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

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 11 - Sep 12
Check availability for tonight Sep 11 - Sep 12

Tomorrow

Sep 12 - Sep 13
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 12 - Sep 13
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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(50 reviews)

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)

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

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
(95 reviews)

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(39 reviews)

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(46 reviews)

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 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
(8 reviews)

Highlights

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

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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
  • ‪Hobee's - ‬5 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, luggage storage, and free newspapers
  • Barbecue grills, a front-desk safe, and a TV in the lobby
  • 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

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 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from San Antonio Shopping Center and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Stanford University. San Andreas Fault Trail and Palo Alto VA Hospital are also within 2 mi (3 km). San Antonio Station is 28 minutes by foot.

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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 820 out of 1195 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 250 out of 1195 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 73 out of 1195 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1195 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1195 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

June

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Bladimir

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

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

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A clean, comfortable, 3-star hotel right on El Camino Real.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Buzz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasantly surprised by this well kept. And well attended to hotel. Highly recommend for a short stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient to Stanford University campus.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a really nice stay. The pillows are so comfortable, the staff very nice and hospitable. It’s clean, it’s quaint. I slept like a baby. The breakfast is really nice you can tell the staff cares a lot. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamami

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a very clean and comfortable room. The check-in process was smooth, and access to the parking was easy. The bed was comfortable, and I was able to sleep soundly.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly. Room was very clean. Free parking and quiet area. Would stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff, nice clean room and good breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gail

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The air conditioner was a bit noisy but effective. Staff very friendly. Will return for sure, quiet atmosphere.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

MIKE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice inexpensive property.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ceylan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and easily accessible.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Sina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice place and good price. But definitely not a 4* hotel. This is an old motel or inn that has been upgraded.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! The breakfast was good…the scrambled eggs tasted real and the coffee was good. The housekeeping staff was excellent too…
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sanjeev

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quite simple and value for money
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Juan

It’s nice but their WiFi is unreliable and very slow
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meegan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a very cute and quiet hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chuanwen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staffs, free parking inside complex, not modernized but it is indeed clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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