Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

Hotel · Palo Alto

Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

Hotel · Palo Alto

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488 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

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Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto by null

Highlights

Boutique hotel with unique decor, friendly staff, great location  

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488 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Get directions

hilton.com
@graduatehotels

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488 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Get directions

+1 650 843 9755
hilton.com
@graduatehotels
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@graduatehotels

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Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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@afar

Graduate Hotels 30-Hour $30 Summer Flash Sale - AFAR

"Planned as a forthcoming location in the Palo Alto area, representing part of the brand's growing pipeline of new properties." - Lyndsey Matthews

https://www.afar.com/magazine/graduate-hotels-30-hour-30-dollars-summer-flash-sale
View Postcard for Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

Cecilia N

Google
I recently enjoyed a wonderful stay at the Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto. As a Hilton Honors Gold member, the hotel was kindly able to grant me an upgrade to a preferred room, which made my stay a true delight. My room was ready for check-in upon my arrival in the afternoon. The room was very spacious and the interior design is thoughtfully curated to pay homage to nearby Stanford University. The room was immaculately clean, and it contained very nice touches that remind the visitor of its “graduate” brand that match the local university campus. The front desk staff, especially Naomi and Office Manager Daniel, were very helpful and accommodating during my stay. The hotel's housekeeping also provided the most expedient service I have ever experienced at any Hilton property. Requests for fresh bath towels arrived minutes after making the request at my hotel room's front door. As a traveler who was on a tight schedule at times, I greatly appreciated the efficient service, which contrasted sharply with prior experiences at other Hilton properties that have wait times of easily 45 minutes or more for the same, simple requests. The property is situated at a prime location on University Avenue, and surrounded by a variety of stores and restaurants, making travel to and from Stanford University’s campus very convenient, as well as providing many choices for dining and leisure entertainment. Highly recommend this property.

Ning Ai

Google
I had a lovely stay here! The location is great and the surrounding atmosphere is vibrant and pleasant. A special thank you to the staff for kindly helping me recover a lipstick I accidentally dropped in the lobby. Truly appreciated their attention to detail and care!

Jasmine Johnson

Google
A sad experience for >$500/night. No gym, no room service, not even a coffee maker in room or coffee service in lobby - only some bad instant coffee packets (and no teabags). The room is quite small and cramped and the desk chair is not comfortable to sit for long periods (I am here for work). Even small details like having a robe in the room is missing. There is a restaurant on site but it doesn’t have a phone so if you want to order takeaway you have to go downstairs to place an order, then come down again to pick it up.

Samantha Cavanagh Lewandowski

Google
Comfortable hotel in downtown Palo Alto. The hotel rooms are very comfortable, especially the beds which are nice and firm. Water pressure in the shower was strong (maybe the strongest I've felt in California) and I really liked the in room instant coffee option. Parking is a little confusing if you don't do valet, but if you're willing to walk to city hall to get a daily parking pass, it's only $15/day to park in the surface or garage lots near the hotel.

p l

Google
This hotel is a 100 room boutique hotel in the middle of Palo Alto on University Ave. Furnishings are vintage and antique and well appointed. Staff is very friendly and sharp. The restaurant has a great breakfast. I'll be back.

Mikhail Antonenka

Google
We're currently staying in this hotel, and it's beautifully designed — full of character, with charming decor and a cozy, vintage atmosphere. Everything in the room works well, it’s clean, and housekeeping is excellent. The location is also excellent! However, the experience at the front desk has been disappointing. The staff were quite unfriendly, and there’s a serious issue with room availability. I had booked a room with one queen bed a month in advance, but we were given a room with two separate beds instead — which matters to us, as we’re traveling as a couple. When I asked to switch, the receptionist said it might be possible the next day. But the following day, another staff member told us that no rooms with one bed are available for the rest of our stay. Also, for a room that costs ~$2,9k for a week, the view — a blank wall just a few feet away — is really underwhelming.

spacebee

Google
Had an overall great stay here! Super unique theme and the location on University Ave is hard to beat. Just two minor complaints: - Rooms have very little noise insulation. If there's street noise or construction noise (always happening in Palo Alto), you can definitely hear it at night. - Valet parking is a bit slow. They only have one attendant, so it can take 10-15 minutes to get your car out during peak hours.

