- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
Rating Details »
625 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-2800
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-2800
Biggest Year End Sale Book by 11-10
Visit http://www.starwoodhot... to enjoy more vacation…
Announced 3 days agoMore »
- Price Range:
-
$$
29 reviews for Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel
The customer service at the front desk was extremely helpful and attentive. Any questions my sister had, they were willing to help and provide information on.
This hotel is conveniently locate near downtown Palo Alto on University Ave. Its not a far walk, and its a good opportunity to see what shops they have in the neighborhood.
Some shops include: Cheesecake Factory, Round Table Pizza, Red Mango, CVS, Borders, etc. A lot of mom and pop shops as well.
The hotel stay was pleasant. The room was clean and well taken of . The hotel also had a gym, outdoor pool, bar, and grill/dining.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
Terribly disappointing Starwood property.
Despite Platinum status and an 'upgrade' (I shudder to think of what the basic rooms are like), I ended up walking through a maze of hallways to a dark, dirty, tired 80s ish room. Peeling wallpaper, moldy air duct covers, stained carpeting ... really, Sheraton?
The beds are classic Sheraton (good), but the walls are seemingly made of paper (could hear my neighbors conversations and was awoken at 6am by housekeeping carts being loaded nearby) - so not as restful as one would hope.
As previously reviewers have noted, the proximity to CalTran and Stanford is good, but there are better options and you'd be much better to stay elsewhere (the points aren't worth the experience!)
Really?
The Sheraton Palo Alto (or Palo Alto in general) and I appear to have differing definitions of value. This is the only possible explanation for what felt like a $100/night hotel masquerading as a $250/night hotel.
The latter suggests destination and perfection in lodging. Nothing in my stay was outright objectionable and the basics of providing shelter and swift check-in and check-out were satisfied, but there were significant rough edges at this price range, including:
- No ice water in the club room for continental breakfast. Really?
- Nickle-and-dime charges on top of the $250:
- Parking is $10/day extra? Really?
- Wi-fi is $10/day extra in what, as far as I can tell, is a business hotel? Really?
- In 2009, Facebook is a site that can be used for business communications and should not be blocked from the business center computers, especially since this is Facebook's hotel choice of for interview candidates. Really?
It's possible that features they do provide, like proximity to the Caltrain station and Stanford and rooms with a view of the courtyard fountain stocked with fish are more important to some people, but it didn't do it for me.
Granted, as I was only here on business booked by a corporate travel agency, as a consumer I am probably not their target audience, so hopefully we can agree to disagree and they can continue to cater to similar minds. If it is a choice you get to make, consider your definition before selecting.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (6)
I've never experienced a high-end hotel that couldn't be bothered with customer service until I walked through this hotel's front door. From the arrogance at the front desk to the standoff bar tenders and the lazy morning group serving breakfast, this place needs a refresher in Hospitality 101. Save your money and stay at a more affordable hotel where the staff smiles, says thank you and is willing to assist. And I can not believe that they charge for Wi-Fi - that's just cheesy.
You know, it's funny how your perception of something changes when you have something else to compare it to.
My first stay here, I thought it was average. Nice comfy bed, helpful folks up front, the hotel itself is clean and attractive, but there were a couple things that really bummed me out: $10 for [slow] internet every 24 hours, a lack of electrical sockets around the desk to plug my computer and phone into, and the food is a little bit above average, but not much.
After staying in a couple other places, I realized I was taking a lot for granted here. First of all, LOCATION! I like to take the CalTrain down, and this hotel is about 100 feet from the CalTrain stop. From that CalTrain stop, you can catch the free Margerite bus lines to get all over the Stanford Campus, or grab one of many taxi cabs just waiting to take people where they want to go. Which probably isn't going to be far, because if you cross under the tracks, you're in downtown Palo Alto, minutes away from shopping and restaurants. Across the street in the other direction is the Stanford campus, with a beautiful walk through the arboretum.
