The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

July 2025

August 2025

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Wonderful

Popular amenities

Housekeeping
Laundry
24/7 front desk

Explore the area

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

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Room options

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

Excellent

306 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Queen Beds

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

Exceptional

693 sq ft
Sleeps 6
2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

Wonderful

680 sq ft
Sleeps 6
3 Queen Beds

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

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

Wonderful

240 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

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

Wonderful

286 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Double Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Wonderful

280 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

Wonderful

286 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

Exceptional

532 sq ft
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Very good

306 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in Green Acres, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is within 2 miles (3 km) of sights such as San Antonio Shopping Center and San Andreas Fault Trail. This 3-star motel has 37 guestrooms and offers free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a gym.

View more Motels in Palo Alto

What's nearby

Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
Stanford University - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles
Googleplex - 5 min drive - 2.5 miles
Stanford Stadium - 7 min drive - 3.1 miles
Stanford University Medical Center - 9 min drive - 4.0 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
‪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

Guests of The Zen Hotel Palo Alto enjoy features like a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and express check-out. You can put free parking to good use if you drive. The front desk has multilingual staff on hand 24/7 to help with securing valuables, dry cleaning/laundry, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include free newspapers, laundry facilities, and barbecue grills.

Guests can expect free WiFi and 37-inch LCD TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding ensure a restful night. IPod docks, refrigerators, and microwaves are other standard amenities.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a fitness center.

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

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Similar properties

Pool
Breakfast included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

$110 nightly

Jul 3 - Jul 4

Total includes taxes and fees

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

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

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

Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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

Check-in: 3:00 PM—-anytime
Check-out: 11 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

There are no 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

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto provides free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do within easy reach of The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

This motel is situated in Green Acres, close to Shoreline Amphitheatre, Stanford Stadium, and Computer History Museum. You'll also find Stanford Shopping Center and San Antonio Shopping Center within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the motel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto feature a casino?

No, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, there is no indoor pool at this motel.

Is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this motel include a pillowtop mattress, bathrobes, and slippers.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have a hot tub?

No, this motel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers free buffet breakfast each morning though there is no restaurant.

Will The Zen Hotel Palo Alto allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto though service animals are welcome.

Are there connecting rooms at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, this motel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

The closest major airport to The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 12.9 mi away (18 minutes by car). Another top airport is Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), which is located 13.3 mi away (18-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10 Excellent

Nadarajah, Mountlake Terrace

Traveled with family

Jun 23, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

The room was immaculate, the lighting was excellent, and the location was great. The front desk associate provided fantastic customer service. When the TV remote control in our room wasn’t working, she promptly brought us a replacement remote along with new batteries. We also requested an extra towel for our group of three guests, and she kindly brought one right away. Her helpfulness made our stay even more enjoyable.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly

Traveled with family

Jun 4, 2025

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

Fantastic location on same street as Stanford Stadium with a bus stop out front for events. The room was very large and comfortable. Easy parking. Safe area

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Business traveler

Apr 28, 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

James

Apr 1, 2025

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

It’s a great place to stay!!

This is the second time I have stayed at the Zen Hotel. It is a quick drive to Stanford so I stay here because of convenience, cleanliness and the professionalism and kindness of the people who work there. Thank you for another positive experience!!

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Preethi

Business traveler

Mar 31, 2025

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

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelley

Mar 31, 2025

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

Love this place and will continue to stay

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandra

Mar 30, 2025

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Very good

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Brent, Hillsboro

Traveled with family

Mar 30, 2025

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

Hotel was clean. Our room was on the end near a pretty busy intersection. Kinda noisy but not aweful. Breakfast was good.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chang, Winnetka

Mar 29, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ashley

Mar 28, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Nice quiet place. Big rooms. Old but clean.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Mar 28, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kadriye

Mar 27, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna, Lakeland

Mar 27, 2025

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

Peaceful hotel in a pleasant area close to many things!

Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Business traveler

Mar 26, 2025

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

Aged but well kept.

Nice hotel that’s a bit aged but is well kept. Basic but comfortable and would stay again.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Almina

Mar 26, 2025

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

*****

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

David

Mar 25, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Birgit

Mar 24, 2025

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

Clean, spacious room, great location for us. The room walls are a little thin but would stay there again.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Melissa

Mar 24, 2025

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

The dead brown Christmas wreath still hanging in the lobby during my stay in March is a fitting metaphor for this hotel: previously vibrant and joyful, now neglected and sad

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025