One night in / near Palo Alto - Los Altos or Menlo Park?

Question

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!

Answer

For a one-night stay in the Palo Alto area with children, both Los Altos and Menlo Park are generally safe, family-friendly suburban areas with easy access to Palo Alto and the surrounding Peninsula. Your choice mainly depends on convenience, atmosphere, and budget rather than any significant safety differences.

Considerations for Los Altos (W El Camino Real):

Los Altos is quieter, more residential, and has a small-town feel with tree-lined streets and local shops. It’s generally very safe and low traffic, which can be nice if you have children with you.
The Residence Inn location on W El Camino Real is convenient for driving to Palo Alto, Stanford, or the airport, and usually offers more space for families (suites with kitchenettes).
The area has restaurants and cafes nearby, but fewer high-end or boutique options compared to Menlo Park near Stanford.

Considerations for Menlo Park / Stanford area:

This area is closer to Stanford University and the more upscale parts of the Peninsula. That proximity likely explains the higher price of the hotel.
It’s a bit more urbanized than Los Altos, with more restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping options within walking distance, which can be convenient if you plan to dine out or explore quickly.
The neighborhoods are very safe, but parking and traffic may be slightly busier than Los Altos.

Additional Tips:

If your main goal is simply a place to sleep near your friend and head to the airport the next day, Los Altos offers good value for money and a quieter experience.
If you want the convenience of being closer to restaurants, Stanford campus, and a “higher-end” environment for a short stay, Menlo Park is a nice choice, though the $200 difference may not be necessary for just one night.
Since both hotels are within a reasonable drive to Palo Alto, the choice can be made based on budget and whether you prefer a quieter or more central location.

In summary, for a one-night stay with children and easy access to your friend and the airport, Los Altos is perfectly adequate and a good value. Menlo Park offers a slightly more upscale experience and convenience but is not essential unless proximity to Stanford or restaurants is a priority for you.

One night in / near Palo Alto - Los Altos or Menlo Park?

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