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

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

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 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
(5 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
  • 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
(89 reviews)

Highlights

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

Highlights

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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Fan
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 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
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
  • 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, 1,519 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, multilingual staff, and barbecue grills
  • Free newspapers, a front-desk safe, 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

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
  • 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.

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. 794 out of 1159 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 246 out of 1159 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 68 out of 1159 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1159 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1159 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

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

Roxanne

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

German

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pristine, affordable, and well located.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Amenities
Property was good and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Randolph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property very close to Stanford University, which made it convenient for my purposes. Very clean, very well cared for and comfortable bedding
Stayed 1 night in Jul 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

Ercan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and confort rooms. It was pleasure too stay at this hotel for me. Breakfast was good and fresh.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Unique & quaint
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Magina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wanted to change rooms for more convenience when we got there, never a problem. Very centrally located to shopping and restaurants. Love this motel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

saad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
really good service,
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Larry and Brenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sihem

Nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 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

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Courteous helpful staff, clean rooms, decent above average breakfast and easy
Stayed 1 night 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

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice
Stayed 1 night in May 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

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

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

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

Tomo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Since it was very reasonable price, we didn't expect that much, but the hotel was very clean, cozy and room was pretty large for 2 people. We liked Zen Hotel very much! We want to come back again. Thank you so much! (4 stars for Area around the property is because our room faced to the street, so we could hear traffic - but when we closed windows, it was pretty quiet.)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

rebecca

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