The Nest Palo Alto is not your typical motel. It received a full renovation and opened in 2015 as a boutique motel property. The gray-toned, two-story structure that features stairs for getting up and down floors might be plain and boring if it weren’t for the outdoor patio that includes a lovely wooden pergola over a large cemented area filled with potted plants, trees, and comfy outdoor furniture. The sleek modern water fountain and electric fireplace encased in a wooden wall divider are upscale stylish effects. The small lobby doubles as a bar and work space with gray couches and armchairs on one side and a large wooden table with ample outlets for charging devices. Guests note that the area can get a little tight at times. A flat-screen TV and sleek white bar where guests check in or order drinks really brings the stylish space together. With a location in a business area of Palo Alto, most guests are business travelers on a budget. 

The Nest Palo Alto is nestled off El Camino Real and surrounded by dining options, a spa, and gas station. Though there is a bus stop about a two-minute walk away from the property, travelers will need a car to get to most Palo Alto attractions like Stanford University, a six-minute drive away, and the Hewlett Packard Garage, a nine-minute drive. The Stanford Shopping Center takes nine minutes to reach by car, while Googleplex is a 10-minute drive away. It’s about a 30-minute drive to the San Francisco International Airport. 

Rooms at The Nest Palo Alto are neutral and modern with a minimalist style. Think: white beds and couches that pop against laminate wood floors and white walls. The furniture is sleek and dark in color and includes small desks set underneath 55-inch flat-screen TVs. Though lacking minibars, the amenities are high tech: Apple TVs, free Wi-Fi, Keurig coffeemakers, and safes that fit 15-inch laptops. Bathrooms are similarly modern with glass showers, hairdryers, and Tarocco toiletries. While some complain about the size of the rooms, they’re fairly standard for a motel property and much more modern in design than most. Guests note that the air-conditioning and thin walls can be a bit noisy, so it’s helpful that earplugs are provided.

The hotel's public spaces are popular gathering spots for guests. The lobby doubles as a wine bar that serves wine, craft beer, and Mediterranean specialties like flat breads, salads, cheese boards, and sandwiches. A small paid European-style breakfast is offered here in the mornings and includes yogurts, pastries, fruits, cheese, and sometimes quiches. Guests enjoy their meals in the lobby area or on the lovely outdoor patio with cozy outdoor furniture, a gas fireplace, and potted plants. The gym is modest in size, but has a few Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. Wi-Fi and parking are both free and there are pet-friendly policies here.