Jennifer Anne

Google
Honestly, this was an AMAZING hotel experience. Clean rooms, beautiful decor, two restaurants, beautiful rooftop bar and friendly staff. Plus, the location can't be beat - walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quaint boutique hotel in Palo Alto.
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Joyce L.

Yelp
Stayed here while visiting Stanford, and loved both the proximity to campus and prime location in downtown Palo Alto (pro tip: some street noise and light are unavoidable so bring ear plugs and an eye mask if you're a light sleeper). Booked the base Graduate Queen room and received a complimentary upgrade to the Graduate King Larger Room, which was much appreciated given I only have Hilton Honors Silver Elite status currently. As a Cardinal alum, I thought the hotel's old-school decor and furnishings were so much fun, while still offering modern amenities such as insanely good shower pressure. Just wish this place had a gym!
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S E.

Yelp
Full on construction going strong at 6 pm. I asked the front desk and was told quiet time is 10 pm to 6 am. If that wasn't ridiculous enough I was then told it wasn't construction it was maintenance. I really don't care what it is called it is still disruptive noise. One additional point, the construction was even in process on Sunday. Went to rooftop bar to escape the noise. The server asked if she could bring some peanuts and olives which is usually standard with an afteroon drink. Well, $26 later we had olives and peanuts. In summary, there is no idea as to service.
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Sandy N.

Yelp
I must say the rooftop views are to die for! Came here to relax with some friends and watch the sunset. It was so stunning and even better with cocktails in hand! We got the Cup of Gold and The Peninsula with a Chocolate mousse for dessert. The drinks were good but they were both pretty strong. We had to make a reservation ahead of time but we enjoyed just chilling. If I remember service was a bit slow. If you are looking for somewhere to go strictly for views and vibes, I would recommend going here.
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Raneem R.

Yelp
The rooftop restaurant here has a beautiful view of Palo Alto and good vibes. The menu however is very limited, it's mostly a place to come for drinks. There is an outdoor bar and a few tables. Definitely try to make a reservation if it's a weekend sunny day as they get booked up quickly.
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Ash R.

Yelp
We came here to the rooftop bar to get drinks and see the views of the bay. It is terrible. The service was so slow and not attentive and took forever to get their attention. The drinks were also expensive and aggressively mediocre. The atmosphere is beautiful as you get to overlook the bay but I wouldn't say it's worth the rude staff and long wait times.
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SuArra W.

Yelp
My daughter and I stayed here for one night and she fell in love with the place. She definitely looks like she belongs in this era! The decor is very Victorian charming. Front desk staff is helpful and friendly. And there are a bunch of dining options within walking distance should nothing interests you in their on-site restaurant. Overall a great stay and my daughter is already begging to return.

Amrita ..

Yelp
"We have a a view of roofs of other buildings ; suck up the awful menu and the awful service, and that we kick you out after 90 minutes even when we have plenty of free tables"
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Jaky Y.

Yelp
This review is strictly for Lou & Herberts; I only ate here, didn't stay at the hotel. We popped by on a weeknight around 6pm. Lou & Herberts was pretty much empty. Our initial server was friendly and welcoming, but I suppose his shift ended, and the person who replaced him was awful. She was rude, dismissive, and made it seem like we were troubling her when we flagged her down for service (she didn't bother to ever check on us for the 1.5 hours we were there, and again, the place was empty). We ordered some food; when she delivered it, I asked for several plates and utensils to share (our table had nothing on it besides the drinks we ordered). She walked off wordlessly and came back with 2 plates/sets of utensils (we had 3 people) and literally handed them to us briskly before walking off again. She never came to check on us, and I finally flagged her down for the check. She came with the hand-held device and shoved it at me. After I went through the flow, I asked for a printed receipt and she literally snapped "yeah" as she walked away, grabbed it, and shoved it at me while looking the other direction and then walked away again. You'd honestly think I was severely inconveniencing her with my existence. Food was okay, drinks were fine albeit super watered down.
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Janette W.

