Name: Hotel Lucent
Address: 727 El Camino Real, Downtown Menlo Park, Menlo Park, California, United States of America, Menlo Park, San Mateo County, US
Price range: US$167–US$943 per night
Rating: 8.25

What guests think

At Hotel Lucent, travellers frequently praise the friendly, accommodating staff and convenient Menlo Park location near Stanford, shops, and the Guild Theatre, with many finding the property clean and comfortable for short stays with useful on-site amenities.

Rooms range from basic to modern-feeling, with several noting very small layouts, street or upstairs noise, bright exterior lighting, and occasional issues with AC, Wi-Fi, TVs, or mattresses. Cleanliness feedback varies: many report very clean spaces, while others mention musty or smoky odors, mold in showers, dust or wear, and missed housekeeping. Amenities include a hot-tub style pool, patio fire pits and games room, free parking, lobby coffee, and a modest gym, though some features or jets were occasionally out of order and there is no elevator. Breakfast is generally well liked and convenient, with a few reports of refilling delays or inconsistent information. Expect a convenient base with simple comforts and some variability in upkeep.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Amenities include a hot-tub style pool, patio fire pits, games room, free parking, lobby coffee, and a modest gym; several note there is no elevator. Some maintenance issues occurred (e.g., hot-tub jets, fire pits, coffee machine).

Related guest reviews

8

Haunani

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was amazing!!! Breakfast was way better than any other continental we have had. The rooms were very very tiny, a family of four was smooshed in two full beds(my fault for not seeing that’s the biggest beds they had) Swimming pool was not a pool it was more of a hot tub but in a small swimming pool style But that wasn’t a big deal aa we were going to Santa Cruz. overall if your looking for a nights getaway or a few days for 1-3 people I’d recommend one room, any more people get more rooms lol…I appreciated the quiet, clean, SAFE, low priced hotel. Most hotels that are low priced, show it on the inside and out. They sacrifice their safety and cleanliness (employees who just do the minimum or actually turn the other way and not help when they see something unsafe.) (maids who don’t think a thorough cleaning is necessary) and tom, dick and harry all hanging out front drunk, scaring your kids lol Great hotel and we felt completely safe

10

Randee

2 Nov 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

This is our go-to hotel in the area. My grandkids live a few blocks over and we always stay here. It is consistently clean, quiet and comfortable. The spa/jacuzzi is always a treat and the in room coffee machine is great but the prize goes to the 24hour free Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate machine in the lobby! Love it!

10

Alicia

14 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic service! Loved the old-school vibes with an updated look. The giant hot tub was amazing — spent the whole evening in it.

10

Kiran

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel Lucent in Menlo Park was a pleasant experience - warm, welcoming staff and a location that puts you 1-2 blocks away from great cafes, restaurants, and shops. The rooms are comfortable, with housekeeping that keeps everything spotless. A note of caution: if you’re in a room facing El Camino Real, you may hear the occasional traffic zoom by, but most rooms are quiet and restful. The lobby is a nice bonus, complete with a pool table and ping pong that adds a touch of fun to the stay.

6

Mike

2 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Checked in Sunday 7/30, Wi-Fi was not working. It started working Monday evening. Hot tub jets not working. Coffee machine stopped working, needed cleaning. No one available to clean. Full garbage cans from previous day. No one available to empty. Minor issues, but added up to a frustrating stay. Especially when paying $300 a night.

8

nancy

2 Dec 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Great location and so easy to walk places. The staff is friendly and accommodating. The grounds are clean. I gave it a 4, not 5 only because it is not a 5 star in terms of facilities. There is a jacuzzi, but no pool. The gym is adequate, but limited. There is no restaurant (they do serve a breakfast daily). Overall we had a great experience.

10

Kelly

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The exercise equipment was in great condition, the outside areas were very nice. The location to Stanford Hospital was great too! Lots of dining options within walking distance and a grocery store was right around the corner.

8

Ellen

12 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Didn’t like - struggled to get TV to work, finally told them and they said it was out system wide. They could’ve told us via email so no one struggled. Didn’t like - one day the room wasn’t made up despite the placard on the doorknob. Didn’t like - no elevator Liked - breakfast Liked - location Liked - people at reception were nice Didn’t like - wake up call didn’t work twice, neither did alarm clock in room

10

Laetitia

6 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Really clean, comfortable and affordable. Friendly staff and great parking area

10

Thomas

18 Oct 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There were very few guests on the weekend. The agent at the desk was great--very friendly. Everything was very nice and clean. Beautiful lap pool/spa. Very nice.

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Cleanliness

Cleanliness is inconsistent: many describe very clean rooms and well-kept spaces, while others report musty or smoky odors, moldy showers, dusty or worn details, and occasional housekeeping misses.

