances: Mini-refrigerators, Starbucks coffee makers.
• Bathrooms: Marble finishes, showers or whirlpool tubs, toiletries included.
• Tech provisions: 40-inch flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Work zones: Desks with ergonomic chairs and outlets.
• Accessibility equipment: Rooms with roll-in showers, hearing-impaired alerts.
• Check-in period: Starts at 3:00 PM.
• Check-out cutoff: Ends at 12:00 PM.
• Meeting capacity: 8,457 square feet across five rooms.
• Parking setup: Underground lot, $28 daily self-parking, $38 valet, 150 spaces.

Amenities

• Front desk: Continuous 24-hour operation with staff.
• Internet service: Free Wi-Fi in all areas.
• Fitness space: 24-hour Westin WORKOUT studio with cardio and weights.
• Pool area: Outdoor heated pool and hot tub, open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Dining venue: Restaurant Soleil for California cuisine, Luna Lounge for drinks.
• Support services: 24-hour business center, dry-cleaning on request.
• Safety protocols: Keycard entry, in-room safes, video surveillance.

Nearby Points of Interest

• Stanford University: 0.1 miles, a two-minute walk; 3,450-acre academic campus.
• Stanford Shopping Center: 0.8 miles, a 15-minute walk; 1.4 million-square-foot mall.
• Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo: 1.1 miles, a five-minute drive; interactive exhibits.
• Hoover Tower: 0.9 miles, a four-minute drive; 285-foot observation deck.
• Shoreline Amphitheatre: 11 miles, a 20-minute drive; 22,500-capacity venue.
• Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve: 4 miles, a 10-minute drive; 1,940-acre wetlands.
• Computer History Museum: 12 miles, a 22-minute drive; tech evolution displays.
• California’s Great America: 15 miles, a 25-minute drive; 100-acre theme park.
• Downtown Palo Alto: 1.5 miles, a seven-minute drive; dining and retail hub.
• San Francisco: 33 miles, a 45-minute drive; cultural and tech landmarks.

Other Important Information

• Operator: Marriott International via Pacific Hotel Management.
• Opening year: May 2000.
• Latest overhaul: $5 million renovation in 2021 for rooms and lighting.
• Construction expense: $40 million initial investment.
• Cancellation conditions: 24-hour notice required; varies by rate.
• Child policy: Under 18 free with existing bedding.
• Airport proximity: San Jose International Airport, 14 miles, a 27-minute drive; San Francisco International Airport, 17 miles, a 35-minute drive.
• Transit option: Caltrain Palo Alto station, 0.6 miles, a 12-minute walk.
• Pet allowance: Dogs up to 80 pounds free; other pets on request.
• Smoking regulation: No smoking permitted; $250 fee for violations.