Introduction
If you are looking for Nobu Hotel Palo Alto — sometimes still called The Epiphany — this long guide gives you everything in plain language. The hotel mixes Nobu’s famous food with calm, Japanese-inspired design. It is a boutique, stylish hotel in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. People visit for the Nobu restaurant, the special Ryokan suites, and the easy access to Stanford University or Silicon Valley offices.
Why this guide matters for European visitors
European travellers often like short but meaningful trips: great food, calm places, and easy transport. Nobu Hotel Palo Alto fits this need. The hotel is small enough to feel special, and the Nobu restaurant gives you the famous menu without a long trip into San Francisco. This guide focuses on what matters to Europeans: clear cost ideas, how long it takes to reach the hotel from major airports, simple transport tips, and outfit ideas that match Nobu’s style. It also gives booking tips and honest pros and cons — all written in plain English so you can use it on TrendyOccasion and help your audience plan their trip with confidence.
History and rebrand: Epiphany → Nobu
The building that is now Nobu Hotel Palo Alto used to be a smaller boutique hotel known locally as The Epiphany. Nobu Hospitality rebranded and renovated the property to add the Nobu restaurant and bring the Nobu hotel experience to Palo Alto. The rebrand included design updates, new public spaces, and the creation of Ryokan suites Nobu Palo Alto which blend Japanese style with Californian light.
The Nobu experience: rooms, Ryokan suites & design
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto is small, calm and design-led. The interiors use wood, soft fabrics, and large windows to create a peaceful feel. The hotel embraces a modern Ryokan influence, which is a Japanese inn tradition that values simple beauty, quiet, and well-crafted details.
Room types — easy list
- Deluxe Room — compact and efficient, good for single travellers or short business trips.
- Premium Room — more space, better for couples or longer stays with some room to relax.
- Ryokan Rooms & Ryokan Suites — special rooms with Japanese design cues: soaking tubs, shoji-style screens, teak finishes and a strong sense of calm. These often include extra benefits like priority access to the Nobu restaurant.
Ryokan Suites: what makes them special
The Ryokan Suites aim to recreate a small, private retreat. You often get:
- An onsen-style teak soaking tub or deep bath that feels like a private spa.
- A private balcony or small outdoor area for fresh air.
- Priority seating or booking at the Nobu Palo Alto restaurant and often breakfast included for suite guests.
If you want a low-key romantic stay or a restful break, the Ryokan suites are the best pick. If your priority is lots of gym equipment or a big resort pool, a different hotel might suit you better.
Dining at Nobu Palo Alto: menu, omakase & booking tips
The Nobu restaurant is the star attraction here. Nobu is known for mixing Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients — a style that started with Nobu Matsuhisa in Tokyo and grew into a global brand. At Nobu Palo Alto you can expect Nobu classics like yellowtail with jalapeño and black cod miso, along with rotating seasonal dishes.
Menu options
- Dinner menu: a mix of small plates, sushi, and signature hot dishes.
- Brunch: available some days; a good option for a relaxed weekend start.
- Omakase: chef’s tasting at the sushi bar. Omakase is a set menu that changes daily and shows the chef’s top picks.
Omakase price example
Sample omakase prices at Nobu locations vary by city and season. For Nobu Palo Alto, past examples put some omakase sessions at around $135 per person for certain lunch or daytime sushi bar tastings. Evening omakase or longer tasting menus can be higher. Always check the Nobu reservations page for current offerings.
How to book — simple steps
- Go to the Nobu Palo Alto reservations page or call the restaurant directly.
- If you want omakase or a weekend dinner slot, book 2–3 weeks in advance if possible.
- Expect the restaurant to hold the table with a credit card; some bookings have cancellation fees within 24 hours.
Tip for European visitors: Book your Nobu dinner or omakase for the day after you arrive so jet lag is less likely to ruin the experience. Also, reserve earlier in the day for a quieter time if you prefer a calm meal.
Location & getting there — airports, trains, and local travel
Palo Alto is smaller and more Walkable than many big US cities. The hotel sits in downtown where shops and cafés are within walking distance.
From airports
- San Jose (SJC): about 20–30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
- San Francisco (SFO): about 30–40 minutes by car, but allow more during rush hour.
- Oakland (OAK): typically 30–50 minutes depending on time and traffic flow.
By train
- Caltrain is the main commuter rail connecting San Francisco and San Jose. The downtown Palo Alto Caltrain station is a short walk from the hotel. Caltrain is slower than driving in some cases but is relaxed and useful if you want to avoid road traffic.
Parking & valet
- Valet parking at Nobu Hotel Palo Alto is usually offered and often costs around $50 per night. Municipal garages and nearby parking lots may be cheaper for longer stays, but they usually require a short walk. Check for hotel offers that sometimes include parking discounts or complimentary parking.
Ride-share and taxis
- Uber and Lyft are widely available in the Bay Area. They are convenient for airport transfers or short local trips.
Simple travel plan for Europeans: Fly into SFO, take a taxi or rideshare to Palo Alto (roughly 30–45 minutes), check in, rest, and enjoy Nobu for dinner the next evening. If you arrive early, a short walk on University Avenue is a nice way to stretch.
Rates, deals & how to get the best price
Room prices change a lot by season, weekend, and local events (conferences, college events). Here are clear tips to help you get a better deal.
Check official offers
Nobu Hotel often lists hotel packages such as:
- Advance Purchase deals with a lower non-refundable price,
- Drive to Us packages for travellers arriving by car,
- Dining credit offers that include a set value for the Nobu restaurant.
These packages can add value — for example, including breakfast or a dining voucher that lowers your total cost.
OTA vs direct
- Direct booking with Nobu sometimes includes perks like flexible cancellation or breakfast.
