Well after a LONG haul, I have my surgeries scheduled with Dr. Steinberg at Stanford.  

I don't have a lot of time to prepare.  I need to be there for pre-op testing on January 23rd with the surgeries scheduled for Jan 29th and Feb 6th.

We are estimating a stay (flying down from Seattle) of 24 nights and wanted to ask for your suggestions and experiences with extended stays in the area.  Of course we're looking for a reasonable rate, which at even $100 a night is going to be expensive. But we don't want the savings to override a clean, quiet place to stay.  I've looked at the lodging resources provided here and we've called a few places. We've contacted the Mermaid Inn, the Comfort Inn, and Best Western, but only the Mermaid Inn offered us a significant discount from their usual daily rate.  Does anyone have experiences with places like Residence Inn (even though they seem VERY expensive).

My husband and I are visiting this area without any resources other than what I have here, so I really appreciate your insights.  Any information provided will be very helpful.  Thanks!

Sheila Donoghue

Hi, We stayed at the Residence Inn that is Mountain View.  The Stanford rate was $109 for four weeks last summer(the rate may be lower for longer stays).  We were back for a 6 month check up in late November and the Stanford rate was $139 for 6 days.  One of the advantages to the Residence Inn was that there was a complimentary hot breakfast 7 days a week and a light dinner 4 nights a week.  There was also a kitchen to cook, and a living area.  You'll be there for a while, so the extra space and ability to cook will help.  Driving time to the hospital varied from 15 minutes (6 am check in) to 25-30 minutes during the rush hour.  Another tip is to buy a 7 day parking pass from the hospital security office, this allows unlimited in and out privilages.  

Cynthia:

Thanks for the information about your stay at Stanford and especially about the parking permit!  That's a great tip!

I'll look into the Residence Inn and see what their rates are.

Sheila

My family stayed at the Stanford Motor Inn.  They gave great rates, it was quiet and we got some rest.

Hi Sheila,

My 3 yr old daughter and I are currently here in Palo Alto. She had her first EDAS on the 8th. She is going to have her other surgery this Tuesday.
We are staying until Jan 25th. (We've been here since the 1st.)

We flew into San Francisco airport and rented a car there at the airport. It has really been useful.

We are staying at the Ronald McDonald House, so I am not sure about the local hotels here. (But I hear everything is expensive near the hospital district.) Also, the children's parking deck and adults are separate. I did hear that you can purchase a parking pass by the week or month.

Let me know when you arrive, we will still be here. I think my daughter has an appt on the 24th with Steinberg. If you have any questions, let me know, I will be happy to help you out if I can!

Take care,
Lora

Hi Sheila:

I am currently here for my 6 month follow up and am staying at HOTEL ZICO, which is in Mountain View, but only takes about 15-20 minutes to get to Stanford.  I am paying $69 per night and there is free breakfast every morning.  My mom stayed here for the three weeks we were here in July (I was holed up at the hospital).  The rate may have been less for the extended stay.  But call them in person as opposed to looking online. (650) 969-8200.
200 E El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA

San Jose Airport is 11.5 miles away and Stanford is 8.7 miles away.

They are located off of the 85 and E El Camino Real.  They have free underground parking, nice sized rooms, and microwave and small fridge and coffee maker - cuts down on cost of eating out if you plan it right.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&time=&date=&ttype=&q=hotel+Zico&near=200+E+El+Camino+Real,+Mountain+View,+Santa+Clara,+California+94041,+United+States&sll=37.380883,-122.070873&sspn=0.007315,0.014462&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=0,37.379553,-122.070876&ll=37.379553,-122.070873&spn=0.007315,0.014462&z=16&om=1

Good luck!!!

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my post.

We found what we hope is a good place to stay with a decent rate.  
I want to stay there first before I write any sort of a review, but I'll let
everyone know what we thought when we get home.

Again, thank you all for your help and support.  It's very much appreciated!

Sheila

Stanford has an MSW to help out-of-town patients with housing arrangements.  His name is Michael Thomas.  I'm sure Dr. Steinberg's office can help you contact him.