Yelp
Nice rooftop views. It was pretty crowded for sunset, but we were able to snag a standing-room-only spot at the bar. I think the wine selection could use some improvement.
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Karen r.

Yelp
The only good thing I can say about this place is at the view is spectacular. Now let's get to the real dirt. Do you enjoy being in a bar that is "exclusive", meaning that it's hard to get into and/or you will be confronted by an overzealous bouncer-type who's trying to keep you out? I.e., are you from LA? Do you like pretty cocktails that are at least $18 and are so weak that a lightweight like me can't taste the alcohol, and neither could my 4 friends? Are you ok being at a rooftop bar that seriously (I am not joking) calls itself the President's Terrace? Then this is your place. Me, I'm old and jaded. I love the view, but I need me an unpretentious, comfy old school bar with strong reasonably priced cocktails. Hard to find in California, I know
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Grey R.

Yelp
The Graduate Palo Alto CA Fri 8/25/23 © My FTT on here 7 mo ago! Friends staying! I'm recognized LOLz hello Eric! So pleased to have a little chat with you. I was here the weekend prior, when my friend stayed overnight, and we hanged out at the rooftop bar & lounge, The President's Terrace. Reviewed in greater detail separately. So the Graduate has been remodeled from old hotel here on University Avenue, called The President, a permanent living space for low income tenants. I hope they were given another quarters. This new addition is very welcomed! Its disposition, funky decor, the views, everything speaks to the pros on your list, in case you're considering a stay, have no doubts! Comfy beds and convenience if your destination is Stanford, just across El Camino Real, the University Ave becomes Palm Alley leading up to the Stanford Oval. The hotel's eclectic lobby with nicely appointed details will lure you in! You'll love the art, you'll love the amazing staff, you'll love your spacious room, too! I tested the bed & approved! Would stay if I wasn't a local & certainly will recommend to anyone who's seeking overnight accommodations! P.S. Purposely not making any references to Dustin Hoffman's The Graduate! He was floating between Pasadena & Berkeley LOLz, between Mrs Robinson & Elaine. That was Taft hotel btw! *Coo coo ca-choo, Mrs. Robinson Jesus loves you more than you will know, wo wo wo God bless you please, Mrs. Robinson Heaven holds a place for those who pray, hey hey hey Hey hey hey *We're better when we're unpredictable And that's why love is so phenomenal It's harder when there's no one in control We don't know which way it's gonna go! [ Review #781 w 4 pix on Sep 14, 2023 ] @The Graduate! Palo Alto CA Fri 8/25/23 U be the judge!:) @The Graduate Palo Alto CA Fri 8/25/23 The hospitable Eric! @The Graduate Palo Alto CA Fri 8/25/23
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Zee D.

Yelp
The 1 star is for the friendly receptionist and lobby staff who had professional manners in place to greet a visitor coming in to access the roof top bar. Good job, you're trained well. The Not Good - The roof top bar is not ready for customers. They seem to be inexperienced and unprofessional. 1. Website says open 4pm onwards. Before getting into the elevator (located right next to the reception), the lobby staff confirmed it was 4.05pm so roof top is open. 2. Arrived up to the entrance to be greeted by a host - I asked if the bar was open: "No we open at 4.30pm usually" (what?) I asked if I could wait somewhere upstairs, given I was told the place was open: "No you can wait downstairs, not up here. We're not open, getting the ice and stuff." (what?) "See you back at 4.30pm" - I said maybe. 3. As we were getting into the elevator host rushed back to us "Hey we're not going to be open at 4.30pm. We have a hold for reservations so no one gets in until 5pm without a reservation. So you can't get in at 4.30pm. Reservations only at 4.30pm" (what?) 4. A second host gentleman also go in the elevator. here's what he added "Yea nobody gets in without reservation and we only open after 5pm for no reservations. Also (priority) to guests. " (wow, its just the Graduate with a balcony guys, take it easy). The place was a dead cat with no customers lining to get in on a cloudy Monday at 4pm. Anyone familiar with the Palo Alto grub scene knows how we love lining up for ice cream sandwiches and expensive cocktails outside places that deserve it. Note to the Hotel for future training: bars and cafes are open for visitors. If you have an elevator pitch of a hierarchy for Reservations and Guests Only, state it on your website, in the lobby and any other access points. That's how you inform and turn away the riff raff that is not a reservation nor an freeloader instagrammar nor a Guest. In Summary: I had a splendid stay at the Graduate in Berkeley a few years ago and only had great memories of a thorough professional and courteous staff. It was home away from home. This place in Palo Alto hasn't got its act together. Instead, I recommend revisiting the Palo Alto Creamery or Joya down the road for consistent taste, professional service, fantastic ambience and drinks.

