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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
Travelers start their day with a hearty breakfast buffet before taking advantage of express check-out for a smooth departure from this Palo Alto retreat

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
Free daily buffet breakfast - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
Exterior - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
Lobby - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
The Zen Hotel offers a peaceful stay near Stanford University in Palo Alto. Guests enjoy in-room WiFi, an on-site gym, and a garden. Multilingual staff assist with luggage storage and other needs, creating a relaxed atmosphere appreciated by previous visitors.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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
(16 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 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
(55 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • 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
(3 reviews)
  • 49 sq m
  • 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
(10 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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
(110 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • 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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(43 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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
(57 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • 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)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 64 sq m
  • 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)
  • 63 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Green Acres, a neighborhood in Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is near theme parks. Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall and Santana Row Shopping Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Stanford Stadium or Levi's Stadium. Practice your golf swing with lessons and a golf course nearby, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as hiking/biking trails. Visit our Palo Alto travel guide
View more Motels in Palo Alto
Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

What's nearby

  • Beautiful snowy Mount Baldy with some building below, view from Rancho Cucamonga; Shutterstock ID 567807184
    San Antonio Shopping Center
    3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Pinnacles National Park
    San Andreas Fault Trail
    3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park
    2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • 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
  • Holy Sushi
    12 min walk
  • State of Mind Slice House
    12 min walk

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Motel near Stanford University
A free breakfast buffet, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services are just a few of the amenities provided at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto. Free in-room WiFi and a gym are available to all guests.
Additional perks include:
  • Express check-out, luggage storage, and a front-desk safe
  • A TV in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and barbecue grills
  • Multilingual staff, free newspapers, and smoke-free premises
  • Guest reviews speak highly of the breakfast, helpful staff, and location
Room features
All guestrooms at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto include comforts such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to thoughtful touches like air conditioning and bathrobes. Guest reviews speak positively of the clean rooms at the property.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and fans
  • Bathrooms with free toiletries and hair dryers
  • 37-inch HDTVs with satellite channels
  • Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers

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Property amenities

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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area

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

More

  • 2 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Built in 1970
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

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

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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 12 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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

Is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto doesn't offer parking.

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 (subject to availability).

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

Check-out is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto located?

Located in Green Acres, this motel is steps from Silicon Valley and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Stanford University. San Antonio Shopping Center and San Andreas Fault Trail are also within 2 mi (3 km). San Antonio Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.6

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 911 out of 1361 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 289 out of 1361 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 97 out of 1361 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 1361 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1361 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A nice simple and comfortable stay and great breakfast. Perfect a 1 night work trip.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ainsley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Friendly, family-run, and quiet
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lenore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super clean, incredibly friendly staff and quiet property. Couldn't ask for more!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness
Breakfast was great, the rooms were clean, the area was quiet. Had a good nights sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

XIAOSONG

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eralda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
“I had a wonderful stay at Zen Hotel in Palo Alto. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and the environment felt very safe. The staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location but building/room was dated
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ana

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

10/10 Excellent

Spencer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
small, unique rehab without the fluff, but good location and very attentive and friendly staff. Bed was comfy and had all the necessities, for only 180/night... glad I chose this. Nice touch was that i could walk right in and out of my own room without going through a lobby or elevators. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

xin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good experience . Location is great! But little out dated
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reesa

Room was clean and staff was great
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and the feeling that I was at home with the other guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spotless room, wonderful staff, nice breakfast, and great location.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and large room
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maxim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A pleasant stay. A welcoming staff. A clean room. A well-maintained place. Very cozy and inviting. Good, simple breakfast. You really feel like coming back when departing. Really convenient location. Quiet, but with easy and short access to the highway. Good eateries nearby.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Maliheh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean, and I appreciated being able to choose the frequency of housekeeping. The breakfast was decent, though not exceptional. The location was excellent, and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. They also allowed us to check in early, which was a nice bonus.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Nata

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
location is great; facilities are great. Staff is not friendly and welcoming; especially during breakfast time. Low in shampoo and conditioner.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was very clean. I was not told until registration that there was a fee for parks my a car.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was a 2 bedroom corner room that was bigger than most apartments. It was very clean. The only negative would be the lack of an elevator.
Stayed 28 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryndyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zen Hotel is a diamond in the middle of Palo Alto! This property is well maintained, the staff is very friendly, the room is decorated with nice touches, and outdoor patio is a unique extra after a day in the car. The room was exceptionally clean, comfy beds and had a full size coffee pot. Excellent breakfast options. The property is very safe with off street parking and a small parking garage. Highly recommend !
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love staying here, the beds and pillows are so comfy and the rooms are very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nickesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very clean and fancy room, nice shower area and big bed, soft sheets, good location with some late night food options nearby and fancy tesla and Mclaren supercar dealerships next door. Highly classy 👌
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Frank

Small but clean rooms. Quiet. Bed was fine. Major complaint was $10.00 for parking when their website said it was free. Breakfast was standard motel breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Regina

Liked: Cleanliness
I recently stayed here for a weekend trip. The location is unbeatable. The staff were incredibly friendly and efficient, making check-in a breeze. The room was spacious and spotless. The breakfast buffet offered a huge variety of options. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026