Related guest reviews

8

Elisa

23 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean, tidy, nice staff but the AC was not working due to repairs

4

Aaron

6 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I wouldn't repeat or recommend. For $300+ I got a remodeled motel 6, with stained carpet and a dirty toilet. The pics were pretty mis-leading, to me anyway. The bed was comfortable at least. If I wasn't so tired & short on time I would have went somewhere else.

10

Ema

16 Aug 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff, quiet building, very cleanly. Enjoyed my stay and wish i could’ve stayed longer.

6

Celina

30 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location but bedding smelled like smoke. Stains on sheets and oily smell in all pillows. No one answers front desk.

8

ANNE

31 May 2023

·

Stayed 4 nights

I arrived after 9 pm and was checked into a room with unmade beds, trash on the desks and in the garbage can. Back to the front desk for a different room! No elevator, stairs only to the 2nd floor. A microfiber cleaning cloth was left in my room on the 2nd day. Good good offerings.

6

Lisa

23 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Good things Breakfast, pool table, friendly people, great location, great parking Bad things Mold in bathroom and shower was disgusting, not given replacement towels when used ones were take, full beds instead of queens.

10

Cera

11 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Clean room and staff was helpful

8

Ronald

3 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice, clean, basic

6

Shannon

4 Jan 2026

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk check in and check out was pleasant. The room had a TERRIBLE musty smell and Shampoo and conditioner was OUTSIDE the shower!! Bed was okay but felt like i should have brought my own bedding to put over…. I will NEVER go back!!

10

Laetitia

6 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Really clean, comfortable and affordable. Friendly staff and great parking area

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Rooms

Rooms feel basic to modern, with some spacious and comfortable, but several mention very small layouts, thin walls or street noise, bright exterior lights, and issues with AC, Wi-Fi, TVs, or mattresses.

Related guest reviews

8

Haunani

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was amazing!!! Breakfast was way better than any other continental we have had. The rooms were very very tiny, a family of four was smooshed in two full beds(my fault for not seeing that’s the biggest beds they had) Swimming pool was not a pool it was more of a hot tub but in a small swimming pool style But that wasn’t a big deal aa we were going to Santa Cruz. overall if your looking for a nights getaway or a few days for 1-3 people I’d recommend one room, any more people get more rooms lol…I appreciated the quiet, clean, SAFE, low priced hotel. Most hotels that are low priced, show it on the inside and out. They sacrifice their safety and cleanliness (employees who just do the minimum or actually turn the other way and not help when they see something unsafe.) (maids who don’t think a thorough cleaning is necessary) and tom, dick and harry all hanging out front drunk, scaring your kids lol Great hotel and we felt completely safe

6

Robin Karla

10 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very basic accommodations in a super noisy location at a relatively high price.

10

Mara

21 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Loved the history. Very cute hotel. Mattress a bit uncomfortable.

6

Mary

29 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Plenty of food options and shopping near by. Room was clean but the TV was nit functional. Streaming services and any of the offered channels did not come in.

6

Karlos

25 Jul 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Every thing great except the room was very humid and blankets felt humid/ wet hard to sleep in the room

6

Chad

2 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

My initial room was underneath an AC roof unit so the noise was unbearable. I arrived at the hotel at 1:44 am. The staff (Ahmed) was kind and helped me move to a quieter room and got in there at 2:30 am. Just don't stay in the room near that AC unit and you're good.

10

Jordi

6 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hotel. Best feature compared to all other hotels round is the noise isolation. You can barely hear the train.

4

Alysa

20 Dec 2022

·

Stayed 1 night

I will not be going back to this hotel again. There were so many things that were wrong. You can’t get any sleep due to bright lights constantly on outside with an option to block it or turn them off. Also even with windows closed sounded like they were wide open all night long with cars constantly driving by so I only got about 3hrs of sleep. Breakfast wasn’t good at all. Only thing nice about the hotel was the hot tub and the friendly staff.

10

Ram

2 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk is very helpful. Nice spacious Rooms

10

Denise

12 Aug 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was very clean and comfortable. It was just an over night trip to visit a family member at the hospital, but if he had to stay longer we would definitely stay here again. Nice spacious room.

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Service

Staff are widely praised as friendly, accommodating, and helpful, though a few guests experienced inconsistent responsiveness or service lapses (e.g., reservation mix-ups, slow follow-through, or conflicting information).

Related guest reviews

10

Jayd

3 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The lady at the front desk was very nice and helpful, rooms are great, property and breakfast great!

6

Celina

30 Jun 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great location but bedding smelled like smoke. Stains on sheets and oily smell in all pillows. No one answers front desk.