- OTAs (Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com) may show lower rates for certain dates or last-minute deals. Compare both before you book.
Midweek vs weekend
Midweek nights are usually cheaper. Weekends can be more expensive due to diners and local events. If your main goal is Nobu dining, weekend rates might be worth it — but check midweek for savings.
Pricing table — indicative ranges
| Room Type | Typical Price Range (USD) | Best For |
| Deluxe Room | $250–$450 | Solo travellers, business trips |
| Premium Room | $350–$550 | Couples, longer stays |
| Nobu Suite / Ryokan | $700–$1500+ | Special occasions, romantic stays |
Who should book Nobu Hotel Palo Alto — and who should not
Good fit
- Food lovers who want the Nobu restaurant experience close to their hotel.
- Couples seeking a calm boutique stay with a romantic feel.
- Business visitors who want a stylish, walkable downtown base near Stanford or tech offices.
Maybe choose elsewhere
- People who need a large spa, big gym, or many family rooms — larger hotels and resorts in the Bay Area will serve those needs better.
- Budget travellers who need the lowest possible nightly rate — boutique hotels are often pricier than big chains.
What guests really say — summary from reviews
We looked at many guest reviews on OTA and review platforms and found clear patterns.
Common praises
- The Nobu restaurant is the highlight for many guests.
- Rooms are stylish, clean, and often have nice light and a simple calm design.
- Staff are generally helpful and polite.
Common complaints
- The gym and common areas are compact — not for guests who need a large workout space.
- Valet parking fees can surprise guests if they were not aware.
- Some rooms are smaller than travellers expect for the price.
Bottom line from reviews: If you want design, calm and superb dining, Nobu works very well. If you want a large health club or family suite, compare other hotels.
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto vs nearby hotels — quick comparison
This short table helps you choose fast.
| Hotel | Price Band | Standout Feature | Best For |
| Nobu Hotel Palo Alto | Premium | Nobu restaurant, Ryokan suites, boutique feel | Food lovers, couples |
| Rosewood Sand Hill | High | Large spa, big grounds, privacy | Wellness, luxury retreats |
| Larger chain hotels (local) | Mid–High | Bigger meeting rooms, chain benefits | Business groups, families needing space |
If your event needs big meeting rooms or a full spa day, Rosewood Sand Hill and some larger hotels may be better. If food and boutique style are your priority, Nobu Hotel Palo Alto stands out.
Fashion & lifestyle — what to wear at Nobu
Nobu’s aesthetic is calm, modern and refined. For Europeans, this maps well to casual-chic and minimal looks.
Simple outfit ideas
- Daytime: linen shirt, soft blazer, neat sneakers or loafers.
- Dinner at Nobu: smart-casual — a neat shirt and dark trousers, or a simple dress. Some diners like a blazer but it’s not always required.
- Ryokan suites: pack comfortable loungewear and slippers; the hotel often provides robes.
Style tip for pictures: Nobu’s garden and rooms are photogenic. Use soft light and simple angles to share polished photos on social platforms.
Food, culture & things to do nearby
Palo Alto is calm and green with a few cultural highlights nearby.
Top activities
- Stanford University — walk the campus, see Hoover Tower, and visit the Cantor Arts Center.
- University Avenue — shopping, cafes and small boutiques.
- Day trips — Santa Cruz coast, local wine regions and scenic drives are easy with a rental car.
Sample 2–3 day plan for Europeans
Day 1: Arrive, check in, walk nearby shops, Nobu dinner (reserve).
2: Morning walk around Stanford, lunch on University Avenue, afternoon coffee, early omakase at Nobu.
Day 3: Quick early coffee, a short museum visit, check out and travel to the next destination.
Events & private dining — weddings and meetings
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto can host small private events and dinners. The Nobu restaurant can provide private dining menus and tasting events. For business meetings, the hotel has smaller meeting spaces with AV options.
Event booking tips
- Ask about minimum spends for private rooms and garden areas.
- Request sample tasting menus and pricing for groups.
- Confirm AV, seating and timing — Nobu can arrange set tasting menus for private events.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Signature Nobu dining on site — great food and memorable meals.
- Design-led rooms and calm Ryokan suites for a restful, stylish stay.
- Central location near Stanford and downtown Palo Alto.
Cons
- Boutique property means smaller gym and public spaces.
- Valet parking fees add to cost.
- Weekend dining demand can increase room prices.
Practical travel checklist for European visitors
- Plugs & power: bring a Type A/B adapter for the US and check voltage for hair tools.
- Money: cards are widely accepted; tell your bank you will travel.
- Transport: use Caltrain for local rail travel and rent a car for day trips.
- Dining: reserve Nobu in advance; expect a credit card to hold your booking.
- Packing: bring light layers for cool evenings and smart-casual outfits for dinner.
FAQs
A: The property was formerly known as The Epiphany and rebranded to Nobu Hotel Palo Alto when Nobu Hospitality took over.
A: Yes — valet parking is usually available and often costs around $50 per night. Check the hotel offers for discounts.
A: Driving time is usually about 30–40 minutes from SFO, depending on traffic.
A: Yes — reservations are recommended, especially for omakase and weekend dinners. A credit card is often required to hold the booking.
A: The hotel has 73 rooms in total — typically around 64 guest rooms and 9 suites.
Conclusion
Nobu Hotel Palo Alto is an excellent choice if you value great dining and a calm, design-focused boutique stay. The Nobu restaurant and Ryokan Suites give this hotel a distinct identity that stands apart from ordinary business hotels. For European visitors coming to Stanford or Silicon Valley, Nobu offers a neat base with easy walks to shops and cafes and a memorable meal at the hotel restaurant.
