The Stanford center point is around the area of Stanford Mausoleum and the area of Stanford University Arboretum.
Like most of the Bay Area, Stanford experiences warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Therefore, when you're trying to plan the ideal time to visit, it's important to consider what you would like to do while you're there. Summer in Stanford typically lasts from May through September. During these months, the region sees average high temperatures in the upper 70s and lower 80s Fahrenheit. Often, when the sun sets, a fog bank will cover the area and trap the summer warmth. Even so, average low temperatures are still in the mid to upper 50s.
From October to April, the average high temperatures in Stanford are in the 50s and 60s, and average lows are in the 40s. While the Santa Cruz Mountains block most of the heavy rainstorms, these are still the wettest months of the year, with an average of 2 or 3 inches of precipitation each month. Even though winter temperatures are brisk, measurable snowfall in Stanford is rare. Keep in mind that football games at Stanford University are very popular, and weekend home games can fill hotels to capacity. So make sure you plan ahead if you want to visit during the fall and early winter.
If you're looking for a discount or package that can help make your stay even more special, the hotels in Stanford can help. The Sunday Business Class package from Garden Court Hotel is ideal for business travelers who don't want to feel stressed or rushed while they're away from home. With this package, you can arrive Sunday and take 15 percent off that day's room rate. Unwind with fresh fruit and water in your guest room when you arrive, enjoy evening port and a warm cookie in the lobby in the evening, and then start off the workweek by swinging by Peet's Coffee & Tea Service for a breakfast pastry.
Creekside Inn has plenty of packages to help you save money on your next trip to Stanford. For example, the Weekend Getaway Package offers deluxe accommodations for two, a box of chocolates and a bottle of red or white wine upon arrival, complimentary transportation to nearby attractions, and a 10 percent discount coupon to Cibo Restaurant and Bar for your choice of breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
The mid-range hotel options in Stanford offer good value for your money with pleasant service and modern conveniences. Stanford Terrace Inn is an eco-friendly hotel directly next to Stanford University's campus. The airy guest rooms come with desks, coffee makers, microwaves, miniature refrigerators, free wireless internet access, and televisions with cable service. If you need some extra space, upgrade to a suite and enjoy a full kitchen, living room, and balcony. The hotel offers a heated saltwater pool, organic continental breakfast, free self-parking, and complimentary shuttle service to Stanford University.
Berbeda Place is in the business district less than 1 mile from the Palo Alto Caltrain Station. The hotel offers the retro vibe of a 1940s motor lodge updated with contemporary decor and amenities. The modern rooms come with free wireless internet access, 42-inch flat-screen televisions with satellite channels, Keurig coffee makers, microwaves, and miniature refrigerators. The hotel also offers free on-site parking and express check-in and checkout.
Before you head out to Stanford University or Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, which are each just over 1 mile from the Best Western Plus Riviera, make sure you take advantage of the hotel's complimentary continental breakfast. The Best Western also features free tea and coffee in the common area, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, free self-parking, an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. All 37 rooms come with conveniences such as refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, ironing boards, free local calls, and complimentary wired and wireless internet access.
While the Stanford University campus is beautiful and the self-guided walking and bicycle tours are a great way to view it, don't forget to take some time to explore many of its hidden gems. The Cantor Arts Center is an art museum with around 130,000 square feet of exhibit space. The museum features more than 400 pieces by sculptor Auguste Rodin, which is one of the largest collections in the world. There are also about 200 art pieces from Mesoamerica, 500 pieces of African art, and 450 pieces of Indonesian art.
If you're looking for amazing shopping and dining opportunities, the seven-block stretch of University Ave between Alma Street and Webster Street offers some of the best in the area. Stop by one of the cafés for a morning coffee or a light lunch. Then browse the shops before it's time for dinner at one of the international restaurants. Finally, finish your day with a sweet treat from one of the pastry or ice cream shops.
No matter what you're interested in doing when you visit Stanford, the area has plenty of hotels to suit your every need.