beverly m.

Yelp
Rooms are spacious. The water pressure in the shower is fantastic. The bed is like sleeping in a cloud. HOWEVER, the onsite restaurant served weak coffee, undercooked bacon and the worst waffle ever. Jeepers you can just buy a frozen waffle at the grocery store and have a better breakfast. Fortunately there are plenty of restaurants nearby. The rooftop terrace has gorgeous views. The drinks are inventively named and way overpriced. The food offerings bring new meaning to the term "limited" On its website, the hotel claims to offer valet parking. The valet service was spotty at best. No matter when I tried to request or return the car, the valet was always on lunch. This hotel is in a wonderful location, the rooms are great. The services offered--not adding a lot to the experience.
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Samantha C.

Yelp
Such a cute spot for a rooftop bar! Great view and comfy seats! Only downside is that it does get crowded and our party of three had to squish between two other parties. So it wasn't the most comfortable. We got a few of their drinks and liked the mocktails the most! Food was smaller portioned: we got the scallop which was alright and the manresa bread with bone marrow butter-very rich!
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Schelly Y.

Yelp
Cool new hotel in downtown Palo Alto with a roof top bar and also a bar / restaurant on the ground floor. We tried a couple of the sandwiches as well as the rice pudding. Decent sandos but fairly pricey for the portion sizes.
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Robert H.

Yelp
Shortly after contacting Graduate about the valet joyride situation, the hotel's general manager who I'll refer to as "D" contacted me directly. D helped me bring my concerns to the valet company to ensure the attendant was held responsible for his actions. I appreciate D and Graduate's integrity and care for their customers. Despite the original bruise on an otherwise wonderful stay, I would definitely recommend visiting the Graduate if you're staying in Palo Alto.
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Larry C.

Yelp
They're open! We visited this newest boutique hotel downtown, at the site of the old President hotel. We wanted to check out the rooftop bar, but it was closed due to rain, so we had drinks and an appetizer in the very eclectic lobby. Then we got a little tour from one of the front desk staff. up a very cool restored elevator, to check out one of the corner rooms. It looks like this would be a good option for someone with a healthy travel budget when visiting Stanford or Palo Alto. Four stars for the well-done details in the look & ambience in the lobby and what we saw of the hotel & rooms, and for the very nice cocktails, Manressa grilled bread and bone marrow butter, yum! And for the friendly staff. I'll look forward to revising when we get to check out the rooftop bar! And no photos to share sadly, I kinda assumed someone would have some up already!
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Bill S.

Yelp
This place is a good idea, but very poorly executed. It starts with being seated. Our party of 4 is told that we have to scrunch into this little corner, that we can't spread out. Further, we aren't allowed to be there any longer than 90 minutes. We weren't there that long, but no one ever came to claim the other spot. So, we moved over there. The hostess told us we couldn't do that but we ignored her Then we ordered drinks. They were so so, nothing special and weak. Maybe we got the wrong ones, although we asked the waitress what the most popular drinks were Finally, we ordered appetizers. It took 15-20 minutes for those to arrive, with no napkins. The bread dish shown was $17 for 4 pieces of bread. Crazy, even for Silicon Valley. The prosciutto dish didn't come with forks or plates. Believe it or not, it took the waitress 20 minutes to round up forks.

Gabriel M.

