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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Lobby
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking
Exterior
Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(45 reviews)
  • 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)

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 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)

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 63 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(86 reviews)
  • 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

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(37 reviews)
  • 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

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(44 reviews)
  • 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, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(7 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

Creekside Inn

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, (1468)
The price is NZ$215
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
4 Jul - 5 Jul
Creekside Inn

About the area

Palo Alto

With a stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, you'll be centrally located in Palo Alto, within a 10-minute drive of Stanford University and Shoreline Amphitheatre. .This motel is 8.8 mi (14.1 km) from San Francisco Bay and 9.8 mi (15.7 km) from Levi's Stadium.
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Stanford University - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Googleplex - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Stanford Stadium - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 9 min drive - 6.4 km

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

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers 37 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and safes. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Palo Alto motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and fans. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 37 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness center or take in the view from a garden. This Art Deco motel also features complimentary wireless internet access, a television in a common area, and a picnic area.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Featured amenities include express check-out, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 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

  • Dressing gowns
  • 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

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

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 769 out of 1118 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 234 out of 1118 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 65 out of 1118 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 1118 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1118 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

Fan

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cecilia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Beth C

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Noah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice Little Hotel!

I got a good night’s sleep, the room was clean, comfortable, and quiet. Breakfast was good. Thanks!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place!

Great place to stay. It was clean and comfortable and had a good breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

john

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was clean and close to Stanford. It met all our needs.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

jenifer

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice and clean .. I stay here a lot because I travel to Stanford every 6 months
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randolph, Merced

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff. Very accommodating - friendly and professional.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yucong

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is close to Stanford campus z and close to freeway. Breakfast is good quality and room is clean and spacious
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fast and easy check in 👍
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kodi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charly

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We liked the close proximity to many restaurants. The room was dated but clean, bed comfortable. We would recommend for the price point
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good stay
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Good stay.. . But

Overall good stay. Great value for your money. Even though bed was hard and the pillows were too soft. Great that there was breakfast. Very comfortable and quiet. Great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 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

2/10 Terrible

Ruth

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Terrible hotel, loud and cracks in door
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very accomdating and personable staff. We upgraded last minute when we added another person and wanted to get the suite. Clean, functional place. Good breakfast options including, waffles, sauges, tater tots, yogurt, fruit,... no eggs due to the current shortage is understandable. We’ll be back if we need a place in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025