Stanford Hospitality & Auxiliaries - Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know if my roommate has already purchased the items we will need?
It’s often a good idea to wait to buy some things until you move in so you can coordinate purchases and rentals with your roommate/s. This way, your room doesn’t end up with more stuff than you can fit. This is especially true of microwaves and micro refrigerators, which you can rent through Cardinal Mall.

When planning for my arrival at Stanford, how convenient is it to purchase items I will need once I am in housing?
You can buy many items you need from the online Cardinal Mall, the Stanford Bookstore, and stores a short distance from campus. You may find it easier to buy some items after you arrive rather than ship them from home.

Does Stanford provide bedding and, if not, what size linen will I need?
You’ll need to provide your own bedding, including a pillow and pillow cases, bed pad, sheets and a blanket or comforter. You can purchase all of these items through Cardinal Mall.

Housing Type	Bed Size
Single graduate or undergraduate	Twin extra-long (36" x 80")
Escondido Village studio apartments	Full extra-long (54" x 80")
Schwab Residential Center	Full extra-long (54" x 80")
All other rooms and apartments	Twin extra-long (36" x 80")
Couples without children	Queen extra long (60" x 80")*
Students with children Master bedroom Children’s bedrooms	Queen extra-long (60" x 80") Twin extra-long (36" x 80")
*Hoskins has a few full-size beds–contact EV Front Desk.

Will I need to bring kitchen items?
If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to provide your own pots and pans, dishes, utensils, and other kitchenware. You can purchase many of these things through Cardinal Mall. Stanford doesn’t provide microwave ovens, so you may want to consider buying or renting one. Again, we recommend that you wait until you meet your roommate/s so you can coordinate your purchases.

Do you have recommendations for acquiring housecleaning, laundry, and dry cleaning services?
Pay-per-use services such as housecleaning, Stanford Catering, storage, laundry and dry cleaning, are available through the R&DE Cardinal Mall online store.

If I chose to study abroad for a quarter or would prefer to store my items for the summer, are there storage services available?
Need storage over break? R&DE Cardinal Mall can help with storing items for one or more quarters, short-term storage and ordering packing and moving supplies. R&DE Cardinal Mall offers three types of service: self storage onsite, staff pickup and delivery service and shipping, and storage containers.

Is it possible to create custom menus?
Absolutely. Please contact our sales office at 725-1503 where one of our sales associates and expert chefs can work closely with you on a very special menu specifically designed to meet your needs.

Are there any hidden fees?
Our experienced sales staff will discuss with you all the details of your entire event so there are no surprises; no hidden fees. You will receive a written contract explaining all charges.

How much advance notice is required for an order?
For most catering events, 72 hours is sufficient advance notice. For large events or special menus it is advisable to book as far in advance as possible so that we can provide the very best service. Please contact our sales office at 725-1503 to learn more.

Can you accommodate my guests with special dietary restrictions?
You have probably heard the saying, “cater to your needs”. That’s exactly what we do! Just let your sales associate know of the special dietary needs when placing your order and we’ll be happy to prepare special dishes for your guests.

Do you provide flowers?
We can order appropriate floral arrangements within your budget or can assist you in coordinating all floral decisions.

Do you cater on weekends?
We do cater on weekends. Please contact one of our sales associates at 725-1503 for information on our minimum requirements.

What is the Stanford Guest House?
The Guest House is a 112 room facility designed to provide short-term accommodations to Stanford University visitors. Since the Guest House is owned and operated by Stanford University, we are able to offer unique amenities at prices well below local hotels.

Who can stay at the Stanford Guest House?
Most Stanford University visitors qualify to stay at the Guest House. Our typical guests include medical center patients, SLAC users, parents of students, employment candidates, and academic conference attendees. To find out more about who qualifies to stay please contact us at 650-926-2800 or guesthouse@stanford.edu.

Do I need to have a reservation to stay at the Stanford Guest House?
Reservations are not required to stay at the Guest House, however they are strongly encouraged. The Guest House often sells out during peak periods. A guaranteed reservation will ensure a room is available when you need it.

How can I make a reservation?
Reservations can be made at any time by calling (650) 926-2800. Please provide a credit card to guarantee your reservation and your business affiliation with Stanford. You may also request a reservation online by clicking here.

How can I pay for my stay?
We accept a variety of payment methods including cash, check, traveler’s check, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Direct billing to Stanford PTAs and SLAC accounts can also be arranged.

Does the Stanford Guest House charge tax?
The Guest House is not required to charge Transient Occupancy Tax (also known as hotel tax) to its guests. This results in a savings of 10% on every room night compared to local hotels.

Is there a limit on how long I can stay?
There is no limit on the length of time a guest can stay at the Guest House. We currently offer discounted rates to make extended stays even more affordable. Although our rooms do not have kitchenettes we can provide a microwave/ refrigerator unit upon availability for an additional fee.

Does the Stanford Guest House accommodate group reservations?
The Guest House has 112 rooms and welcomes reservations of all sizes. Group reservations for ten or more rooms have additional requirements. Please contact us at 650-926-2800 for more information.

Does the Stanford Guest House provide parking?
Overnight parking is available at no charge. Access to the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), where the Guest House is located, is restricted and requires guests to show photo identification.

What transportation options are available around Stanford University?
Even though the Guest House is located on campus you may still need assistance navigating the 8,180 acres of Stanford campus. The University’s free Marguerite Shuttle (SLAC line) makes frequent stops in front of the Guest House during the week. If the Marguerite is unavailable or is unable to take you where you need to go you can schedule the Stanford Guest House shuttle. For more information about transportation please contact us at 650-926-2800 or visit http://transportation.stanford.edu/marguerite/MargueriteSched.shtml.

Does the Stanford Guest House allow pets?
No pets are permitted in the Stanford Guest House with the exception of certified guide dogs.

What are your hours of operation?
Olives@Bldg. 160 is open Monday – Friday from 8:00am - 2:30pm during the academic year.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Olives@Bldg. 160 accepts Cardinal Dollars, cash, check, MasterCard or Visa.

What time does lunch start?
We serve hot food from 11:30am until closing at 2:30pm. However, we do offer grab-n-go items that are available to purchase when Olives@Bldg. 160 opens at 8:00am.

How do I submit an Olives catering order/request?
You can send an email to: olives_catering@stanford.edu or call 724-3158. Someone will promptly respond to you with your order confirmation.

Is there a minimum catering order for Olives@Bldg. 160?
Yes, there is a $75.00 minimum for an order that needs to be delivered outside the main quad.

Do you deliver catering orders?
Yes, and Olives@Bldg. 160 does not charge for deliveries within the main quad. However for deliveries anywhere outside the main quad, there is a $15.00 delivery charge.