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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

Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, this serene outdoor space features a bamboo fence and a natural stone ground.
Relax in a serene outdoor space with a stone pathway, cushioned bench, and potted plants.
Enjoy meals in this dining area with several tables and chairs, a mounted TV, and a coffee station.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this stylish room with a sofa, chair, and potted plant, offering a view of the city.
Cozy retreat with a neatly made bed and a nightstand featuring a lamp and clock.

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

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
(49 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 693 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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
(89 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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
(37 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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
(44 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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
(2 reviews)
  • 532 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(8 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Green Acres stay.Your stay at this Green Acres motel places you within 2 miles (3 km) of San Antonio Shopping Center and San Andreas Fault Trail. Stanford University and Palo Alto VA Hospital are also within 3 miles (5 km).
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Stanford University - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Googleplex - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Stanford Stadium - 7 min drive - 3.1 miles
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 9 min drive - 4.0 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
  • ‪State Of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pho VI Hoa - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪La Salsa - ‬2 min drive

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. Free self parking is available.

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 iPod docking stations and safes. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers. 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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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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

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van 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 parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

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

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
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. 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. 
    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 Jul 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Jul 27, 2025 start from $99.0, excluding 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?

This motel offers free self parking.

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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 793 out of 1155 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 244 out of 1155 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 67 out of 1155 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1155 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1155 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was nice and the staff was nice and helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

xia

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Thomas, Berkeley

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Will not be returning
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fernando

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was pleasantly surprise their continental breakfast was amazing: eggs, tater tots, sausage, bacon, waffles, bagels, oatmeal, coffee, juice, etc... awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Johnny, West Covina

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
They gave us a large room with living room, which was nice. Hotel is kept clean but is showing its age. Breakfast service was horrible. I showed up just before 9 for service that is supposed to last until 9:30, there was 1 sausage left. I asked for more and they said it was being prepared. Nothing by 9:20, then they said it was the end of service and there wouldn't be any more. The self serve trays were so small they only held enough for 2-3 people to serve themselves before they were empty. Unless you plan to show up really early and wait to get food, don't bother with the free breakfast. I don't know how it has such high average reviews.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Hnin Kay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anton

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The rooms were worn out and old
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This appears to be a rehabbed motel. It is clean, perhaps a bit tired, but quiet, comfortable, met every requirement I had and was the best deal in the area. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved everything the staff so friendly and kind our room was clean each time food was amazing for breakfast highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed here for three nights. Overall, the cost of the stay was equivalent to the accommodations. Keep in mind that the walls are extremely thin. I heard the neighboring room watching TV at 6 AM and all comings and goings in the parking lot at all hours. Another neighbor was smoking outside of my room which was unpleasant. Breakfast was more or less the same each day. One of the days they were out of all the hot items after a 6:30 AM rush and this wasn’t replenished before I had to leave for the day. That being said, I did feel safe as a solo female traveler and the location is convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not knowing Palo Alto at all, this turned out to be the perfect place as a stopover to visit Stanford. Very quiet. Close to conveniences. Lovely staff. Breakfast included that was actually a full breakfast. Would definitely return to the property.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michel

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was clean and quiet and had great breakfast options.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

rebecca

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Convient location, close to several good restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaac, Kerman

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very nice, quiet, and well taken care of establishment. This is not a bougie, high-end Intercontinental location, but it is very nice, clean, very well-maintained, and updated location. My room was very clean. Everything in the room worked perfectly. The beds were very comfortable. Our room decor looked fresh and up to today’s standards. There was plenty of parking as well. The parking lot was clean and safe for the vehicles to be left overnight and unattended. The continental breakfast was very delicious, fresh, and tasteful. There was plenty of food for everyone and the personnel checking on the food would come out every few minutes to make sure everything was clean, the serving platters were at their fullest, and nothing was absent for the guest. The staff was professional and friendly, no matter who you spoke to at the different shifts. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Denise

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spacious room but very noisy from the street
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, large room.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zen is a perfect Hotel!!! Clean and safe and quiet with friendly staff-I've stayed here several times and EVERY time has been perfect. Well done Team ZEN!!! Im a fan- Bronwyn, RN
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

JaNae

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was great
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Convenient and ckean

The room was nice and the staff very nice and attentive. Really nice breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

It’s a great place to stay!!

This is the second time I have stayed at the Zen Hotel. It is a quick drive to Stanford so I stay here because of convenience, cleanliness and the professionalism and kindness of the people who work there. Thank you for another positive experience!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025