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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Property class: 3

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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 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 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 hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa, and a nightstand with a lamp. - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto (Palo Alto)
You can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, a garden, and dry cleaning/laundry services at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto. In addition to a gym, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Off-peak, on budget: 30% or more off select hotels in our fall sale

Skip the crowds, keep the savings. AARP members save more after Labor Day. Book by Oct 7, 2026.

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

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
(62 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

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

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(124 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(48 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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
(62 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

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)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 63 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO DOUBLE BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

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

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

About the neighborhood

Located in Green Acres, a neighborhood in Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is near theme parks. Shoppers can check out Santana Row Shopping Center, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Levi's Stadium or PayPal Park. 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 historic building with arches and a tower, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.
    Stanford University
    5 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • A woman walking on a sidewalk with potted plants and buildings in the background.
    Stanford Shopping Center
    8 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park
    20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • The Labyrinth At Grace
    3 min drive - 1.4 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
  • Shake Shack
    3 min drive
  • State of Mind Slice House
    12 min walk
  • Junbi
    3 min drive

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9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,883 reviews
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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

9.2

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 969 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 327 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 104 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1466 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Jacqueline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and the staff was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Esmeralda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel and room were very clean and accommodating. The hotel offered nice decor and aesthetics and it was conveniently located in a nice area surrounded by stores and restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location for travel to Stanford Medical; many interesting restaurants within 10 minute drive; excellent front desk service!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
lovely, convent location.. a little pricey though
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good breakfast, helpful staff, clean rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rodney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice staff and very clean!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
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

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very nice stay at The Zen. Location was convenient to shopping and eateries, and Stanford. Since it’s close to a busy road, we did hear vehicles noise in the early morning, but not too bad. Overall, a very nice stay and would return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 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

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean
Stayed 1 night in Sep 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

6/10 Okay

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were pleased with the cleanliness of the place, friendliness of the staff at check-in, and the complimentary breakfast. We were disappointed that our room had no "zen" patio, that it had a full-size bed not a queen as booked, and it was property was like an upscale Motel 6.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This is a modest yet comfortable place to stay in a very expensive area. For us, the location is excellent because we were able to easily walk to my sisters house a few blocks away. I’m very glad that they discontinued charging for parking. We stay here several times a year and the staff has always been polite and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Grant

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, large rooms, unusual closet location, nice full kitchen. my wife's hand got sucked into the jacuzzi tubs inlet, be careful. excellent breakfast choices.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 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

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

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

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything went according to plan. The price was reasonable for Palo Alto. It is conveniently located just across the way from a Walgreens. They have a nice big eating area for the delicious breakfast that is provided, including make-yourself waffles.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kellie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We'll be staying here during future trips to the area: friendly staff, clean rooms, great showers.
Stayed 2 nights in May 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

Cyndi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The young man that checked me in was so kind and nice. I was concerned about being in the back of the hotel and he moved my room right up front. The room was spotless! Everything looked new. The breakfast was great although I just had yogurt and coffee. It looked very nice. I was very impressed with this hotel especially for the price I paid.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location. Well priced. Pleasant enough. Photos did not match most rooms. No pool. However, pleasant and well priced.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean spacious room - a little sitting area off back of room very inviting and comfortable. Surprisingly , no traffic noise being close to a main road. There is free parking and a Walgreens across the street for last minute items. Free breakfast before you leave for the day. Very happy with our one night stay !
Stayed 1 night in Aug 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