Yelp
Jessica and Mariel are the most gracious and welcoming hosts at Lou and Herbert's cafe at the graduate hotel by Hilton. Excellent and exceptional service and one of a kind luxury cocktails. This a must visit on university avenue for the first bar and cafe patron to the most seasoned of connoisseur of the extravagant. 11/10 could not put this establishment in higher regard.

Gali K.

Yelp
The design of the hotel is beautiful and the location is great. I'm giving it 2 stars because their customer service experience is really bad. I had an issue during my stay and it's been over two weeks and it hasn't been resolved yet. I think I called them around 15 times but no one ever calls back, each rep tells you a different story and no one lets you speak with a manager. I had such an exhausting experience which you would never imagine coming from the hospitality world. Cannot recommend on staying there unfortunately.
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Nisha A.

Yelp
Very cute vintage style hotel with great customer service experience. Check in with the breeze.Room was nice and cozy only down size it can get a little warm and you can only bring the temperature down to 66 degrees. Rooftop bar view a cute and yummy drinks. If your looking for dinner not a place to eat. They have food but more so appetizers but they're tasty. Get cold on the rooftop as the sunset guess what they give you blankets!! All in all great little hotel! Totally recommend!
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Elizabeth B.

Yelp
Came here for an overnight stay because my husband was scheduled for surgery at Stanford the following morning and we wanted to have a good night's rest and avoid the 2-hour-plus trafficy drive from where we live. The foyer and lobby of this historic building are really appealing and whoever designed the decor had an eye for whimsy. This is a 1929 hotel and built during the San Simeon era and it shows in a spacious and accommodating way. The only thing was, the thumpy bang-bang louder than necessary lobby music, which went on and on and on. The sound could be heard upstairs and it kept us awake till 10:30 PM when we'd expected to get some sleep. Is this music designed to appeal to a certain age group? Because we only found it annoying. Why on earth isn't something pleasant and soothing playing over the PA system, if they insist on playing anything at all? It was really annoying, sorry. It sort of dampened our nice greeting. The hospitable staff helped us with some questions and gave excellent directions. But really, I wondered how they stand working the front desk and having to listen to the awful music their whole shift. Next morning, even though the downstairs restaurant is advertised as open at 6:30 AM, there was no one there to greet and welcome us. We had to sit and wait for someone to finally come loping in and barely recognize our presence. We had to wait around 10 minutes for the coffee to be made. Why wasn't the coffee ready to serve at 6:30 when the place is advertised as open? Breakfast was very nice when it finally arrived. It was a good thing we weren't in a hurry because everything took time. The person in charge appeared somewhat bored and disinterested and seemed to be honoring us with his presence when I thought the customer was supposed to be the honored guest. That's why it's called the hospitality industry. Overall, our room was really nice, great decor and very good conveniences. Overall it was a pleasant stay and fun to wander up University Ave. and be reminded of my Stanford days.

MmmFood Z.

Yelp
Pros: Lots of character and charm. Clean and well themed and decorated through out. Rooftop bar definitely has a "vibe" and the drinks are pretty... Cons: drinks are pretty but do nothing alcohol wise and the flavors which seem promising from the drink names and descriptions, are flat tasting and weak. No way to keep the fan going in the room so the air is dry and you are going to have your own white/background noise. Noise that is going to be extremely necessary when they are doing work (knocking out tiles, drilling, etc.) prior to 8am. The banging and drilling noises from this work is heard reverberating into even high level rooms and directly through closed windows.
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Octavia W.

