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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Cottages Hotel

Discover The Cottages Hotel, a recently renovated gem in Menlo Park, CA. Enjoy cozy accommodations, peaceful gardens, refreshing breakfast, and friendly service. Perfect for exploring local attractions like Stanford University and Filoli Gardens.

1704 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94027, United States View on map
9.6/10
Exceptional Based on 78 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Accessible Outdoor pool
What recent guests emphasize

Exceptional comfort with attentive service in a peaceful setting

Guests highlight the hotel's modern renovations, tranquility despite its location near a main road, and highly praised breakfast and amenities. The friendly and helpful staff also stand out as a key feature of a memorable stay.

Guests often praise

  • Newly renovated rooms with modern-retro style and private patios or balconies
  • Friendly, accommodating, and honest staff, including helpful housekeeping and front desk
  • Delicious, varied breakfast with fresh options and 24/7 coffee availability
  • Quiet atmosphere with well-maintained grounds featuring a pool, fire table, and outdoor seating
  • Convenient amenities such as free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a small fitness center

Worth knowing

  • Some rooms are compact but well-appointed, with outdoor space easing any feeling of confinement
  • Occasional faint noise from nearby road and train horns, but generally quiet and restful
  • The in-room air conditioning can be noisy when activating and may disturb light sleepers; ear plugs are provided
  • The shower water pressure is reported as weak by some guests
  • Location is excellent for Stanford University and Redwood City visits but less convenient for highway access

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a quiet, boutique hotel experience near Stanford and local attractions
  • Guests valuing friendly staff and personalized service, including thoughtful guest gestures
  • Visitors who enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces and amenities like a pool and fitness center
  • Those looking for convenient free breakfast and modern, comfortable accommodations
  • Families or groups wanting clean, safe, and well-managed lodging with pet-friendly options
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About this property

Welcome to The Cottages Hotel

The Cottages Hotel in Menlo Park, California, is quickly becoming a favorite destination for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and style. With an impressive rating of 4.8 stars, this boutique hotel stands out as a hidden gem, providing guests with a remarkable experience from the moment they arrive.

Upon entering the hotel, one can’t help but be captivated by the newly renovated ambiance that effortlessly marries modern and retro aesthetics. The lush landscaping and tranquil surroundings create a peaceful retreat, even though it is conveniently located near the bustling El Camino Real. Guests have noted the surprising serenity of the property, the big trees providing a natural charm that feels worlds away from the nearby road.

Each guest room boasts its own private patio or balcony, inviting patrons to savor a cup of coffee in the fresh air or simply relax in their own space. Reviews from satisfied visitors like Alpha Cheng and Grammy Sue highlight the impeccable cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, which are thoughtfully appointed and designed for relaxation. Coupled with a stellar breakfast that features fresh, high-quality options, it’s no wonder guests have been raving about their delightful stays.

The hotel staff, praised for their warmth and attentiveness, play an integral role in creating a welcoming environment that promotes guest satisfaction. Instances of genuine kindness, such as returning forgotten items at no cost, speak volumes about the integrity and hospitality at The Cottages Hotel. This commitment to service is further exemplified through the high-quality customer care noted by both Chanjuan Pan and Monique LeMay.

As a bonus, The Cottages Hotel provides excellent amenities that cater to modern travelers. From free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool access, to being pet-friendly, this hotel ensures guests enjoy a stress-free stay. Additionally, the well-maintained fitness center and the inviting outdoor spaces are perfect for relaxation and socializing. Guests can unwind by the fire pit or take a dip in the pristine pool, creating memorable moments during their visit.

For those looking to explore the area, the hotel is conveniently located near notable attractions such as the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University and the Computer History Museum. This blend of cultural experiences paired with the tranquil stay at The Cottages makes it an ideal base for both relaxation and exploration.

In essence, The Cottages Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it offers a unique experience characterized by exceptional service, beautiful surroundings, and delightful amenities. It’s a destination highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in a cozy getaway in the heart of Menlo Park.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Laundry service
Pet-friendly
Fitness center
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AC
Alpha Cheng Jun 26, 2025
10

Fantastic accommodation. It's newly renovated, so everything is new and has a great modern-retro vibe. Surprisingly cozy and quiet despite being on a main road. Beautiful landscaping and big tree add to the vibe. Each room has a patio or balcony that is great to sit and have a coffee. Great pool and outdoor gas fire. Fantastic breakfast. Highly highly recommended.