The rooms are actually really nice, and really big. I hadn't quite noticed until I stayed in the Stanford Guest House for a week -- not that the rooms aren't nice there either, but they're very small, with a twin size bed. Cell reception is great at the Sheraton, and the in-room coffee maker features Starbucks coffee. The desk is actually really big, the chair comfy, and the tv is a nice flat screen that swivels nicely to face the desk. Every room has a balcony with chairs and a table, perfect for sipping coffee while taking a break from work, and looking out over the garden below. As a Starwood Preferred Guest, the water bottles are complimentary. The bathroom is big, nice, and the closet has plenty of space. The temperature controls in the room are easy to use, and not built into the air conditioner, but instead are mounted on a wall, close to the bed. Great for waking up hot in the middle of the night and not having to wander far in a dark, unfamiliar room, to get some air relief.
And there's a pool. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy having a pool until I was in hot, dry California weather, and tired of sitting on my butt working on my laptop. 15 laps later, and I was happy to wrap myself up in the plush bathrobe. There's a small workout room as well, with a bunch of cardio machines. I didn't notice any weights, but I haven't really gone in yet. Otherwise, I'm not sure what another reviewer was talking about as far as this place being a 'maze' -- the folks at the front desk have handed me a small map of the hotel, spent time marking exactly where to go, and all the signs point exactly where they should. The only way I could have gotten lost is if I totally ignored them, then ignored the signs, and attempted to use my Zen Room Location Technique: Follow another guest that looks like they know where they're going.
I mentioned that the food was slightly above average. Well, that beats average, or below average, which, honestly, a lot of the local eateries in Palo Alto rate. Thank you Yelp for guiding me to decent food. Oh, and the service is awesome in the restaurant here. My only complaint now is that the bartender in the bar kept freaking out every time anyone cursed. It's a bar, for godsakes. I got a bit tired of listening to her reprimand the drunk, friendly Australian I was talking to for dropping the f-bomb.
Proposed Fosters commercial: "Fuck. Australian for 'Hello.'"
I tried to head back into the bar this evening, but the mood in there was not fun. I am. I was repelled like a polar opposite magnet.
The folks at the front desk have been super friendly and helpful, and held onto my bag, free of charge, for a night (and more, had I asked), when I had to fly home for class, and fly back in the morning, and didn't want to lug that thing around. They had no problem with me driving up and parking right out front to run in and pick that bag up. Speaking of which, valet parking is only $5 more than self parking.
There are laundry services, but I went and used the do-it-yourself machines. $3 and I had detergent, washer, and dryer. I kind of wish there was a change machine somewhere around, either by those machines, or up near the vending machines. But I could get change from the bar or the front desk, so that was fine.
All in all, I've spent several days here, and I'm comfortable and happy. My room is airy, and spacious, they refill my coffee needs with a simple call, and if I need to take a food break, I can either eat here, or walk five minutes to a local restaurant in Palo Alto. And when I'm ready to leave, I can just jump right on a train up to Millbrae to catch the BART to SFO.
This is definitely worth a stay.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (1)
I stayed here again last week b/c the Westin was full. This room was much nicer. My only issue is once AGAIN the air conditioner wasn't working properly.
They do not have central air.
If you really hate staying in a warm room, do not stay here. I have had the same problem twice. Obviously it hasn't been dealt with in almost 1 year!
The unit was set at 64 and the room temp was 78 basically the entire time. I hate sleeping in a hot room. Miserable! Also, overpriced for being uncomfortable. Total bill for 1 night, with room service, was 280. Without room service, expect around 250...they add on all these crazy taxes to the bill. Travel tax,etc..
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (4)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/10/2008
Stayed here for 2 nights. We stayed at the Westin next door for the first 2 nights then had to go… Read more »
I don't know what it is with Sheratons and why we trusted this one would be different...!?
We're SPG Plat members and have stayed at several of their properties - the Sheraton group always tends to score very low (except for the one in Indianapolis). The staff is totally unhelpful and act as if they have better things to be doing and better places to be at. They told us we had been upgraded to a suite (for being plat) at check-in but when we got to the room, it was a standard room right on the street.
They were so busy attending to special events that completely chose to ignore hotel guests.
Worst of all? The design of this hotel is crazy - if you like those mysterious mazes and going on walking with suitcases without knowing where your room may be, this is the place to test those skills. Their signs are inaccurate and the hotel floors are just poorly designed.
