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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, this serene outdoor space features a bamboo fence and a natural stone ground.
Relax in a serene outdoor space with a stone pathway, cushioned bench, and potted plants.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this stylish room with a sofa, chair, and potted plant, offering a view of the city.
Cozy retreat with a neatly made bed and a nightstand featuring a lamp and clock.
Enjoy meals in this dining area with several tables and chairs, a mounted TV, and a coffee station.

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

Two beds with headboards and pillows, a desk, chair, and lamps, set against a window with curtains.

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

Two single beds with matching headboards, a desk, and a television are featured in this stylish room.

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)

Two beds with white linens and red accents, each with a remote control, are set against a dark headboard and illuminated by wall-mounted lamps.

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

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

Relax in comfort with a neatly made bed, a desk for work, and a TV for entertainment.

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(90 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

Two single beds with matching headboards and footboards, white linens, and a desk with chair.

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

Relax in a cozy space with a neatly made bed and a bedside table featuring a clock and phone.

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

Cozy retreat with a neatly made bed, dark headboard, and a nightstand with a lamp.

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

Cozy retreat with a neatly made bed, dark headboard, and a nightstand with a lamp.

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

Relax in comfort with a neatly made bed, laptop-friendly workspace, and cozy seating area.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center
Along with a fitness center, this smoke-free motel has dry cleaning and laundry facilities. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking 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 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.

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. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas and free self parking, plus a gym.
  • Free buffet breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Amenities include free lobby newspapers, a front-desk safe, and laundry facilities
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym
  • Guests really like the accommodations for the cleanliness and comfy beds
  • 5 minutes by car from Stanford University and 13 minutes from San Francisco Bay
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. Free self parking is available.

This 3-star Palo Alto motel is smoke free.

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

  • 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
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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 792 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 247 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 68 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1158 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

8/10 Good

Kevin

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Solid place. Not fancy, but clean and comfortable. Room has nice small features like bedside reading light. Breakfast good. Overall good value, especially for business travelers.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Ali

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Hotel is ok but had an unpleasant experience in the morning with the individual serving the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Lindsay

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

A Very Pleasant Stay

We were very please with the welcome we received when checking in & the condition of the room. The bed was very comfortable and since we were in the corner of the rooms it was very quiet even though on a main busy street. Everything was clean & new. The breakfast was wonderful. Well stocked and a good variety was offered, even though we were there towards the end of the serving time. The only criticism we have is that the heater is very loud when the fan kicks on and off. We could turn it completely off since it wasn't a very hot or cold night, but not ideal.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark, Seattle

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The rooms were clean, and it was conveniently located to my business meeting at Stanford.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Saengchai

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

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ortencia, Hanford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Check in clerk was friendly and stay was comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Sihem

Nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice room and good value with free parking and breakfast. Much nicer than others of comparable price.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Business traveller
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

8/10 Good

Hector

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

Nice place to stay

We were there for a night because of a hospital visit, Stanford Medical. It was quiet, and clean. They offered a free breakfast but we weren't able to have, because of the no eating before the appointment. But it did look good. We will stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

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

Great Staff!

This hotel is very charming, though I did encounter a few minor issues. The Wi-Fi connection was a bit unreliable, frequently cutting in and out. The mattress had a noticeable dip in the center, which affected comfort. The complimentary breakfast is quite minimal, but it's a nice bonus nonetheless. The staff—including the front desk, housekeeping, and breakfast attendant—were all exceptionally friendly. Given the reasonable price, I would choose to stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Hidden Gem in Palo Alto

I have stayed at this property multiple times while in Palo Alto, and keep coming back b/c it is a clean, quiet, and lovely property. My only complaint with this visit - the room I was given this time seemed to have an extremely soft bed - which I personally do not find comfortable. I am not sure if this is a newer soft mattress, or an older worn-out one... but I would ask for a different room just in case. I will certainly be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was nice and the staff was nice and helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

xia

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Thomas, Berkeley

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Will not be returning
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

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

10/10 Excellent

Fernando

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was pleasantly surprise their continental breakfast was amazing: eggs, tater tots, sausage, bacon, waffles, bagels, oatmeal, coffee, juice, etc... awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Johnny, West Covina

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
They gave us a large room with living room, which was nice. Hotel is kept clean but is showing its age. Breakfast service was horrible. I showed up just before 9 for service that is supposed to last until 9:30, there was 1 sausage left. I asked for more and they said it was being prepared. Nothing by 9:20, then they said it was the end of service and there wouldn't be any more. The self serve trays were so small they only held enough for 2-3 people to serve themselves before they were empty. Unless you plan to show up really early and wait to get food, don't bother with the free breakfast. I don't know how it has such high average reviews.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Hnin Kay

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

10/10 Excellent

Anton

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

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