The Palo Alto Inn

REALLY AWFUL, LOW-BUDGET HOTEL! BAIT-AND-SWITCH F

It was in a pretty good location since it does have a Palo Alto address and is right on El Camino Real. But, it is not right in the heart of Palo Alto near downtown or Stanford. They do offer a free bag of chips and free water (Kirkland brand) in the room. And, there is a coffee maker if you need it.

EVERYTHING! This is a total "bait and switch". The website presents a cute, quaint hotel both through the photography/logo and language that is used. It is anything but. I looked in the closet and saw an old, used "Days Inn" paper cup (why has the closet not been cleaned out!!!), and it made sense. This must be a former Days Inn. The rooms are motel-style where they open into a parking lot. They feature a weak chain for the door. I was 1,000% disappointed, especially for the price. The website said, "our continually updated, one of a kind guest rooms feature plush beds, modern bathrooms, and a full array of amenities." This place is nothing like that description. It is not at all updated. It was formerly a Days Inn, and it looks like an old, out-of-date Days Inn that would be better in a low-end neighborhood not Palo Alto. The only good thing about the room is that it had a large flat screen TV with Dish Network. And, there is free wi-fi. The beds have no headboards, the pillows are bad, the bedspreads have stains, the lamp shades were cracked and showing yellow water stains, the furniture is way out of date, the hangers were old, the room is super small (had to put the luggage rack in front of the entry door to have room). The bathroom is bad – the door didn’t even close all of the way. The towels are like loofah sponges - very thin and really rough. I noticed wear spots on the carpets and the walls were dinged and nicked. And, sadly we paid $238/night - $270+ with taxes/fees (based on the language and imagery on their website). It is really bad. I would AVOID this hotel like the plague unless they offer a super, super low rate. The lady at the desk claimed that they were renovating (I saw no evidence). I highly recommend you wait until the renovations are done and then give it a try (but, only once you have photo confirmation of the end result). If their renovations live up to the website imagery and language (and price), then this will eventually be a fine local hotel. But, right now, it is not good at all. The lobby features tired wood paneling and very tacky decorations. And, they offer a "grab and go" breakfast, but it is super basic with plastic packaged muffins and danish. I highly recommend you avoid this hotel!!

You could hear every footstep from person in the room above.