6

Mark

3 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

A motel. Very expensive for what it is — but they’ve invested a great deal in fixtures, furniture, finishes, and for all of that effort I wanted to give it a 5. Unfortunately the traffic noise on El Camino is inescapable, and the staff are often hard to find, not at the desk, have a bell to ring but never come out. And you’ll get your bottled water the first night, but they’ll refuse you any more when you pay for a second night (at $256 a night). If you ask nicely you’ll get a little speech about reducing plastic waste for your trouble. A false economy at the price, silly, needlessly annoying. $180/night would be more fair for what and where the property is. Just $0.02 to management.

10

Michelle

4 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We arrived really late and the staff was very helpful and courteous.

4

Lakshmi

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

We arrived at 10pm and they had no record of my reservation despite booking it 6 weeks previously and Expedia having taken payment. They managed to accommodate us after a lot of back and forth but it was a temporary room and we had to move the next day. Our new room had a broken closet and when the shampoo dispenser didn't work and I tried to take the bottle off to use it directly, they accused me of breaking it and that I should have asked for help. The manager said she would waive the charge for the repair. Not sure how I would have called for help while standing in the shower. Despite all of this we made the most of it but my biggest issue was on our last day I made four requests for housekeeping to clean my room and they never came. On the final request, front desk told me the cleaners had all gone home. No apology whatsoever. The included breakfast was decent but they were always slow to refill it and I felt it was because they were waiting for the time to run out so they wouldn't have to. Regarding the lost reservation I feel both Expedia and the Hotel were pointing fingers at each other. They have refused my request for a refund.

10

Kerri Michael

17 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel Lucent was AMAZING!! Jeanni made the entire stay unforgettable, she was so kind and accommodating!! It’s people like her that make a stay incredible, and because of her we will always go back anytime we are at Stanford or in the area! She went above and beyond for my son & I, and we are so grateful to her for all of her help! We weren’t expecting to stay in the area, but due to an emergency came up to Stanford without any extra clothes or toiletries, and Jeanni made sure we had toothbrushes, toothpaste, water, and even coffee, hot chocolate and tea!! Hotel Lucent was clean and comfortable and so welcoming!! She even turned the heater

10

michael

30 Dec 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Kind and accommodating staff

10

Ram

2 Jan 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk is very helpful. Nice spacious Rooms

10

Tonya

7 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had a wonderful stay at Hotel Lucent. Cassandra checked us in and was super helpful. We didn’t spend much time in room because we came here for a concert. We like getting our steps in so we walked into town, which was super cute. We also walked home from concert and we felt safe. We enjoyed the late check out so we slept in instead of getting up for breakfast.

10

GRAHAM

4 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Mark at thr front desk was exceptionally friendly and professional. Made our experience VIP!

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Location

Highly walkable base near Stanford, the Guild Theatre, shops, restaurants, and Safeway, with easy access to Caltrain. Some traffic noise affects rooms facing El Camino Real.

Related guest reviews

6

Robin Karla

10 Sept 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very basic accommodations in a super noisy location at a relatively high price.

10

Willa Michelle

7 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

The hotel is located on El Camino Real, right next-door to a large Safeway, about a half mile to the Stanford Shopping Cemter , and a mile to the entrance to Stanford University. In the other direction it’s a couple of blocks from Santa Cruz Ave. a major retail street in Menlo Park. Overall, it was very convenient clean safe and welcoming - plus it was not to large. We were able to take the CalTrain from SJC and walk to most of our destinations.

10

KEN

10 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location, location, location.

10

Willa Michelle

1 Mar 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location, on El Camino Real, exactly next-door to a large Safeway, grocery store, and a block from the edge of the Stanford Shopping Center, which is connected to the campus. The hotel was extremely clean with a crisp, modern decor - the free breakfast was a bonus and the coffee was exceptionally good. We took CalTrain from San Jose international airport and walked the several blocks to the hotel. We are also able to walk to several restaurants and cafés as well as to the campus. All in all I would highly recommend Hotel Lucent.

10

Kiran

19 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Hotel Lucent in Menlo Park was a pleasant experience - warm, welcoming staff and a location that puts you 1-2 blocks away from great cafes, restaurants, and shops. The rooms are comfortable, with housekeeping that keeps everything spotless. A note of caution: if you’re in a room facing El Camino Real, you may hear the occasional traffic zoom by, but most rooms are quiet and restful. The lobby is a nice bonus, complete with a pool table and ping pong that adds a touch of fun to the stay.

10

Margaret

20 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect place to stay if you are planning a weekend in Menlo Park. It's an eady walk to the Guild Theatre or the lovely town center shops.

