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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Property class: 3

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

A landscaped garden with a palm tree, bamboo fence, and a small shrub.
An outdoor patio with two wicker chairs, a round table, and a large umbrella.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa, and a nightstand with a lamp.
A modern living room with a large window, a potted plant, a sofa, a coffee table, and a chair.
A breakfast buffet with a sign listing items like kale, banana, apple, organic yogurt, and pineapple.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • 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

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a bedside lamp, a clock, and an exit sign on the wall.

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(60 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

A hotel room with a bed, two wall-mounted lamps, a framed picture of a waterfall, and a framed picture of a hat.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a bathroom.

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(123 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(48 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

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

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

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a television, and a plant.

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

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

View all photos for Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

A hotel room with two beds, each with white linens and red accents, a bedside table with a remote control, and a window with curtains.

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 680 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO DOUBLE BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Two Queen Beds

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a television, and a plant.

Two Queen Beds

  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in Green Acres, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is adjacent to Silicon Valley with other popular attractions like Stanford University within a within a few miles (5 km). This 37-room, 3-star motel has free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and a gym.
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 3 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • The Labyrinth At Grace - 3 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Nikola Tesla Statue - 4 min drive - 1.8 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

  • ‪Chipotle Mexican Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbird - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Coupa Cafe @ The Hub at Stanford Research Park - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pacific Catch - ‬2 min drive

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Guests of The Zen Hotel Palo Alto enjoy features like a gym, free WiFi in public areas, and express check-out. 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 a picnic area.
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. Refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers 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.

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Creekside Inn
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  • Air conditioning
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9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,887 reviews
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The price is $125
Sep 11 - Sep 12
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite 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

  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
  • 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.

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.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • 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.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher.
  • 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 Aug 24, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Sep 7, 2026 start from $119, including 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, just steps from Silicon Valley. You'll also find Stanford Stadium and Shoreline Amphitheatre within a short drive.

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

No, there isn't parking available at the motel.

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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this motel include premium bedding, bathrobes, and slippers.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have a hot tub?

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 available?

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 that I can book at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, there aren't any guestrooms at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto that offer a balcony.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 966 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 329 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 105 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 1466 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1466 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chun-Hung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything is nice. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kellie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We'll be staying here during future trips to the area: friendly staff, clean rooms, great showers.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nicely located clean hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Camila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff, wonderfully clean and updated rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Denise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staffs are very helpful and decent breakfast
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hospitable, clean, comfortable and very conveniently located.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Solid breakfast options, well-maintained, kind staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its a nice area to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liliya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay, excellent accommodations
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Raul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel and the staff were attentive. Overall, the stay was nice
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel in Stanford / Palo Alto. Clean, big space, quiet, safe, walking distances to restaurants, excellent customer service. Excellent stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was nice and the breakfast was good. Room was very decently sized.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice clean friendly and affordable
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed at lovely weekend stay at the Zen. Spacious room, lovely breakfast options offered and kind staff. Very conveniently located to Stanford University.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quaint and clean hotel! The parking is easy and checking in was quick. Great complimentary breakfast the next day. I wouls stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is always very clean, and I always sleep so much better here than any other hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marielena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a very nice place to stay very clean and stuff were great
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, updated, good breakfast
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, spacious and clean. Convenient location. Will stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A nice simple and comfortable stay and great breakfast. Perfect a 1 night work trip.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Titus

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Very clean place
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable! Have stayed here a few times and will continue to. Good breakfast!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All excellent I’ll need staying again in the future
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, though conveniently just off the Main Street. While the hotel is very outdated yet pricey, it is quite clean. I’ve stayed twice.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

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