Yelp
Pros: Decor Views Location Cons: Rarely accessible (rooftop) Over-priced for what you receive Influencers get special treatment for making the place "look" like its a great experience Not very diverse like the website claims (Sidebar: I never stayed as a hotel guest at this location, so I cannot speak on the overall hotel experience). The two stars is for the decor & the view (the best thing, I would say about this place). I've been to a few other graduate hotels & I was excited to hear that there is one in town!! But this one has a bit different of a feel. I tried to visit the bars in this hotel, because I saw great things about it on social media (even though the locals told me not to waste my time, I had to see for myself). I tried visiting last month (the bar on the roof), but I was told it was booked and I didn't have a reservation (understandable). I saw several tables available, but because I didn't have a reservation, I understood. I did overhear the employees speak about a table for an influencer to take footage staying at the hotel and saving a table for them (which makes sense of all the hype on instagram). Maybe I should become an influencer? Lol But I gave it another shot recently. I had to wait and get a drink at the lobby bar while I waited to be seated at the roof top bar. I feel like the lobby bar had better drinks (the time put in & the fact that I actually caught a buzz lol). When I was finally able to get a seat at the bar on the roof, I will say the views are exceptional! The couches looked comfy, but I sat at the bar. The bar menu looked great and exciting, but I must say, for the price of the drinks, they are not worth it. You are better off going to Nola for a decently priced craft cocktail. I also feel like there should be a no vaping sign or something as the employees and the guests, seem a little high on "something." Lol I really enjoyed the view, but left after one drink and I definitely should have listened to the locals, yet I'm glad I tried it out for myself. Disappointed overall.
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Elena R.

Yelp
Superb food in the cafe with vegan delights by Chef Andrew. Small intimate cafe with a cozy fireplace. The rooftop bar has the best view in Palo Alto. Many regulars are already starting to hang out at the hotel every day.
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Rahul T.

Yelp
Really good rooftop place in Palo Alto. I don't believe there is any similar spot in the area for miles. Staff is good and friendly and service is good. However, the food itself was a little below par and the drinks weren't anything to write home about either. Maybe by the time you're reading this things have improved, but I'm just describing my experience.

Raven J.

Yelp
Not sure why it says coming soon-it's here! Charming hotel! Absolutely lovely experience-from the complementary water when I checked in to the friendliness and great recommendations from the staff to the quiet and quant rooms-it was all fantastic! Seriously-I was right next to the elevator and never heard it. Loved that you can borrow a bike-in a great neighborhood-very convenient! Good restaurants around-Stanford is a mile or 2 away!
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Mindi S.

Yelp
We stayed in this hotel for two nights this past weekend. I cannot say enough good things about it! Our family has four people, so we asked for a room with two beds. Parking is either on the street or valet - there is not a designated parking lot, but it's not too hard to find a spot. We parked right on University just across the street. So long as you move your car by 10 the next morning, you will be fine. Upon entering the lobby, we were blown away by the gorgeous scent - The Graduate has a signature scent they pump through the vents and it is heavenly! I think is was a cross between balsam and sandalwood. The furnishings were unique and appeared to be either antique or custom pieces made to look that way - either way they were stunning. The pictures on the wall are quirky and plentiful. I love that these hotels all reference the college or university in the same town. For this one, Stanford was definitely the defining theme, all the way down to the carpet in the hallways, which feature the time capsule numbers found on campus. Anyway, after a very friendly and efficient check-in, we went to our room. It was breathtaking! The wallpaper is so, so pretty and it matched the curtains, closet and even the screen saver on the television! This building is over 100 years old, but you do not feel it in the rooms, with the exception of the windows, which are original and still open! Our view was of University Avenue, a bustling street which runs down the middle of downtown Palo Alto. The decor in our room was sumptuous and the bathroom is simply beautiful, with brass fixtures, a rainfall showerhead and thick, soft linens. Even the shampoo, conditioner and soap smelled heavenly. The beds were so very comfortable and the pillows with Stanford references were so cute. The rooftop bar was crowded and we could not get a reservation, but we did visit Lou and Herbert, the restaurant/coffee bar in the lobby for breakfast in the morning. We each had a cup of coffee and a bespoke pastry. Everything was lovely. No detail has been overlooked in this hotel. We rode the 100 year old freight elevator - the kind with the gate you have to pull closed before it will start going - and it was so cool! My daughter needed a bike while we were there and The Graduate gladly loaned her a brand new emerald green one, along with bike lock and helmet. There are large, red umbrellas available for guest use, as well. Finally, we received a sweet gift from Hannah, the hotel manager, in connection with Gwen from Letter Perfect, which is the best card/stationery store just down the street, which was delivered to our room on Sunday. I honestly did not want to check out but, alas, we had to go home. We will definitely be back, and when we are, we will be staying at The Graduate.