10

Tonya

7 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

We had a wonderful stay at Hotel Lucent. Cassandra checked us in and was super helpful. We didn’t spend much time in room because we came here for a concert. We like getting our steps in so we walked into town, which was super cute. We also walked home from concert and we felt safe. We enjoyed the late check out so we slept in instead of getting up for breakfast.

8

Changsheng

27 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 5 nights

Location is great. Walkable to supermarket and lots of dining option nearby. Close to Stanford University.

10

Kelly

25 Jul 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The exercise equipment was in great condition, the outside areas were very nice. The location to Stanford Hospital was great too! Lots of dining options within walking distance and a grocery store was right around the corner.

8

Michelle

24 Dec 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Decent hotel, nothing fancy. Good for short stay, close to stores and shopping center. They ran out of hot chocolate our entire stay.

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Dining

Complimentary breakfast is generally well liked, with several mentions of tasty options and helpful early grab-and-go. A few note inconsistent refills, temperature, or availability, and hot chocolate running out.

Related guest reviews

8

Haunani

7 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff was amazing!!! Breakfast was way better than any other continental we have had. The rooms were very very tiny, a family of four was smooshed in two full beds(my fault for not seeing that’s the biggest beds they had) Swimming pool was not a pool it was more of a hot tub but in a small swimming pool style But that wasn’t a big deal aa we were going to Santa Cruz. overall if your looking for a nights getaway or a few days for 1-3 people I’d recommend one room, any more people get more rooms lol…I appreciated the quiet, clean, SAFE, low priced hotel. Most hotels that are low priced, show it on the inside and out. They sacrifice their safety and cleanliness (employees who just do the minimum or actually turn the other way and not help when they see something unsafe.) (maids who don’t think a thorough cleaning is necessary) and tom, dick and harry all hanging out front drunk, scaring your kids lol Great hotel and we felt completely safe

8

Miguel

5 Oct 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The service from the staff was great. We had to leave early in the morning which was unfortunate before they served the complimentary breakfast. But they allowed us to grab some of stocked items like yogurt, cereal, and breakfast beverages. The room was great, nice and clean. The pillows were the only thing that were not comfortable. They had some amenities as well

2

Ann

8 Oct 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Mold in shower. Main bathroom light didn’t work. Phone didn’t work. Breakfast hot food was cold. Safe on top shelf in closet. Couldn’t see into. Front desk personnel were very nice but couldn’t help. Outside room. This is really a motel. Left after 1 night.

10

Minah

3 Sept 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

breakfast was so good

4

Lakshmi

16 Jun 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

We arrived at 10pm and they had no record of my reservation despite booking it 6 weeks previously and Expedia having taken payment. They managed to accommodate us after a lot of back and forth but it was a temporary room and we had to move the next day. Our new room had a broken closet and when the shampoo dispenser didn't work and I tried to take the bottle off to use it directly, they accused me of breaking it and that I should have asked for help. The manager said she would waive the charge for the repair. Not sure how I would have called for help while standing in the shower. Despite all of this we made the most of it but my biggest issue was on our last day I made four requests for housekeeping to clean my room and they never came. On the final request, front desk told me the cleaners had all gone home. No apology whatsoever. The included breakfast was decent but they were always slow to refill it and I felt it was because they were waiting for the time to run out so they wouldn't have to. Regarding the lost reservation I feel both Expedia and the Hotel were pointing fingers at each other. They have refused my request for a refund.

8

Analuisa

20 May 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great free breakfast

10

shelly

26 Jun 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff were courteous and dedicated to providing good service. The place is quaint, clean, and quiet. Pool table, pool, amazing breakfast. Can you say chia pudding!?

10

Bob Camille

17 Apr 2023

·

Stayed here when visiting Stanford. Super convenient location with shops and restaurants near by. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the breakfast in the morning was tasty with several options.

10

Donna

14 Apr 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great service, breakfast was just okay

10

??

26 Feb 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The breakfast was delicious

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Month	Average price
January	US$224
February	US$279
March	US$295
April	US$258
May	US$269
June	US$289
July	US$210
August	US$228
September	US$280
October	US$300
November	US$260
December	US$210

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $341	2 $208	3 $192
4 $227	5 $421	6 $463	7	8 $518	9 $183	10 $177
11 $241	12 $634	13 $794	14 $931	15	16	17 $336
18 $352	19 $943	20 $462	21 $427	22 $445	23 $183	24 $183
25 $237	26 $420	27 $414	28 $354	29 $340	30 $171	31 $167

Hotel Lucent

Prices for Hotel Lucent

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Guest reviews of Hotel Lucent

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Hotel Lucent

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20 $257	21 $496	22 $688	23 $625	24 $509	25 $200	26 $249
27 $237	28 $485	29 $436	30 $406