One night in / near Palo Alto - Los Altos or Menlo Park?
We are spending a night in the Palo Alto area with children this June and need a hotel for one night. We are visiting a friend and then heading to the airport the next day.
When I search on the Marriott website for Palo Alto, they are showing a Residence Inn in Los Altos on W El Camino Real, and another 6 miles away near Stanford / Menlo Park. The Menlo Park is more expensive and I am just trying to make a quick decision as to whether it is worth $200 more.
I am not familiar with the area at all. Are there any safety concerns that could be a factor?
I am wondering if the price difference is due to the proximity to Stanford / more high end area, but is there something else I should know? We can get to where we need to go from either location.
Thank you!
For a one-night stay in the Palo Alto area with children, both Los Altos and Menlo Park are generally very safe, family-friendly, and convenient for accessing Palo Alto and the airport. The choice largely comes down to your priorities in terms of cost, convenience, and atmosphere.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
- Los Altos – Residence Inn on W El Camino Real: This location is slightly further from Stanford and the heart of Palo Alto, but it is still very close by car (about 10–15 minutes). Los Altos has a charming, quieter suburban feel with nice residential streets. The hotel is usually more affordable, and you won’t be missing much for a short overnight stay.
- Menlo Park – Marriott near Stanford: This hotel is closer to Stanford University, Stanford Shopping Center, and the tech hubs of Menlo Park and Palo Alto. The area is higher-end and more upscale, which likely explains the higher price. You’ll have quick access to Stanford and a more “central” location if you plan to explore the Palo Alto/Stanford area for a few hours before heading to the airport.
Other considerations:
- Traffic can be heavier near Stanford/Menlo Park, especially during morning or evening commute times. Los Altos may offer a slightly quieter experience.
- For a short stay with children, the extra $200 may not provide significant added convenience unless you specifically want to be near Stanford or the tech corridor.
- Both areas are very safe, with low crime rates and plenty of amenities like grocery stores, coffee shops, and casual dining options within a short drive.
Overall, if your primary goal is a simple overnight stay with easy access to your friend and the airport, the Los Altos hotel is a sensible, cost-effective choice. If you value being in a more central, higher-end location near Stanford and don’t mind paying extra, then Menlo Park could be worth it, but for one night it may not provide substantial added benefit.
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