I stayed for a week while attending a conference. Initially I was pleased with the accomodations, until I realized that the wireless Internet came with a hefty, daily fee. Additionally, the cleaning staff was very obtrusive. The most irritating part of my trip however was the manager's refusal to bill my lab credit card and not my own. I made my reservations with the lab card and asked them to bill it in advance, but when it came time to check out they billed me and refused to use the lab card unless I had it with. Also, they told me and several others that even if we had the cards, we would need to wait three days for accounting to arrive before the correction would be made. In short, Sheraton hotels are off my list for future conference or leisure travel.
Working with the Palo Alto Sheraton and their event team, I've had such a refreshing and fantastic experience. I've been working with the delightful Catering Manager, Elisheva, to organize a 200 person fundraising event. Not only did she give us a great deal, but she's been incredibly responsive to all our needs. She gave us some of the most gorgeous rooms in the hotel, including courtyard with skylights and lovely banquet room with garden. She's also been very accomodating when we needed to increase the capacity for our event, bring our own wine, etc.
It's wonderful to work with a team who is as driven as we are to put on a smashing event!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (2)
Last year, I threw a surprise dinner party for a good friend of mine. Kristina Tobin, the Catering Sales Manager was a pleasure to work with! the food was delicious, service was EXCELLENT and the price was decent.
Thank you! I'd definitely recommend this place to all my friends and family.
thanks!!
Stayed here twice. First time was good, this time I was put in a room backing onto the caltrain station. IT SUCKS!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I didn't have to deal with service for the hotel, but I just have to comment on the adorable bar/pool area. I love a hotel that puts bar tables right up against the edge of the pool. Very nice on a warm night to have toes dangling in the water with a mojito in hand.
This is definitely one of the weakest starwood properties I've been to. The last time I came here, I had to call the front desk and ask for a new room because I was right next to the ground floor elevator and could here every little move that happened outside. This time isn't much better.
As an FYI, the room service is pretty awful. Better to grab something in town if you don't mind the walk!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
"Here are your guest glasses to use during your stay just washed from our brand new dishwasher"
Yes, that is a quote from within our guest room. What kind of nice hotel, located in ritzy palo alto, brags about their new dishwasher on a placard next to your glasses??? I don't know either, but this Sheraton did and my roommate Jaimee and I just cracked up, wondering how amazing that dishwasher must be for the sheraton to waste money on printing those cards ha ha
Anyway, the rooms are pretty well sized, and some open out like mine did onto the courtyard complete with a pool. And the BEDS are great. So so so so comfortable, but the air conditioner is a little on the loud side for those of you who are lucky enough to be as light of a sleeper as I am!!
But a nice hotel overall, mini starbucks, stanford themed bar/lounge (which btw only has people in their 30's and up at it ha), and it is near the free shuttle stop to campus and the train station for going into SF.
I still want to see that dishwasher though!
People thought this was:
- Useful (5)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (5)
You can't beat the Sheraton for location. Easy access to the Cal train, Stanford campus, and downtown palo alto.
The hotel shows signs of wear and tear, but it meets all my requirements for cleanliness, helpful staff, and everything in the room being in place and not broken.
This isn't a destination hotel, you only come here if you have business in the area.
We went to the Sheraton for the night before Valentine's Day and the staff were all so accomodating and helpful! We got upgraded to a lovely room and the free continental breakfast was perfect, even for someone who isn't eating simple carbs such as bread.
Everything was clean, but there was a cloying scent of fragrance in the hallway and room. Nothing a little incense wouldn't get rid of, but definitely obvious.
I'd definitely stay here again. Convenient, clean and quiet
Two words - BED BUGS! I awoke to find bites. Not a fun time.
The room that I paid an upgrade for was barely acceptable as a "hasn't been remodeled" in a while standard room. And this was definatley NOT a Heavenly Bed! Hard as a rock, scratchy sheets, and poor lighting.
In addition, the pastry was marginal in the Club Room. I'm used to top notch service and have spent over 100 nights at Starwood properties. This doesn't even come close to cutting it. If I ever have another event at this hotel, I'll stay next door at the Westin (the sister property, and I'd say, the good looking sister).