Jennifer J.

Yelp
If you like amenities, sleep, functioning elevators, and non instant room coffee then do not stay here.

Bourbon T.

Yelp
Beatiful space, great staff and service. Visited the rooftop bar and it was solid. Definitely will be back. Great to have in the neighborhood.
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Akasha P.

Yelp
I was so excited to try out the new rooftop bar at The Graduate. My friend and I enjoyed the ceviche and almonds (5 stars), but were not a fan of the not so subtle racism (minus 4 stars). After paying $30 for ceviche and almonds and heading for the elevator, we were confronted by a server who loudly asked if we had paid. The assertion was offensive and the bias, whether conscious or unconscious, put a damper on our evening. As a former server, there are at least 3 other ways she could have confirmed that we paid rather than loudly calling out the only two Black people in the area. After that awkward interaction, we received no apology but a text offering free drinks. Lame. Don't waste your time here.

Bobbi Jo D.

Yelp
Amazing hidden gem! Stopped by for a quick afternoon treat and I was pleasantly surprised. Bridget helped me order and recommended the most delightful capuchino and chocolate mousse. I will be back!
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Gina M.

Yelp
I'm super excited for this hotel to open. I want it to be successful. Being a hotel lover myself I went to check it out. I have a couple critiques: To start I absolutely love the lobby furniture selections and fabrics. The barstools in the restaurant are fun and spectacular. I wish the restaurant had a wider menu selection and more seating. I'm giving it 5 stars because I don't want to lower the rating. I do not think the place is bad but I do think that it has potential to be exceptional but it is just not there yet. A bit more focus on the special details could be the key. The hotel had a strange smell. Being in the interior design business myself I know that it does not matter how good something looks if it smells strange. It was a bit off putting. I think that a elevator attendant and a door attendant would add a bit more elegance. Like the Westin St.Francis in San Francisco. Perhaps the valet could be dressed elegantly instead of sitting on a chair with a sweatshirt on. The valet booth is cute but gets lost all around the corner by its self. The windows in the restaurant have a plastic film on them... you wonder what's on the other side. Perhaps a film that is stained glass would be less claustrophobic. Seeing people working on laptops in the lobby at a long table was more like walking into a library (not too exciting) Perhaps some spectacular chandeliers could be added to this place. Maybe do away with the church bench in the entry. The excitement was missing from the very beginning (that is needed to make you want to stay).The clay tiles on the roof were wobbly and some had cracks. The sign on the door on the outside that said (use other door was not too cute). I feel like I was in a scary movie or a haunted place. If a bit more glamour, elegance and focus on ambiance perhaps bellhop uniforms are added in addition to exterior curb appeal....I'm sure this hotel could thrive. Perhaps additional beautiful seating in the lobby where you could enjoy happy hour/coffee instead of the long table. I hope that this is helpful to the owner of the hotel. It is meant to be constructive because I see so much more potential. By the way Love the rooftop bar.
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Yvette E.

Yelp
My family and I really enjoyed our stay here. The location was just perfect and the rooftop bar was beautiful. Our room is spacious and I loved the artwork. Great food + drinks, and amazing staff. Everybody was so nice and helpful. I will definitely stay here again.

Vira K.

Yelp
Love the vibe, highly recommend...one of the coziest cafes I have ever visited. Vvvvbvvvvv
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Bobbi Jo C.

Yelp
I absolutely fell in love with this hotel. Such a unique style and right on university close to everything. It also has a lovely little rooftop bar. It is small so you need to make reservations to be able to sit otherwise you can stand. It has a great view especially during sunset. We live in the area but whenever we need to stay in Palo Alto, we will be staying here from now on.
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Linda H.

Yelp
I really like the bartender Barbie she's cute and has a great personality she's fast and knows how to make a drink.

Judith L.

