So I was on my way to Stanford University to interview an admissions officer. Having been strictly warned by my editor that if I stayed in anything remotely resembling a luxury resort, I would be shuffling envelopes at a desk until my retirement party, I had a choice beteen a B&B or a backpackers inn.

So I made a beeline for the grandly named Hotel California, on California Avenue, located at the corner on 2341 Ash Street, Palo Alto CA 94306; (650) 322-7666.

It was a good place to sleep, take a bath, have a quick breakfast and  head over to Stanford. The sole reason for Hotel California’s existence seems to be to cater to people coming or going from Stanford University. 

20 rooms, attached bathroom, wireless internet, television, guest kitchen, laundry room, a complimetary breakfast and free shuttle to Stanford. Clean rooms, single bed and like I said, a good palce to sleep. Rooms start at $95 plus 10% tax.

I quickly found that the free breakfast is an offer which you should not take up…The reason for this being that the Palo Alto bakery downstairs provides a splendid array of choice pastries and fresh bread, the aroma of which you won’t be able to withstand even if you have wolfed down the free breakfast.

Besides, there is a plethora of neat restaurants and diners in all directions within sight just outside, everything from Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels to Subway Sandwiches and Kirk’s Hamburger. I mean, you’re virtually dragged in to each of them by the sights and sounds as you wander around the street.

So what’s to see in Palo Alto for visitors, other than Stanford? There’s Palm Drive, Clark Center, the Stanford Stadium, Hoover Tower, the Old Union Building and the Thomas Fogarty Winery.

Posted on January 14th, 2008 by PLing
Filed under: Bed & Breakfast, California