The Clement: An All-Inclusive Luxury Hotel in Palo Alto

Bucket list worthy destinations happen to be one of those phrases that gets bandied about too often these days. However, if one of your favorite adages is, “leisure is an art,” you might want to give this hotel some serious consideration.

In the spring, we visited Stanford University and found a bucket list worthy lodging facility that is capable of facilitating your most fabulous folly or seriously consequential conferences. The Clement Palo Alto is an oasis in hospitality, consisting of 23 luxury suites located across the street from the university, and is easily accessible to San Francisco and San Jose airports, and of course all of the splendid shopping and dining in Palo Alto.

When you first see The Clement, it appears unassumingly modest, but modern. Upon entering , you’ll recognize the elevated level of guest service. You’ll be buzzed in and greeted at the door.  And if you drove, your vehicle is valeted instantly.  There is a front desk, but it’s not like any other hotel. Upon check-in, a dedicated concierge is assigned, and they tour the property with you, unless you prefer to go directly to your room. It’s nice to have a staff that recognizes and relates to your personal needs.

The lobby is more like a grand living room or a library at a mansion, except there are genuine Rickenbacker guitars on display. If you play, you are allowed to take an axe up to your room, and play amplified with headphones as your monitors. Rock on Mr. Chen, and thanks for letting guests admire and play your collection of fine guitars! The gentleman I’m referring to is Clement Chen, the namesake of the hotel, and President at Pacific Hotel Management, LLC, a man who truly understands that leisure is an art.

As our tour continued, we walked beyond the lobby and into the 24-hour presentation kitchen and dining room. The glass reach-in refrigerators are open to all guests at all times, stocked with pre-plated snacks, savory charcutier, cheese plates, and sweets, which include ice cream, house made cakes, cookies, and mousse. Guests are encouraged to help themselves, or if they desire something more substantial, just ask. They also have a state-of-the-art boardroom that is located adjacent to the kitchen, and its available for small meetings and private dining.

Up the elevator to our suite, our suspense melted away. As we entered the room, all apprehension disappeared and turned to a rip curl wave of joy as we visually immersed ourselves into the Clement lap of luxury. The sand sculpture greeting draws your eye immediately as does the seamless integration of quality tech and tactile luxury. Each room includes a soaking tub and a separate glass-enclosed shower, with twice-daily housekeeping services.

Most will become giddy from the blatant pandering to our natural desires for extreme snacking, lavish libations, and wonderful meals available in the dining room or in-room dining.  There are so many options to choose from, and here are some samplings of what’s available from the menu:

Tuna Tataki Salad with Avocado, Daikon Sprout, Radish, Citrus, Soy-Ginger Dressing

Seared Tenderloin of Beef, Crème FraÎche & Spring Pea Risotto, Lemon Hollandaise, Baby Turnips

Seared Day Boat Scallops. Peas, Bacon, Balsamic

Soy & Citrus Duck Breast with Confit Spring Roll, Parsnip Purée, Spring Beans & Onions

Tuna Tataki Salad with Avocado, Daikon Sprout, Radish, Citrus, Soy-Ginger Dressing

Lobster Flatbread with Cauliflower Purée, Chorizo, Asiago, Pickled Shallot, Arugula

Seared Pacific Halibut with Peruvian Potato Salad, Green Gazpacho, Herbs

Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb with cauliflower “Couscous”, and roasted spring garlic, coriander jus

If your lifestyle requires discretion regarding your physical location, staying at The Clement is a very strategic and secure decision.  Even when the hotel is booked, rarely do you see other guests. That’s a good indicator they’re doing everything right. People aren’t coming and going because there is no reason to leave the room, especially when 24-hour room dining is accessible. The presentation kitchen begins serving guests at 5:30 am for breakfast and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm for lunch and dinner.  Rooftop service is available and all drinks are offered on the roof top as well as a full menu.

All-inclusive is not a new concept in the world of hospitality; it’s just not offered at many hotels here in the States. Even at international tourist destinations, it’s seldom done well. After researching rates at other top-rated hotel properties near Silicon Valley, we found plenty where it was a half-stack or more per night. Add a couple of meals and some drinks and it’s almost a full-stack. That would put this hotel in the wise decision and a bargain at the same time category.  For the Clement, all-inclusive meals, beer, wine, cocktails, in-room dining, and a fully stocked guest pantry available 24 hours are included. All gratuities, valet parking, high-speed internet and twice-daily housekeeping services are also included in the price.

From time to time, we all have lodging or hospitality needs outside of our usual residences. Whether it’s travel for work, or pleasure, or perhaps a special occasion like a birthday for a loved one, check out The Clement Palo Alto for an experience that is out of this world.

The Clement Hotel Palo Alto
711 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 322-7111