Hydrogenation of phenol was studied over uncalcined and calcined hydrotalcite supported palladium catalysts and compared with the conventional Gamma-Al2O3 and MgO supported catalysts. Pd on uncalcined hydrotalcite support (Pd/UHT) showed very high conversions (greater than or equal to 95%) and high selectivities (greater than or equal to 85%) towards cyclohexanone These catalysts maintained their activity for nearly 4 h and the results are presented.