We've had to visit Stanford and Lucile Packard Hospitals several times in the past five years and have stayed at most of the motels along El Camino Real in Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Best Western Plus Riviera is our choice to stay if we have a little extra money to spend or during slow periods.
BW Plus Riviera offers rooms that are a little larger then other 2-3 star motels nearby. The rooms are clean and everything works. The beds are comfortable. Each room has a large flat screen TV, a microwave and a dorm room sized fridge. Bottled water is provided. Their WiFi works at a reasonable speed. Their breakfast bar is better than most 2-star motels in the area, with a make-your-own waffle station and hard boiled eggs added. I'd compare it to a Fairfield Inn.
Cons -- rooms face the street and Cal Train commuter train line, so you will get some noise. Trains stop running late night, so that's not too bad. And, frankly, most motels in the area suffer the same problem. Also, parking under the rooms is tight, so it can be difficult to get in and out.
We did have one problem at the front desk when a BW Travel Certificate was not credited to our account properly. But this was taken care of shortly after we checked out and we received a followup phone call to let us know.
The best attribute for the BW Plus Riviera is it's location. If you've got an early morning start at Stanford or Lucile Packard Hospital, this is the motel you want. (Also, ask about their special hospital stay rates.)
- Best Western Menlo Park
- Menlo Park Best Western
