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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
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk
Free daily buffet breakfast
Lobby
Exterior

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

Explore the area

View in a map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

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

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

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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Exterior

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About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in Green Acres, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is adjacent to Silicon Valley and within 2 miles (3 km) of San Antonio Shopping Center. 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 - 18 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • DVBIC Palo Alto - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.2 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
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 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. Self parking is offered for USD 9.95 per night. 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 TV in a common 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. 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.

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  • Free WiFi
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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,696 reviews
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Feb 21 - Feb 22
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

  • Uncovered self parking on site (USD 9.95 per night)
  • 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
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.

  • Uncovered self parking fee: USD 9.95 per night
  • 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 parking (fees apply).

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 Feb 17, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Feb 22, 2026 start from $109.0, 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, just steps from Silicon Valley. You'll also find Stanford Stadium and Stanford Shopping Center within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Yes, uncovered parking is offered for USD 9.95 per night. 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.

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, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this motel.

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

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 896 out of 1319 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 275 out of 1319 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 89 out of 1319 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1319 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1319 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Fady

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Gail

Business traveler
Disliked: Amenities
Didnt eat the breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Vivian

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

woojung

Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Genice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Staff was friendly. Rooms clean and updated. Conveniently located
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
All great
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Allison

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness
The staff were incredibly nice and they did have good sizes for lotion, shampoo, and conditioner. I hate to say, but my room was not very clean and found some hair that wasn't mine in a few places, along with it being dusty. The sink in my kitchenette was also clogged.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kresh Jan

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Always very clean and quiet!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kei

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Michella

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laddie

Liked: Cleanliness
It was perfect!!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Allison

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast options were terrible. There’s no reason they couldn’t have offered some healthy or less processed food choices.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Peilin, Vancouver

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the staffs are nice
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Irene

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Delightful staff, excellent breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David, PALO ALTO

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David, PALO ALTO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good breakfast. Beds are low to the ground so you don't have to jump up to get in and they are comfortable. Rooms are spacious with a desk, refrigerator, and microwave. Shower is better than average. Walgreens across the street is very handy. Several restaurants nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

CHARLES, PORTLAND

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great space for the two nights! Clean and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

patricia, san francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Zen is not new or fancy but the price and location are great. My room was very clean and they offer a nice breakfast. It is walking distance to San Antonio center for more dining options or an enormous Safeway.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Samuel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Everything was a bit off; key card didn't work (multiple times), sheets clean but worn, the person in the kitchen who hovered, waiting for me to spill something. And, it's a motel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rudy

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

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