The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

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

Room options

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(47 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 532 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(98 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(39 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(52 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 693 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 680 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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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.

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
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hobee's - ‬5 min walk

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 luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. 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.

Similar properties

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

More

  • 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

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

  • 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.

How much does it cost to stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

As of Oct 4, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Oct 6, 2025 start from $212.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

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.

Will I be able to park 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.

What amenities will couples enjoy at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

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

Are there hot tubs at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this motel.

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.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have connecting rooms?

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, at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

Reviews

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 820 out of 1202 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 253 out of 1202 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 77 out of 1202 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1202 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1202 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I love this hotel. It's clean, very clean and so affordable. We have stayed twice while having appointments at Stanford and it's not very far from Stanford Medical Center.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

German

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pristine, affordable, and well located.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyn

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Convenient location. Helpful staff. I stayed for 18 days. A major reason was having a washing machine on the premises. The washing machine has been broken for quite some time. It is obvious they do not plan on fixing it. This should be updated in the hotel listing. It is a big inconvenience and unpleasant experience to have to walk to the run down public laundry facility 3/4 mile away.
Stayed 18 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amarnath

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Salvador

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ken

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Callum

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

saad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
really good service,
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kristine

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

10/10 Excellent

Edgar

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Jongha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Property and room are clean and comfortable. Very good value for the money. will definitely return.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nadarajah, Mountlake Terrace

Traveled with family
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

starusc

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ercan, almaty

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and confort rooms. It was pleasure too stay at this hotel for me. Breakfast was good and fresh.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

PEIHSIU

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Maria

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This place was clean though a bit outdated, beds on the softer side. The staff was professional and the breakfast staff was kind. Breakfast options ( bagel, toast, yogurt, eggs, tater tots, sausage, oatmeal and juice).
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lara

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room was nice, but there was something flimsy about the hotel—it was more like a motel than a hotel. The staff were excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

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