Introduction

If you are travelling from Europe to Silicon Valley, you want a hotel that is calm, smart and close to the things that matter. Nobu Hotel Palo Alto (the property that was once The Epiphany) is a boutique hotel that mixes Japanese minimalism with California light. It brings Nobu’s famous restaurant into the same building as the rooms — perfect for food lovers and for people who want a quiet, stylish place to rest after meetings or campus visits.

Epiphany Hotel Nobu — Savor Nobu’s signature Black Cod and seasonal sushi in the hotel’s elegant, minimalist dining room.

Why choose Nobu Hotel Palo Alto?

Here are simple, strong reasons that matter for European travellers.

1. Food first. Nobu is a world-famous restaurant brand. Staying at Nobu Hotel Palo Alto means you are steps away from classic Nobu dishes — great for guests who make food the highlight of their trip. Advance dinner bookings are common and recommended.

2. Design & calm. The hotel leans on Japanese design cues: clean lines, natural materials, soft lighting and garden sightlines. Many European visitors appreciate this restrained, elegant look — it feels familiar if you like boutique hotels in Paris, Milan or Copenhagen.

3. Central, walkable location. It sits in downtown Palo Alto, close to Stanford University, shops and some tech offices. This compact base is handy when you mix meetings with short local explorations.

Short takeaway: Nobu Hotel Palo Alto is best for travellers who want great dining, thoughtful design, and a compact downtown base for work or leisure.

Rooms & ryokan suites — pick the right one

The hotel offers room types that suit different needs. Below is a plain, helpful guide to choosing.

Standard & Premium Rooms — best for solo business or short stays

Who: solo business travellers, couples on short trips.
Why: tidy rooms, good desks, high-speed Wi-Fi and efficient bathrooms. Perfect when you need a quiet place to sleep and work.
Tip: book on the official Nobu site for flexible cancellation and occasional small perks.

Ryokan suites — best for special occasions or longer stays

Who: couples celebrating a special occasion, travellers who want more space and a calm living area.
What you get: larger floor plan, Japanese-style finishes, quiet corners and sometimes a balcony or private view. Ask the hotel about yukata robes and in-room dining to feel the full ryokan vibe.

Suites & accessibility

The hotel lists accessible rooms and options for cribs or rollaway beds — call ahead to confirm. Because this is a boutique property, some resort amenities (big pool, large spa) are smaller or not Present. If you need family suites or extensive wellness facilities, check availability and alternatives before booking.

Dining — what to try at Nobu Palo Alto (simple menu notes)

Dining is central to the Nobu Hotel experience. Here are clear tips for first-time diners.

Must-try Nobu dishes

Black Cod with Miso (Alaskan Black Cod): a signature dish — sweet, rich and widely loved.
Yellowtail Jalapeño: light, bright, perfect as a starter.
Sushi & sashimi selections: order several small plates to share and taste different styles.
Menus rotate seasonally, so check the restaurant page for current items.

When to book

Use OpenTable or Nobu’s reservations page for dinner — reservations are advised, especially on weekends and during busy events. Nobu may require a credit card to hold bookings and typically enforces a cancellation policy. Valet parking is often available (check current rates).

Simple dining strategy

If you have one night: pick one signature main and two small plates to share. This gives variety without waste.
If you love tasting menus: ask about chef’s tasting menus or seasonal multi-course options and book them ahead.

Events, meetings & small gatherings

If you travel with a small group or arrange a client dinner, Nobu Hotel Palo Alto has options.

Meeting rooms & private dining: the hotel supports intimate corporate gatherings and private dinners. Ask for capacity and setup options when you book.
Catering by Nobu: the restaurant can craft tasting menus or set menus for events — good for European delegations who want a focused culinary experience.
Technology: modern A/V is available for small meetings — confirm technical needs in advance.

Comparison: Nobu Hotel Palo Alto vs nearby hotels

Feature	Nobu Hotel Palo Alto	Rosewood Sand Hill (Menlo Park)	Typical Palo Alto Boutique
Positioning	Culinary-led, Japanese minimalist boutique	Ultra-luxury resort, large grounds	Small city boutique hotels
Rooms	73 rooms (64 rooms, 9 suites).	More rooms, large estate feel	Varies (40–120 rooms)
Dining	On-site Nobu Restaurant (signature menu).	Multiple fine-dining venues	Often partners with local restaurants
Best for	Food lovers, couples, small meetings	Weddings, corporate retreats, luxury leisure	Budget boutique stays, local explorers
Garden / Spa	Zen garden, intimate outdoors	Full spa and larger grounds	Varies by hotel
European style appeal	High — minimalism & subtle design	High, but more American-luxury	Depends on brand

Use this table to choose by travel purpose: if food + design matter most, pick Nobu; if you need a big spa and acres of lawns, choose a different nearby luxury.

