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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping
  • 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
  • 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
(48 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Dining table
  • 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
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
  • 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
(100 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
  • 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
(39 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
  • 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
(52 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
  • 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)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Dining table
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Dining table
  • 63 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

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
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 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:
  • Free self parking
  • Express check-out, a front-desk safe, and a TV in the lobby
  • Luggage storage, multilingual staff, and a 24-hour front desk
  • 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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Exterior

Creekside Inn

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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,584 reviews
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Property amenities

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

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

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

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 at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Self parking is free at this property.

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 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Silicon Valley and 2.5 mi (4.1 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

9.2

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

6.0

Location

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Eco-friendliness

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 846 out of 1247 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 267 out of 1247 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 81 out of 1247 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1247 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1247 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
I absolutely love this place! Great customer service, very clean, nice and quiet, and an amazing breakfast with so many choices!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lalaina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in, accessible parking, nice staff, clean and safe area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Estel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was extremely cordial and friendly. Comfortable bed. Nice breakfast options. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very safe parking area 24 hours service at the front desk Clean rooms every day
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were spacious and very clean. Parking was accessible and front desk check in and out fast. Location close to Shoreline. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ronald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in and out. Large room with all the amenities for an extended stay, cook top, microwave, refrigerator, etc. Staff were friendly and helpful. I’d stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
PaloAlto is beautiful cleanest city i have ever seen. The hotel Zen is very clean and has a couch and dining chairs and table in room!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

LinhKieu

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and breakfast was very good
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Citlali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay at the Zen hotel. Comfortable beds and clean rooms. Great staff. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property. Clean and cute. The price was great as well. Would definitely stay there again if I need to stay in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

erik

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
everything you could need!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taylor

Great location, everytbing a short drive within PA
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blair

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and service. Very clean and good breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely, clean and comfortable room, ample free parking, and a hearty and delicious free hot breakfast with a good variety of options! Also loved the balcony overlooking a pretty, peaceful little garden. Would definitely stay here again next time I’m in the area!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family stays here often with no issues
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

April

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, clean hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

AMIT

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and spacious rooms. Had all the amenities. We stayed for 1 night but I will not hesitate to stay for longer duration if I visit Palo Alto in future. Breakfast is standard as any other hotel but its neat and clean. Overall very satisfied and would recommend anyone looking for a clean place to stay around Palo Alto area
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

June

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very relaxing and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bladimir

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katharine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice little hotel, pleasant staff and decent free breakfast. We were able to walk to a place for dinner, which was a bonus.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice, quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amparo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was like a suite…so clean, breakfast is great…not just cold continental…smaller private property…convenient location close to Stanford Clinics …favorite place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Monica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and quiet, perfect for a good night sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rolando

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and very comfortable! Everyone was very friendly and kind!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

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