Sheraton Palo Alto Hotel

The Sheraton Palo Alto is the big, practical hotel on the stretch of El Camino Real that faces Stanford. It is the largest of three neighboring hotels on this block, with a pool, a sizable set of meeting rooms and an easy walk to the Caltrain station. For conferences, campus visits, hospital appointments and football weekends, it is one of the most convenient addresses in town. Next door stands its sister property, The Westin Palo Alto.

This profile draws on Marriott's official pages and trade press coverage. We do not list rates, star ratings or reviews. For live prices, check Sheraton Palo Alto rates on Booking.com or book through Marriott.

Location

The hotel is at 625 El Camino Real, between downtown Palo Alto and Stanford Shopping Center. Stanford land lies across the road. This location gives you several things within walking distance:

• The Palo Alto Caltrain station, which Marriott describes as within walking distance, with trains to San Francisco and San Jose.
• Downtown Palo Alto and University Avenue, a short walk northeast.
• Stanford Shopping Center, a short walk north.
• Stanford Stadium, which Marriott puts at about a 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive.
• Palm Drive, the main entrance road to campus, leading about a mile to the Main Quad.

Marriott lists the airports at about 16.8 miles to San Jose, 17.2 miles to San Francisco International and 30.5 miles to Oakland. Our getting here guide covers airport routes.

Rooms

Trade coverage of the hotel's 2021 ballroom renovation reported 346 guest rooms, which makes the Sheraton the largest hotel in this cluster. Room types range from standard rooms to suites. Marriott's rooms page shows the current categories and bed options. Check-in is listed at 3 p.m. and checkout at noon.

Because it is a large full-service hotel, the Sheraton tends to be a good choice for groups that need several rooms on the same dates, such as wedding parties, teams and families at graduation. Larger room blocks are easier to find here than at the small boutique hotels downtown.

Pool, dining and fitness

• Pool. Marriott lists one outdoor heated pool.
• Poolside Grill. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast with Starbucks coffee, California-style food and cocktails by the pool.
• Cardinal Lounge. A lounge named for Stanford's team color.
• Fitness center. Cardio machines, free weights and other equipment.
• Pets. Marriott now says dogs up to 80 pounds stay without additional fees. Check with the hotel for anything else. Our pet-friendly hotels guide compares other options.
• Parking. On-site self parking for a daily fee and electric car charging, subject to availability.

Amenity hours and fees change. Check the hotel's Marriott page before you travel.

Meeting and event space

The Sheraton is one of Palo Alto's main conference hotels. In 2021 it finished a renovation of its two ballrooms that trade press valued at $18 million. The 11-month project was designed by Arcsine of Oakland and built by Pankow Builders of San Francisco. The hotel stayed open throughout.

Justine's Ballroom has windows overlooking a pond on the grounds. Both ballrooms can be divided into three sections. Figures come from 2021 coverage, so confirm current layouts with the hotel's events team.

The Westin Palo Alto next door

The Westin Palo Alto stands at 675 El Camino Real, right next to the Sheraton. Both hotels are run by Pacific Hotel Management, a local company that also owns the all-inclusive Clement Palo Alto a few doors down.

The Westin reopened on September 1, 2021, after an 18-month renovation of its lobby, meeting rooms and fitness studio. The reopening announcement described 184 rooms and five Mediterranean-style courtyards. Marriott lists Café Soleil and Soleil Bar, an outdoor heated pool with a hot tub and a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT fitness studio. Like the Sheraton, it welcomes dogs and offers paid self parking.

Sheraton or Westin?

In practice, the choice often comes down to which one has rooms and the better rate for your dates. You can compare hotels near Stanford on Expedia to see both side by side.

Getting around from the hotel

One of the Sheraton's strengths is that you can leave the car parked. The Palo Alto Caltrain station is a short walk away, with electric trains to San Francisco in the north and San Jose in the south. From the station, Stanford's free Marguerite shuttles run onto campus and to the medical center. Schedules change by season and many routes run on weekdays only, so check before you rely on them.

Walking is pleasant too. Downtown restaurants are reachable on foot in well under half an hour. The flat streets make an evening stroll easy. Palo Alto has no bike share program, so plan to bring your own bike if you want to ride. Our getting around guide has the details on trains, shuttles and cycling.

For dinner beyond the hotel, browse our food and drink guide. Downtown kitchens tend to close earlier than in San Francisco, so plan ahead on weeknights.

Who should stay here

• Conference attendees at Stanford or the hotel itself.
• Families visiting campus or attending graduation, who want a pool and room to spread out.
• Football fans who want to walk to the stadium on game day.
• Patients and their families with appointments at the Stanford medical center.
• Dog owners, since both the Sheraton and the Westin welcome dogs.

Travelers who want boutique style and nightlife on the doorstep may prefer staying downtown. For a wider look at hotels near campus, see staying near Stanford.

Booking tips

1. Book graduation early. Stanford's 2027 commencement weekend runs June 10 to 13.
2. Check the football schedule. Home games fill nearby hotels and bring heavy traffic on El Camino Real. Caltrain's Stanford station did not open for 2026 games.
3. Try weekend nights. Business demand peaks Monday to Thursday, so Friday and Saturday can be cheaper outside big events.
4. Ask about group blocks. For ten or more rooms, contact the hotel's sales team directly.

Pair your stay with a walk through the Main Quad or a loop of the Dish in the foothills.

Frequently asked questions