Pros & Cons

Pros

On-site Nobu restaurant — major draw for food lovers.
Minimalist, calm design that appeals to many European tastes.
Walkable downtown location near Stanford and local shops.

Cons

Boutique footprint — fewer resort features (no huge pool complex).
Higher rates during big events and Stanford weekends.
Dinner reservations may be limited at short notice.

European travel tips — flights, visas, money & transport

Flights & airports

Main airport: San Francisco (SFO) — typical drive time to Palo Alto: 25–45 minutes without heavy traffic.
Alternative: San José (SJC) — closer: 15–25 minutes drive.
Train: Caltrain links San Francisco and San José to Palo Alto — the city is a short taxi or rideshare from the station.

Visas & entry

Many European passport holders use ESTA / Visa Waiver for short trips. Always check the official U.S. government travel site for updated rules.

Money & payments

Currency: US dollar (USD).
Cards: Visa/Mastercard/AMEX accepted widely. Nobu and the hotel accept major cards and contactless payments are common.

Quick tip: Carry a small amount of cash for small purchases and gratuities, but relying on cards is fine in Palo Alto.

What to pack & what to wear (simple, European-friendly)

Europeans care about style — here is a short, useful list.

Pack list (short & practical)

Light layers: Palo Alto days can be warm; nights cool.
Smart-casual outfit for Nobu dinner (blazer, neat shirt or a dress).
Comfortable shoes for walking University Avenue and Stanford.
Power adapter (US Type A/B, 120V).
Basic meds & chargers: easy to buy locally but handy to bring.

Outfit suggestions

Day (meetings / campus): smart casual — neat trousers or a simple dress, comfy shoes.
Night (Nobu dinner): modern smart — blazer and shirt or an elegant dress. Nobu’s vibe is polished, not formal.
Casual tech vibe: Silicon Valley is relaxed; quality fabrics and clean lines work better than loud logos.

Local mini-itineraries — 24 & 48-hour plans

24 hours — business + quick culture

Morning: Coffee at a local café, 15–25 minute walk to Stanford campus. Stroll the main quad or visit a museum.
Lunch: Stanford Shopping Center or a nearby café.
Afternoon: Cantor Arts Center (free entry) and the Rodin sculpture garden.
Evening: Pre-dinner cocktails and a booked tasting menu at Nobu.

48 hours — relaxed explorer

Day 1: Follow the 24-hour plan and add late-afternoon shopping on University Avenue.
Day 2: Rent a car or book a driver to visit Half Moon Bay (coast) or Menlo Park and Sand Hill Road (VC scene). Return for a relaxed Nobu lunch or spa if booked.

Pro tip: Time your visit to avoid major Stanford events if you want lower rates and easier restaurant booking.

Booking tips & how to save money

Book early for Stanford event dates — rates jump near graduations and conferences.
Compare direct vs OTA: Nobu’s official site may offer packages or extras (breakfast, dining credits) that OTAs don’t. Check both and weigh cancellation policies.–
Credit card perks: certain cards offer upgrades or dining credits — check yours.
Midweek stays often cost less than weekends in this tech-heavy region.

FAQs

Q: Is Nobu Hotel Palo Alto the same as The Epiphany?

A: Yes. The property was rebranded into the Nobu family; the rebrand brought Nobu’s restaurant into the hotel and refreshed the look.

Q: How many rooms does Nobu Hotel Palo Alto have?

A: 73 rooms total — 64 guest rooms and 9 suites, across eight stories.

Q: Does Nobu Hotel Palo Alto have an on-site Nobu restaurant?

A: Yes. The Nobu restaurant is on the hotel ground floor — use OpenTable or Nobu’s reservations page to book. The restaurant may require a credit card to hold reservations and enforces a cancellation policy.

Q: Is the hotel close to Stanford University?

A: Yes. It is in downtown Palo Alto and is a short drive or walk to Stanford and the Stanford Shopping Center.

Q: What kind of traveller should pick Nobu Palo Alto?

A: Food lovers, design-minded couples and business travellers who prefer a boutique hotel close to Stanford.

Conclusion

Final verdict:Nobu Hotel Palo Alto is a smart choice for European travellers who want a stylish, food-first, boutique stay near Stanford. The hotel blends Japanese-Inspired Design, a well-regarded Nobu restaurant and a central downtown location. It is ideal for business trips, romantic escapes or short foodie stays. If you need large resort-style pools or an extensive spa, look elsewhere — this property is stronger on dining, design and personalised service.