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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
3-star Art Deco motel near Stanford University

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior
Free daily buffet breakfast
Exterior
Lobby
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, Mitchell Park Dog Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(56 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 532 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(111 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(44 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(58 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 693 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 680 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,001 reviews
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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Green Acres stay.With a stay at this Green Acres motel, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Silicon Valley and 2 miles (3 km) of San Antonio Shopping Center. San Andreas Fault Trail and Palo Alto VA Hospital are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • The Labyrinth At Grace - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Nikola Tesla Statue - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles

Getting around

  • San Antonio Station - 3 min drive
  • Whisman Station - 8 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3-star Art Deco motel near Stanford University
Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. A fitness center, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

This 3-star Palo Alto motel is smoke free.

  • 37 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • Built in 1970
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers 37 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature safes and coffee/tea makers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Palo Alto motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and fans. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Property grounds
Creekside Inn
Barron Park
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,799 reviews
$134 nightly
The price is $155
May 30 - May 31
Total with taxes and fees
Creekside Inn

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM

Things to do

  • Gym
  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 37-inch LCD TV with satellite channels
  • iPod dock

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Fan
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Laptop workspace
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime

Early check-in subject to availability

Early check-in is available for a fee

Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Contactless check-out available

Late check-out subject to availability

A late check-out fee will be charged

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

Property is also known as

Hotel Zen

Zen Hotel

Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Zen Palo Alto

Townhouse Hotel Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Motel

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Motel Palo Alto

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto to the airport?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is 12.9 mi (18-min drive) away from the San Carlos, CA (SQL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

As of May 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on May 31, 2026 start from $106, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offer free breakfast?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers free buffet breakfast every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, there is no casino at this motel, but Casino M8trix (16-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Free parking is not available at this motel.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have a pool?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto does not have a pool.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto to downtown Palo Alto?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is 2.3 mi away from Palo Alto.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 930 out of 1398 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 301 out of 1398 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 101 out of 1398 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 33 out of 1398 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1398 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Blake

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, staff was friendly and professional.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
All staff were great. Everyone handled all issues. The managers were very communicative
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is a very small, neat and modern hotel in a good location. Our room was clean and attractive.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

RUOFANG, Burnaby

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

Beatriz

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
I stayed here 2-3 years ago and had a pleasant experience so I decided to stay again. At any hotel I always check the bed to make sure that there are no bed bugs which there were not. I did notice though that there was an ant on the bed. When I looked up on the wall I noticed a couple more ants and the side table also had an ant. Didn’t think much of it. Then I went to check the bathroom and there were quite a few ants on the floor, bathtub and wall. I went to the front office to let the person working there know. She called her manager and she went to the room to check out the situation. She sprayed a bunch of raid in the bathroom and the manager offered me a room at another one of their hotels. I opted not to take another room in another one of their hotels because I was tired and just needed a clean space to sleep in and after this experience I wasn’t sure I would get that at another one of their locations. The person working that night basically told me that it was at the owners/managers discretion as to whether or not I would get a refund. It was late and I didn’t want to argue so I left. Also to note overall the hotel was pretty run down. Would not recommend staying there.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ilia

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great staff, clean room, amazing location, delicious breakfast, safe for families with small children
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean and comfortable, quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, easy check in and out with a great breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Exceptional on all levels. Creme de la creme of hotel stays. Best value for the buck on the Peninsula
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Connie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Friendly staff, cozy room.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lou

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Maurice

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Debra

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Perfectly clean room, great breakfast, an awesome find
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unpretentious motel, but a wonderful choice! Clean room with every important amenity, including an easy to use shower with a grab bar and non-slip surface (rare!). Excellent hot breakfast included, great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very friendly staff! Clean.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

daniel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
For the price its great. Very clean and staff are really nice and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Darcy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean, staff friendly. Room smelled odd and heater was extremely loud.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026