GS
Grammy Sue Jun 06, 2025
10

Beautiful hotel. The rooms are newly renovated. It was exceptionally clean. You have your own private patio. The stall (everyone was so sweet and friendly. We accidently left our phone charger. They emailed us then sent it to our home free of charge. What an honest operation. The housekeeping was so friendly and helpful and honest. I was very impressed with our stay her. Oh I forgot, the breakfast was also plentiful and had a good variety of foods. My family stayed in 5 different rooms and everyone was very happy.

CP
Chanjuan Pan May 10, 2025
10

I asked ChatGPT to recommend a hotel which is away from main road, and it recommended this hotel. The cottages hotel is about one building inside (or one block away) from El Camino Real. It IS much quieter than I thought! I also like the breakfast quality there, very fresh and delicious. The room renovation is also very good.

ML
Monique LeMay May 09, 2025
10

I was very pleased with our stay last weekend! We arrived around 1am after a long drive and the front desk was super helpful in getting us checked us quickly. The rooms are super clean, very comfortable and I love the clean and beautifully manicured grounds. My favorite part was the ability to get a hot tea 24/7 and the close walk to the front desk and cars. What a treat! The noise from the road and nearby train was minimal. I had a nice time reading by the pool while my son enjoyed the small gym. Would totally recommend!

BP
bru pa May 05, 2025
10

My husband and I stayed at this adorable hotel for 3 days in early July 2024. We have nothing but good things to say about this boutique hotel! All of the staff were super friendly and anxious to help in any way that they could. The grounds are amazing, with many places to sit outside...and a very cool fire table. The rooms are a little on the small side...but so well appointed...and with the additional outdoor space, you don't feel too confined at all. There is a small fitness center with a Peloton bike and a treadmill and some free weights...but the best kept secret...there is a washer and dryer available for guests! This was a very pleasant surprise! The breakfast is AMAZING...we had just come from a Hampton Inn with free breakfast and the breakfast at The Cottages blew the Hampton away! A nice variety of food and beverages with rotating choices each day. The day after we checked out, the staff at the hotel called us and said that we had forgotten an entire drawer full of clothes. They promptly mailed us the clothes we had left behind, complete with a nice thank you note. They never charged us for sending the clothes we had forgotten...would recommend this hotel again and again!!! Such charming amenities and great service. 12 out of 10 stars!!!

CS
Catharine Smith May 03, 2025
10

This place is a gem. The rooms and property are pristine. The breakfast is delicious. The staff is really accommodating and friendly. There's a beautiful pool, private and public outdoor seating and a cute, well appointed gym. Highly recommend.

AJ
Andrew Jaru Apr 29, 2025
10

We took a chance on this place after hearing it was recently renovated and considered a local secret. It was all that and more. The grounds are nicely kept and appointed. You have all your basic amenities and lovely community spots for people to spend their time. There's no real road noise, though you'll hear the train horns if you listen for them. We stayed in the king deluxe room and it was very clean and had a nice little back patio to bask in. The bed was very comfortable and the pillows among the best hotel pillows we've come across. The bathroom is well lit and comfortable, but the shower head has weak water pressure. It kinda feels like you're standing out in the rain. We stayed for three nights but didn't hear anyone besides housekeeping. The in room AC is loud when it turns on and that can wake you up if you're a light sleeper. You can turn it off, but it can get cold, so that's not always an option. They provide ear plugs if you need it. The front desk staff were very nice and cheery. Happy to help out or strike conversation. Location is great if you need to stay close to Stanford or Redwood City, but it's too far if you need access to the highway or other cities in the Bay. We'd be happy to stay here again!

JGJ
Justin Gonzalez, Jr. Apr 20, 2025
10

The room was beautifully remodeled. We enjoyed our private courtyard and the room was perfect. The staff is amazing and the breakfast was not bad at all! Free coffee 24/7 and a filtered water station by the lobby to fill your Stanley mugs! The shared courtyard has a fire place and overall a peaceful atmosphere. The pool is maintained and cleaned when we woke up in the morning. A hidden gem.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Cottages Hotel

Menlo Park, California, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Menlo Park 17 min Walk
  • Palo Alto 44 min Walk
  • Redwood City 1 hr 21 Walk
  • San Francisco International Airport 25 min Car · 1 hr 10 Transit
  • San Jose Mineta International Airport 27 min Car · 42 min Transit
  • Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport 40 min Car · 1 hr 41 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Filoli Historic House & World-Class Garden 6,506 reviews

Filoli Historic House & World-Class Garden

86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062, United States

4.7 · Historical Place Museum
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University 2,446 reviews

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University

328 Lomita Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, United States

4.7 · Museum
Computer History Museum 7,569 reviews

Computer History Museum

1401 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States

4.7 · History Museum
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