[…] in downtown Palo Alto. If you recall, my daughter and I had a Galentine’s weekend here back in February. There’s been a new addition to the hotel and it is […]
Valentine’s is only a few weeks away. Now is the perfect time to start coordinating with your girlfriends on what to do and where to celebrate!
Galentine’s Day, formed by a blend of gal and Valentine’s Day, is a day in which women celebrate their female friendships. The new holiday debuted in a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation. The term is also seeing increased use in celebrating any kind of friendship, not just those among women.
‘Galentine’s Day’: Meaning and History | Merriam-Webster
I will start by saying that my Galentine’s weekend didn’t turn out as planned. I had the celebration scheduled with 2 of my closest girlfriends. But the newest variant of The Vid came and messed it all up. Both decided it was best to stay home and quarantine. I’m not gonna lie, I was so sad about the change of plans. I had been looking forward to some much needed girl time with my friends. If you’re a mom, like me, you know just how crucial it is to have some time away to let loose and have fun.
I was faced with 2 options- Do I cancel? Or do I adjust some things and move forward?
Ummm, hello?! Of course I still went!
We were booked at the new el PRADO hotel in downtown Palo Alto. I had been dreaming of this beautiful hotel and there was no way I was going to miss it! So I turned our Galentine’s into a Girlentine’s and brought my favorite girl- My daughter.
Palo Alto is a short 2-hour drive from Sacramento. I will admit, I hate driving. But the drive was a breeze! It was no big deal at all. So if you’re hesitant to make the drive, let me assure you- I would do it again!
We arrived early at 2pm. Check-in isn’t until 3pm but our room was ready so we decided to head on in and make the most of our stay.
We stayed in a double queen suite on the 3rd floor overlooking the courtyard. (Room 303 if you want this exact suite.) As you can see in the photos, the room is gorgeous. The style totally inspires me to want to redecorate my master bedroom. (Don’t tell my husband.) It was luxurious throughout and the pillowtop beds were so nice and fluffy. I felt pampered which is exactly what I needed.
After settling in, we looked around the hotel to see all that it had to offer.
The 2nd floor was fun to explore. Coming this spring will be a Tapas Bar & Lounge and a Coffee Shop located on this floor. There’s lots of space for groups to hang out and relax in. Everywhere we turned there was something pretty to look at and snap a photo of. I loved all the plants on the walls and those hanging from the ceiling. They’re all real! Yes, we touched them.
We were starting to get hungry at this point, so we stepped out and walked around downtown Palo Alto. The location of el PRADO is definitely worth noting. You are just steps away from shopping, dining and entertainment. We did some window shopping and found a ramen house called Ramen Nagi. There was already a line of people waiting for the doors to open, so we knew it had to be good! I ate my entire bowl. And Morgan kept saying it was “bussin’.” The new slang these days. LOL.
Bussin’
When something tastes reallly good.
Urban Dictionary: bussin
Next door to the ramen house was Timothy Adams Chocolates. They’re known for their hot chocolate, so we went in and ordered some to sip on during our walk back to the hotel.
We were happy to get back to our room! It’s just so pretty and luxe. Did I mention it’s HUGE?! Definitely enough room for a weekend away with a group of 4 girlfriends. It was nice to indulge in the bedding and beautiful decor.
The next day, we ordered room service for brunch. I love a good poached egg, so I had the eggs benedict and Morgan had the 2 eggs any style which included toast, potatoes and bacon. Everything was bomb! To see the room service menu, click here.
We sat on the balcony and enjoyed the sun and Spanish architecture.
We had the best time at el PRADO. We were spoiled during our Girlentine’s and we can’t wait to come back!
Here’s a list of things to know about the hotel to maximize your experience:
- Parking: Valet parking is available to all guests and I highly recommend using it. It just makes everything easier when you’re able to park in front of the entrance, get help unloading bags and walk straight into the lobby. Besides, you won’t need your car again until checkout since everything is walkable.
- Rooms: el PRADO has 62 rooms and suites. It’s a newly renovated hotel so everything feels fresh and brand new. The beds are to die for! They’re plush, cozy and offer a pillowtop mattress. I could luxuriate on these beds all day. The rooms also feature the following:
- Energy saving keycard switch
- Minibar
- Safe
- USB electrical outlets
- Plush pillowtop beds
- Iron
- Hair dryer
- Bathroom has dimmer switch
- Height adjustable hand-held shower head
- Molton Brown bath amenities
- Wall mounted makeup mirror
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Flat screen TV
- Coffee maker
- Desk
- Ample storage space (The organization they have in the closet is my fave! I wish I took a photo!)
- Non-smoking property.
- Fitness Center on the 3rd floor.
- Pet friendly rooms available.
- Food: Room service is available from 7am to 10pm.
- Coffee and tea available each morning on all guestroom floors.
- Opening this spring!
- Tapas Bar & Lounge (2nd floor)
- Coffee shop (2nd floor)
Enjoy your stay at el PRADO!
[In partnership with el PRADO. As always, all opinions are my own.]
