See all properties

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

Lobby
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk
Exterior
Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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)

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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Dining table
  • 63 sq m
  • 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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
  • 27 sq m
  • 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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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

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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

Creekside Inn

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,465 reviews
Creekside Inn

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
  • ‪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

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, luggage storage, and a front-desk safe
  • A TV in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and barbecue grills
  • 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

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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
  • Smoke-free property

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 within 3 mi (5 km) of San Antonio Shopping Center, Stanford University, and Googleplex. San Andreas Fault Trail and Palo Alto VA Hospital are also within 2 mi (3 km). San Antonio Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 772 out of 1123 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 235 out of 1123 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 66 out of 1123 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1123 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1123 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Yang

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It is nice and clean, and the owner is very friendly. Reasonable price, and the breakfast is great.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

amparo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean quiet breakfast easy checkin and checkout comfortable amenities are good.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice staff, beds were pretty comfy, room was clean spacious.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Sihem

Nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice property, clean, quiet and comfortable. The staff was extremely pleasant and the full complimentary breakfast was a nice plus. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

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

8/10 Good

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff very friendly and accommodating
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Davidson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, comfortable bed and nice shower
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ortencia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Check in clerk was friendly and stay was comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candace

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

10/10 Excellent

rebecca

Liked: Amenities
Convient location, close to several good restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice room and good value with free parking and breakfast. Much nicer than others of comparable price.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience! No complaints! Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Peaceful hotel in a pleasant area close to many things!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Mara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The rooms were clean, and it was conveniently located to my business meeting at Stanford.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

carrie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was friendly, room was clean. Great price for this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient. Easy to park and walk to dining. Golfing trip so clubs can stay in car right in front of our room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krista

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Brief stay but it was perfect for our needs
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Miguel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Small hotel very quiet no noise super clean and the reception personal are very kind and professional the area is nice and convenient. Whole food market 5 min drive and Copa Coffee is very good place for coffee breakfast or lunch. Thank you
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and convenient area. Good value compared to other options. Nice exercise room. I’d stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Hamid

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good clean room overall.
Stayed 1 night in May 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

10/10 Excellent

Kelley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place and will continue to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's clean. Breakfast and coffee is included. Rooms have microwave and a fridge.
Stayed 1 night in May 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