Graduate Palo Alto is set to open in December, following the historic restoration of the city’s Hotel President.

Located steps from Stanford University, the property will comprise 100 reimagined guestrooms and two F&B concepts: Lou & Herbert’s, a casual all-day café, and President’s Terrace, a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of downtown. 

Inspired by an original 1958 photo of the Spanish-Colonial Hotel President, Graduate Palo Alto will welcome guests into an open-air lobby with exposed wooden beams and rich leather furniture that lend an authentically NorCal feel, while a vintage-inspired gallery wall offers references to the cultural history of the hotel and the community. Nods to Stanford are incorporated throughout, from hand-painted Redwood wallpaper and pillows embroidered with “Whose House?” and “C-House,” to hallway carpet displaying notable Cardinal years based on the long-standing tradition of graduating classes leaving time capsules in the quad. 

The lobby-level café will offer an all-day menu and seasonal roasts from San Francisco-based Saint Frank Coffee, and by evening will transform into a casual bar with classic cocktails and shareable bites. Paying homage to the building’s former moniker, President’s Terrace is an intimate rooftop serving light cocktails with playful garnishes crafted in collaboration with popular Los Angeles mixologist Bad Birdy, along with a natural wine list and seasonal bites. Serving as a gathering space, the terrace will host events like rooftop yoga with live DJs, weekend brunch with a Wild Bloody Mary Bar, tastings with local distillers and more.