Cowper Inn - Palo Alto, California

platonacademy T.

Exceptional stay at Cowper Inn! We (20 people) resided here for two weeks, and we were thoroughly impressed. The hosts are outstanding, providing warm and attentive service. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, perfect for both short and extended stays.

The location is ideal - close to downtown Palo Alto and the train station, offering easy access to Stanford (via shuttle) and San Francisco (by train). The charming town adds to the overall experience.

Highly recommend this place for its excellent amenities, prime location, and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Cowper Inn is an excellent choice in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Travel G.

Beautiful establishment, but very rude employees, especially Joji Arellano. Very unprofessional. This employee chose to talk down to me as if I was gum under their shoe. I've had more professional stays at the some motels than I had here. Will never return.

Monica S.

You could stay elsewhere in downtown Palo Alto for $400, $500, $600 or more a night, or you can check in at the charming Cowper Inn with its stately redwoods out front, cute rooms, attentive innkeeper and charm galore. I housed three French delegates on official business to the City of Palo Alto at the Cowper Inn and everyone was delighted with their stay. I greatly appreciated the owner Hugo's patience and flexibility as dates changed and specific requests were made. The Inn is delightfully situated one an almost fully residential, quiet, leafy street one block from University Avenue, the main drag in town. You really cannot get a better location anywhere in Palo Alto.

I'm sure there might have been a few quirks here and there. The property is 100 + years old and there might be some cobwebs or creaky floors, but nothing major.

Note that the Inn looks like a B&B, but they do not serve breakfast, at least as of Sept. 2023. They used to, and some of the pix on the site suggests they still do, so just make note of that.

Our group of three visitors had a ground-floor portion of the house with three fully private rooms, each with its own bathroom, and a small common area. This would be a great space for a group or large family.

I highly recommend checking out the Cowper Inn!

Elizabeth M.

Positive: Two Victorian houses near shops and restaurants of University Ave.|Negative: No reception desk, no heating or blankets| I thought it a bit strange to receive a email a few days ahead of my four night stay informing me that the reception desk was only open from 2:00 to 6:00 pm. I arrived about 3:30, left my suitcase at the bottom of the 10 step staircase, walked up, and opened the front door to find an empty vestibule without a reception desk. Went out, sat on the front steps, and phoned the Cowper Inn. No answer, left a message.| About 10 mins. later, a man hurried up to the steps and showed me to a pleasant room in the house next door to the main one. That night was fine.| The second night, I awoke at 3:00 am, shivering. Turned on the light but was unable to find a thermostat or any ducts. Searched the closet and drawers for a blanket: none. So I put on a pullover and wrapped a cardigan around my legs - good thing I live in Canada - but did not sleep the rest of the night.| Next morning, walked into the hallway to find it had heating ducts which were closed so I opened them. Called the manager about the cold; his reply was, Why didn't you get the blankets out? There are no blankets. No blankets! I'll be sure blankets are put in your room.| At the end of the afternoon, one thin, summer-weight blanket had been placed on the bed. I slept 3 hours that night.| On my last evening, my nephew who is doing research at Stanford, came by. Incredulous that my room had no ventilation ducts, he walked down the hallway, confirming that I had opened all the ducts, and then peered into a closet. "Look at this!" He pulled out a space heater, took it to my room, set it on high, and soon the room was warm.| Incidentally, the decoration of my room was totally different than its photo on the website. The Cowper Inn has a lovely setting but pathetic management. Caveat emptor.

Cindy Z.

This place really can’t call it self a B&B there is a bed, but you do not get breakfast anymore. There’s a coffee pot of sorts in the room. The gentleman that runs the place was very nice. The room was very comfortable, but it did smell very old, damp, moldy. For the price I paid for one night I would not choose to stay here again. Wayover priced, but it was convenient to walking around downtown University Avenue.

Terri P.

The Cowper Inn is an quiet gem, offering the perfect blend of historic allure, modern amenities, excellent location, and warm hospitality. I highly recommend this delightful inn for an exceptional stay in Palo Alto.||I look forward to my next visit to Palo Alto, and the Cowper Inn will be my top choice for accommodation. Even those accustomed to luxury corporate hotels would find comfort and tranquility here.|||

Michiko S.

My husband and I spent 4 nights recently. The inn is a historical lovely building with a nice outdoor patio and own parking space back of the building. Our room had a small kitchenette. Everything worked great. I liked their quality of linens and towels.||Located in the heart of Palo Alto and you can walk to cafes and restaurants. Also, the inn is quiet and private.||If you like contemporary hotels, Cowper Inn is not for you. But we enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back.

Michael M.

I loved my last trip to Palo Alto, for work in the mid-90s, thanks to this wonderful B&B. My room was small, as was the bathroom, but I didn't mind. I love the atmosphere of an older building that's well maintained. The breakfast in the dining room was like family, and I met some very nice fellow travelers. I hope to go back, but on my own, not for work. Highly recommended.