Avis COWPER INN Palo Alto

Hugo LITERALLY went the extra mile for me. Cowper Inn offers to pick you up at the airport. Hugo did that for me. However when we got the Inn the airport police called me to say I left my laptop bag on the curb. So Hugo kindly offered to drive back to the airport to pick it up free of charge. Oh yeah and the Inn is great ! ..... I read the one star reviews. None of them applied to my stay in fact I kind of wonder if those people are crazy.

Cowper Inn is a quirky, slightly funky, melange of the old, the new, and the tacky here and there, but it's got character. It puts fiber in the hospitality business. As the owner, Hugo, was showing me to my room, the first item of business was how to unlock the pocket door (ya gotta jimmy the key and the door a little, push/pull a bit here and there, and if that doesn't work just keep trying). And a key and a locking mechanism? ANYBODY REMEMBER A HOTEL ROOM WITH A KEY? The pocket door was typical of houses built 100 years ago. Hugo was quick to point out the squeaks of the 107 year old wood floors. Mine was a cozy little nook, a corner room with three windows--a ground floor turret, as it were. The chair looked like it belonged, the sash windows operated easily, and a very clean and updated bathroom--which clearly wouldn't accommodate more than 1-1/2 persons at a time. A sink, no countertop for shavers, toothpaste, etc. Where do I put ... ah, the top of the toilet tank--and it was so close to the sink all you had to do was turn around, no steps required. Now where do I store my hairbrush? Of course, in the extra roll of toilet paper on the tank cover. Works very well. (Just be sure the lid is down in case you lose your grip on a grooming implement.) The shower stall was womb-like in its proportions and I still came out cleaner than when I went in. The bed was very comfortable and very good linens. And it was whisper quiet being located on a residential street in old Palo Alto.

When I made my reservation a bargain wasn't my first priority. (although who doesn't like to save a buck?). I like to stay in small properties. Big hotels can offer amenities that small places can't. Miss that treadmill and exercise room? Being two blocks off University Boulevard one can get in all the walking needed to keep in shape to get the first cup of morning joe.

Two days was too short of a stay. Before leaving I put in my reservation for first week in January. Palo Alto is a good half-way point when returning from Carmel. Hugo and his wife, Joji, are the charming couple that own Cowper Inn. I look forward to seeing them again and getting better acquainted. I'm reminded of Tom Bodette's line, "We'll leave the light on for you." Next time, Hugo, just leave my key under the mat. I know the drill.

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!

Breakfast is great!!

We were only in town for a few days (sadly), but absolutely loved our stay at The Cowper Inn! Excellent location - walking distance to University Avenue's cafes and shops etc. Really responsive and incredible communication with Hugo from Cowper Inn management - many many thanks for approving our very late check out on departure day - this was SO much appreciated! Thanks again for a wonderful stay - we look forward to returning soon!