Super 8 Palo Alto-stanford

This place was disappointing and very overpriced. They charge a lot of money because it’s Palo Alto. When I went to check in there was a computer screen/monitor behind me with a Filipino man checking me in virtually. It was totally strange. They also charge an extra $5.00 per day to use a simple parking lot, which is ridiculous. They were going to charge me a credit card fee of $100 for incidentals and the machine wasn’t working and by that time I was so annoyed, they decided to waive the fee. I had an upstairs room and every time I tiptoed across the room it was so creaky, the floor was popping and snapping, and I felt sorry if there was anybody below me. The water pressure was about a four out of 10 – – very weak. My biggest disappointment (as a former hotel housekeeper while I was in university) was that there was zero housekeeping during the three days I was there. I checked in on a Tuesday and there was nothing until I checked out on Friday. I inquired on Wednesday with the housekeeper and she told me she would come back tomorrow because I wasn’t on her schedule for Wednesday. But she never came back on Thursday as promised, and so my trash accumulated and I did not get a fresh towel. For paying over $170 a night, it was a rip off. Checking in with a virtual Filipino man on a screen was totally weird.

Positives - Rooms are very clean, and there is coffee, fridge/ microwave. Front desk staff were friendly and helpful, including the somewhat weird remote video host setup. Negatives - Pillows are small, and bed too soft - I was awake with backache for most of the night. Shower had weak pressure. Plug sockets on the nightstand lamps were unusable as they are too close to the lamp base. Decor is dated and room feels a bit depressing. The hotel has no extra facilities on the site, not even a restroom. If you plan to use the substantial AAA membership discount note your room has to be booked directly with the hotel and not through a 3rd party. I personally thought the $200ish/night I paid was not good value, although for the area it as cheap. In summary nothing really bad, but definitely basic accomodation.

Would not recommend this motel. The door looked like it had been busted in. The room smelled horrible. I ended up leaving and going to a different hotel down the street as I did not feel safe. Still had to pay for the room. I was there by myself taking care of my mom who was in the hospital.