Yelp
What kind of place kicks you out when you still have drinks and food left? Evidently this place does! At 80 min into our evening, the server announced that we have to finish up because there was a 90 min limit. News to us! We still had 1/2 of our drinks and a 1/3 if our food! No apologies (according to the manager, the "host should have said something to us". A-hem. They didn't. The "server should have said something to us". They didn't). So they're happy to take our money but not give much in return. They're concerned "about taking care of all the reservations". So I thought since they're so concerned about being too crowded, I thought my review might help them achieve their goal! Really poor experience and handled really poorly as well.

Bridgitte C.

Yelp
This Hotel is Amazing! The design the customer service. Everyone made our experience staying one night excellent. Naomi,Eileen , and Sofia at the front desk. Up on the roof top was a bit hectic but Pamela,Lauren & Ellie really made it pleasant fun. I don't know if I would say we had dinner but the cocktails were fabulous with the views and the vibe. When we got coffee in the morning Monsi was extremely helpful in the cafe. I enjoyed our stay very much and would love to stay again soon.

Ashley J.

Yelp
The rooftop is pretty small, and you definitely should make reservations before you go or there won't be any space for you. Only three stars because there was not a lot of space if you didn't have reservations.
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Shane G.

Yelp
Rooftop bar is not worth the bother or the price. Weirdly cramped space for a rooftop. Reminded us of a pop up bar at an event rather than a permanent space. When the elevator doors opened we were met with a host who snapped at everyone to stand in the elevator vestibule. His first words were, "we don't have room for four." But we were two groups of two. No hello or welcome. Nobody was allowed to even look at the space to see it before checking in. Once he allowed two of us to go to the bar we were offered menus but none of the wines in the list were available. The bartender said "we only have Cabernet" without knowing what it was. Some people were gathered around the few tables, but there wasn't really room to move around. The bar area is kind of smooshed to one end of the rooftop. Poorly designed layout for a rooftop situation. Wine list was there as a prop. Workers didn't seem knowledgeable or that interested in hospitality.

D T.

Yelp
Cool place but impossible to drop in for a drink at their rooftop bar. Ridiculously small capacity for humans....

Erika K.

Yelp
Great place for birthday! Going back next week again for birthday celebrations! Sometimes they cancel reservations because winds but if you lucky and get in it's fun! Also food downstairs is nice .

Ron F.

Yelp
Franchesca and Barbie are the best. Great bartenders, outstanding personalities, friendly, and we will definitely return!!!

Hillary F.

Yelp
Franchesca is the BEST bartender ever. Her drinks are deli table and her personality lights up the room. The views the vibe, the drinks, the music, and the Spanish influenced room of top bar are priceless.The best spot in Palo Alto!!

Amy K.

Yelp
I live locally and I can tell you that the locals here have been very excited for this rooftop bar to open. Unfortunately, it's not very accessible. It has odd hours because I've been there three times to try to go to the roof. I've either been told that it's closed or about to close. Last night we went to the hotel to go to the rooftop bar and were told we couldn't go to the rooftop- it was. Saturday night at 5pm! They said we needed a reservation to go up there. One of us took a peek up there and there were a couple people having cocktails before whatever reason they didn't want to let more people up there. Last week I brought a friend for breakfast to the little restaurant. When we arrived we were told that they had no eggs. I'm wondering why they didn't just have somebody go over to Whole Foods and buy some eggs to serve to customers. That seems weird. Overall, the atmosphere is pretty neat but the service is lacking and it doesn't feel professionally run. This being the only rooftop bar in all of Palo Alto, you would think that they would have it open consistently and be welcoming guests. Missed opportunity. Bummer.

Rioey W.

Yelp
as most people do, i got a hotel room to sleep for the night. it's currently 3:18am and i am wide awake writing a yelp review. why? the thermostat has a bright green light that illuminates the entire room, not to mention another device on the wall that constantly flashes another green light. i understand this is a minor gripe but with the light right next to my bed, i can't sleep. i've tried everything to cover it up but the light is so bright it shines through towels and multiple sheets of paper. hotel is fine beside this but i can't do the one thing i need to do in a hotel room, sleep!!!