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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

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Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
Lobby - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
Exterior - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
Free daily buffet breakfast - 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)
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

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 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
(53 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
(106 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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(41 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
(55 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. Shoppers can check out Santana Row Shopping Center, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Levi's Stadium or PayPal Park. 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
    4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park
    18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • DVBIC Palo Alto
    4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital
    4 min drive - 1.2 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
  • Hong Kong Restaurant
    15 min walk
  • Junbi
    3 min drive
  • 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:
  • Self parking (surcharge), express check-out, and luggage storage
  • Free newspapers, a front-desk safe, and a TV in the lobby
  • Barbecue grills, a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff
  • 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

  • Uncovered self parking on site (USD 9.95 per night)
  • 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

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 parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

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

  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 9.95 per night
  • 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?

Self parking is available for USD 9.95 per night.

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.

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Reviews

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

6.0

Location

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 905 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 277 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1335 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reesa

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

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

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
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

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness
Quick check-in. Clean room. Nice bathroom. Friendly staff. Comfortable bed. Good breakfast. Convenient parking.
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

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location—convenient and safe. Parking available. Excellent/Responsive staff—phone reservation, front desk reception, housekeeping, dining. Before the pandemic: excellent amenities. After the pandemic: limited amenities—bathroom complete, welcome snack/cookie/wafer/bottled water cancelled.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and good amenities, especially the breakfast!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Safe location for walking day and night. Great staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ALFRED

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was great, plenty of room & the breakfast was very good & tasty
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darcy

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tavehi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love staying at Zen! The service is outstanding and near lots of great food places.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was friendly and professional. The breakfast was a standard hotel breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice hotel with comfortable bed!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Delightful staff, excellent breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Korin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean room, clean facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Coach

Liked: Amenities
Great hotel. Amazing breakfast spread and super helpful and friendly staff. Stay here everytime we are in town for games
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zzu Han

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean and safe the staffs are really kind . Really like this hotel will definitely reschedule this hotel next time.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Typical motel, but very clean with comfortable beds & pillows, and nice staff. I enjoyed my stay. Nothing really "zen" about it except a few somewhat gimmicky exterior decorations. It's on a busy road without any garden I could find. For some reason, reviews singled out the breakfast as a plus, but the breakfast is just your typical hotel/motel hot breakfast buffet (what I would consider the minimum to get the label "breakfast included"): powdered eggs, greasy sausage, tater tots, bagels, waffle maker, yogurt. Nothing to complain about; just don't expect anything special.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent value for the price. It felt safe, staff was very friendly, it looked and felt extremely clean, parking was fine, it was quiet and we all slept surprisingly well. Breakfast was adequate.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff and clean property. Room was clean and well stocked
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's and old refurbished motel. Very nice. Great bed and pillows. Good breakfast. I was attending a funeral at Alta Mesa Cemetery, very convenient 5 minute drive to the Cemetery. It is a motel, would recommend anyway.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Walls are paper thin and can hear 'everything' in the neighboring rooms. Snoring, coughing, conversations and so on. They charge for parking, which was not listed when booking the hotel and they were unwilling to remove the charge. It was only $9 but felt they could care less when I shared that it was not on the listing. The cleaning staff was very good and the place was quite clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026