The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, Mitchell Park Dog Park
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(57 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(113 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(46 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(59 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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
  • Free Wi-Fi

Similar properties

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Along with a fitness center, this smoke-free motel has dry cleaning and laundry facilities. Free buffet breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, express check-out, and free newspapers are onsite.
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.

The free breakfast at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto gets high marks from our customers. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of San Antonio Shopping Center. You'll find features like free WiFi in public areas, plus a gym and dry cleaning service.
  • Free buffet breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include free lobby newspapers, a front-desk safe, and laundry facilities
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym
  • Guests really like the accommodations for the comfy beds and cleanliness
  • Steps from Silicon Valley and a 4-minute drive from Stanford University
Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. A fitness center, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

This 3-star Palo Alto motel is smoke free.

Guests are served free buffet breakfast daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site 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

  • 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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Children 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

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. 925 out of 1401 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 310 out of 1401 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 100 out of 1401 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1401 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1401 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, easy check in and out with a great breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great staff, clean room, amazing location, delicious breakfast, safe for families with small children
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Eileen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, clean room, great for our one night stay in the Bay Area.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eralda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
“I had a wonderful stay at Zen Hotel in Palo Alto. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and the environment felt very safe. The staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Connie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Friendly staff, cozy room.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelente hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, staff was friendly and professional.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spotless room, wonderful staff, nice breakfast, and great location.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and the feeling that I was at home with the other guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reesa

Room was clean and staff was great
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Magina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Always a great stay at the Zen!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We've stayed at the Zen several times when visiting our son at Stanford. I like the excellent hot breakfast, close proximity of Walgreens across the street, and good parking. Property is older but they take pride in the little things and great value. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is a very small, neat and modern hotel in a good location. Our room was clean and attractive.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Lana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room with really clean towels and bed sheets!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love staying here, the beds and pillows are so comfy and the rooms are very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Perfectly clean room, great breakfast, an awesome find
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryndyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean and comfortable, quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
For the price its great. Very clean and staff are really nice and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hugo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking, and layout was simple and convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and good amenities, especially the breakfast!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unpretentious motel, but a wonderful choice! Clean room with every important amenity, including an easy to use shower with a grab bar and non-slip surface (rare!). Excellent hot breakfast included, great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nickesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very clean and fancy room, nice shower area and big bed, soft sheets, good location with some late night food options nearby and fancy tesla and Mclaren supercar dealerships next door. Highly classy 👌
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026