Red Cottage Inn & Suites

1704 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, Menlo Park, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.2 / 5

Overview

Red Cottage Inn & Suites is a straightforward 3-star hotel set off El Camino Real in Menlo Park, California, about 2 miles from Stanford University and 3 miles from downtown Palo Alto. It offers a homey, no-frills base for travelers exploring the Peninsula rather than a resort-style experience. With a 4.2 rating from 123 reviews, it's known as a solid value option in a pricier region.

Rooms & Suites

Rooms are described as bright and homey, equipped with coffeemakers, minifridges, flat-screen TVs, DVD players and Wi-Fi. Some rooms have vaulted ceilings and most offer access to a garden area, with several guests noting private patios. Suites step things up with full kitchens, pull-out sofas and/or whirlpool baths, making them suited to longer stays or those wanting extra space.

Dining & Amenities

A continental breakfast is included, and guests can cool off in the outdoor pool or use the on-site exercise room. A guest computer is available for those needing quick internet access without their own device. A nearby convenience store and a well-regarded Mexican restaurant give guests easy walking-distance options beyond the hotel's own offerings.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The hotel sits within a few miles of numerous Peninsula landmarks, including the Cantor Arts Center and Anderson Collection at Stanford University, Hoover Tower, the HP Garage, and the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden. Slightly farther afield are Filoli Historic House & Garden, the Computer History Museum, Hiller Aviation Museum, Shoreline Amphitheatre, the Googleplex, and Baylands Nature Preserve, making it a workable base for exploring Silicon Valley history, culture, and outdoor space.

Best for

This hotel suits budget-conscious travelers and families looking for a clean, no-frills stay near Stanford University and downtown Palo Alto, thanks to its garden-adjacent rooms, outdoor pool, and included breakfast. It also works well for visitors attending events in the wider Peninsula area (such as those near Woodside or Silicon Valley tech campuses) who want a quiet, value-priced base rather than a downtown property.

Travel tips

El Camino Real is the main corridor through this stretch of the Peninsula, so having a car makes it easiest to reach Stanford, downtown Palo Alto, and farther sights like Filoli or the Googleplex. A convenience store and a Mexican restaurant are within walking distance for quick meals, which is handy since dining on-site is limited to continental breakfast. Given the spread-out nature of the nearby attractions (from 3.4km to nearly 14km away), plan driving time between stops rather than expecting to walk to most points of interest.

What guests say

Guests frequently highlight the hotel's strong value, pointing to affordable rates, complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable beds, and included breakfast as standout perks. Cleanliness and helpful, friendly front-desk staff are recurring positive themes across reviews. Several guests also note the convenience of a nearby convenience store and a decent Mexican restaurant within walking distance, as well as a quiet setting despite proximity to town. Positive comments about private patios and garden access suggest guests enjoy the outdoor room features, and no significant recurring complaints appear in the available excerpts.

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