See all properties
Save

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
Lobby
Exterior
Free daily buffet breakfast

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Room options

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
(15 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
(52 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
(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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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
(103 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
(40 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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
(54 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
(6 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
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

Similar properties

Property grounds
Creekside Inn
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,693 reviews
The price is NZ$261
includes taxes & fees
14 Feb - 15 Feb
Creekside Inn

About the area

Palo Alto

With a stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, you'll be centrally located in Palo Alto, a 4-minute drive from Stanford University and 14 minutes from Levi's Stadium. .This motel is 4.3 mi (6.9 km) from Stanford University Medical Center and 8.8 mi (14.1 km) from San Francisco Bay.
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • DVBIC Palo Alto - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 5 min drive - 2.9 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
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk

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 safes and coffee/tea makers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. 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.

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
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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
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

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

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 896 out of 1324 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 280 out of 1324 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 89 out of 1324 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1324 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1324 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

patricia, san francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Zen is not new or fancy but the price and location are great. My room was very clean and they offer a nice breakfast. It is walking distance to San Antonio center for more dining options or an enormous Safeway.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Samuel

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Everything was a bit off; key card didn't work (multiple times), sheets clean but worn, the person in the kitchen who hovered, waiting for me to spill something. And, it's a motel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rudy

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Deborah

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Convenient location. Easy check in. Good house keeping.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Alfredo

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were super clean and the lady at the front desk was more than perfect. She answered all questions and made the experience perfect
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We always enjoy our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safe, clean, comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Yaniv

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The room was not clean enough as in previous years . Something detorirated in the Zen lately :(
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Troy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was on point, for the most part. Some of the warm food was cold/ old. Overall, better than expected.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Leah

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I would have liked more choices of drinks at breakfast, like maybe hot chocolate or milk. I was not able to have anything to drink with my breakfast meal. Also, vending machines with sodas would have been nice. But, all in all great hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

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

10/10 Excellent

Irma

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lilian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
great experience overall. We will be back
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nino Mico

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

JESSICA, miami

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jane

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was nicely redone, but the walls were thin. Not always a problem, but quite noticeable at times.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie, Kennewick

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
PaloAlto is beautiful cleanest city i have ever seen. The hotel Zen is very clean and has a couch and dining chairs and table in room!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Balwinder

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025