The final blow, the restaurant has the slowest staff (unsure whether it is the kitchen or the wait staff) who seriously don't understand "I've only go an hour". 30 minutes later I still hadn't had my order taken. 25 minutes later my lunch wrap arrived! With only 5 minutes to woof it down, I don't even remember if it was good. It wasn't bad or I would have sent it back.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (2)
Jeezy peezy how hard is it to find this place? If you're not coming from El Camino northbound (especially at night), make *sure* you print out directions.
And what is this about having to pay for Internet connection? Bah.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
It's a short walk away from the shops, restaurants and businesses of downtown Palo Alto. It is also perfectly located right beside the picturesque Stanford University campus where I went for my daily runs. It is a clean hotel with attentive staff. A-OK for no frills stays in Palo Alto.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
When my husband stayed here for a conference a few months back, I drove down to stay with him for a night. We thought it would be an opportunity to have a romantic evening together. Too bad I was sleep-deprived and cranky as hell when I arrived. Poor hubby. It's not easy being married to me. Okay, back to the hotel...
This place is nice! It sort of reminded me of hotels I stayed in as a kid near Disneyworld in Florida. It has a nice open-air feel to it, along with a beautiful pool. Our room was spacious and comfortable and the bed was pretty damn good. To husband's dismay, I crashed out within 3 minutes of lying down on it. It didn't compare to The Westin's "Heavenly Bed," but it wasn't bad for a hotel.
After sleeping late the next morning, I had a delicious lunch at the poolside restaurant and sunned myself on a lounge chair. Not bad.
If you need to stay overnight in Palo Alto, The Sheraton is a nice option....especially if your spouse's boss is paying for it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Please stop hosting parties in the basement. It's not that nice. There are no windows and only two exits.
Boo.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
I stayed here on New Year's Eve after my friend's wedding. Unfortunately, I was really sick and miserable and knew there was no way I would be able to get out of bed in time for check out. After we rang in the new year, I went upstairs and slept like a dead person for the next 15 hours.
My major complaints at hotels is that the walls are too thin, the heat isn't adequate and the beds are not comfortable. The Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel satisfied me in EVERY way. I was warm and toasty in their Sweet Sleeper bed, and slept without being disturbed until my wake up call in the afternoon.
I wish I could live here!!
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
I recently got married here in the Justine ballroom and the service was great! Three cheers to Elisheva for helping me make my day so special!! She answered my most ridiculous questions with so much professionalism.
The ballroom was very stunning. The sun shining through the atrium made everything and everyone look beautiful especially in the photos. The ballroom was split into three different sections with pillars in between which made it a little difficult for everyone to see into the center area. We chose steak and salmon for the guests and it was all very delicious.
I am extremely happy we chose this place and would recommend it to any future bride and groom who's looking for a place to have their reception.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
We had our wedding there in April. If you are looking for a classy place to have your wedding and reception, and that doesn't break your bank, I would recommend the Sheraton in Palo Alto. We had our wedding in the garden and the reception in the connecting room. The whole night was perfect, not one flaw. Kristina Tobin was absolutely wonderful to work with. I feel like I have made a long time friend out of this. I gave it a 4 only because I would have hoped our honeymoon room would have been better considering how much we spent and how many people stayed.
I have to stay here sometimes when I have early days at work. The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed trumps my bed at home. The day staff is friendly and accommodating.
-1 because I like fancy things and this place isn't fancy--but it is very practical and affordable.
Being a little bit older than the Westin and closer to the train tracks, I generally like to stay away from this hotel. However, I did stay here once with my family. What I did like, however, is that they allow you to bring pets! So my big fat golden retriever slept with me the whole night through... with periodic barking at the guests who walk by my room.
The staff is so friendly and professional here that you would think you were at a 5 star resort in hawaii. We had a pool side room and it was noisey at night to be expected, but the pool and courtyard with bar and restaurant adjacent was perfect. Great for families on the weekend, but turns into a business hotel on the week days..
Nice, relaxing hotel with lovely landscaping. Adjacent to the Stanford campus and a short walk from downtown Palo Alto. A good value.
We stayed the weekend for a wedding and were pleasantly surprised by how nice the room was and the general atmosphere of the hotel. The staff was very nice and accommodating. The bar area was open and large enough to accommodate the large number of guests that were in town for the wedding. The poolside grill has good grub, although University Ave. is a short 10 minute walk if you want to eat out. I would definitely stay again.
