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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

A landscaped garden with a palm tree, bamboo fence, and a small shrub. - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
A breakfast buffet with a sign listing items like kale, banana, apple, organic yogurt, and pineapple. - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
An outdoor patio with two wicker chairs, a round table, and a large umbrella. - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
A modern living room with a large window, a potted plant, a sofa, a coffee table, and a chair. - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa, and a nightstand with a lamp. - 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
  • Housekeeping

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 12 of 12 rooms

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

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a bedside lamp, a clock, and an exit sign on the wall.

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(58 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

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
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a bed, two wall-mounted lamps, a framed picture of a waterfall, and a framed picture of a hat.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a bathroom.

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(115 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(47 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(60 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a television, and a plant.

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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, each with white linens and red accents, a bedside table with a remote control, and a window with curtains.

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
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO DOUBLE BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Two Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a television, and a plant.

Two Queen Beds

  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Green Acres, a neighborhood in Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is near theme parks. Stanford Shopping Center and Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit California's Great America. 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

  • A desert landscape with sparse vegetation, a few houses, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
    San Antonio Shopping Center
    3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • A dirt path winding through a rocky landscape with sparse vegetation and towering mountains.
    San Andreas Fault Trail
    3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park
    20 min walk - 1.1 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
  • Yutori
    19 min walk
  • Idly Express
    2 min drive
  • Shake Shack
    3 min drive
  • Junbi
    3 min drive

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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

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

9.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 946 out of 1430 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 317 out of 1430 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 102 out of 1430 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1430 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1430 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the breakfast buffet!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good A/C, Clean room, Nice hot breakfast items and quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean, staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Has everything you need for a comfortable stay at the right price.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

minh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was able to do super early check in, really nice staff and friedly, Thanks.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

priya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel with good amenities and breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

jiagang

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

June

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very pleasant stay in a quiet neighborhood with stores and restaurants nearby.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For the price it was surprisingly comfortable and above expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

dominic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Clean & relatively good size room. Decent hot breakfast & nothing fancy ( same items everyday though) . Adequate parking. Quiet location. Newly remodeled. No elevator.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was perfect for our son's wedding. There were 3 of us staying in the 2-bedroom suite, and we hosted our nephews for an evening of catching up and laughs. It was perfect! We hope to have the same room for Thanksgiving. The staff was so friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious and had a lot of offerings. The location was perfect--in between Palo Alto and Mountain View-- so close to a lot of restaurants.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great at this location. The value for what I paid was absolutely excellent. The only complaint I have was the people staying above me were heavy footed...but other than that I do think the value cannot be matched. I will stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staffs are very helpful and decent breakfast
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best place to say love the staff and the place!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tomoko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was our second time to stay here. We love this hotel very much, because it is very affordable, clean, easy to park, good location and breakfast is included! We don’t want to leave a good review because we don’t want more competition but absolutely we love Zen Hotel very much! Thank you very much for your great service!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Raynee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was nothing I didn't like. It was wonderful! One wish would be for a safe but that doesn't detract at all. Patio was a nice surprise. Parking was excellent. Everything was darned near perfect. Would definitely stay again. Expedia pricing was GREAT!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Raul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel and the staff were attentive. Overall, the stay was nice
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Charles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very sweet staff. The room was clean and very well maintained! The breakfast buffet was also very very nice and generous with its options. Parking may be tight but it is free and we had no issues with parking a midsize SUV! Awesome location, close to Stanford and food places near by. Walgreens is across the street, easy in case you need something you forgot! Best of all, quiet despite the Main Street right there
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The young lady on Friday evening was very helpful and courteous. She helped check us in both nights instructions of having me come back each day to check in. She made our stay much more comfortable. We had wasps above our room but was willing to have maintenance help us get rid of them without pesticides. Thank you all for your help!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was nice and the breakfast was good. Room was very decently sized.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Yang

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was good. Room is fairly clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Brandie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great Location for Stanford Hospital patients . It’s close to the hospital and imaging facilities. The property was very clean and comfortable. Morning breakfast was good , basics to get you going . Room was spacious, clean , fridge, microwave and Keruig machine , a little dated but nothing too crazy .There is Walgreens right across the street , Trader Joe’s , Safeway and Walmart about a 10 minute drive away . Plenty of restaurants choices around .
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location, close to Stanford Medical center and has Walgreens across the street. Short drive to food options. Clean rooms. The bed was GREAT ! Breakfast was standard fare. I’d stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room, staff, amenities, and location were excellent. No complaints about anything really. Enjoyed the complimentary breakfast a lot, way nicer than resorts I’ve been too honestly. Will definitely be coming back if ever in the area. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026