The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

October 2025

November 2025

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | 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

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

Wonderful

280 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

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

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, 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
2 bedrooms
Sleeps 6
3 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Palo Alto

Located in Green Acres within a 5-minute walk of Silicon Valley, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is within 2 miles (3 km) of San Antonio Shopping Center. 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
‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 min walk
‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 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

Pool
Breakfast included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

$110 nightly

Oct 31 - Nov 1

Total with 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.

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

As of Oct 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Oct 25, 2025 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 Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford Stadium 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.

Is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto good 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, 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, 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).

Can I book a room with a balcony at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

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

6/10 Okay

Eduardo

Jul 25, 2025

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

A little too loud.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Larry and Brenda

Jul 25, 2025

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

Room

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alina

Business traveler

Jul 24, 2025

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

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

keith

Jul 23, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Traveled with family

Jul 22, 2025

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

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Debra

Jul 22, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Dong

Traveled with family

Jul 22, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

the room is Ok, but a little bit of noisy at night, the neighbor's AC is too loud on and off. the most concern is, they list the laundry , but no laundry available. the front desk point to the street laundry one minute driving. We didn't go. Laundry is the reason we choose this property, but they just lied.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Talmage Mark

Jul 21, 2025

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

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Business traveler, Traveled with partner

Jul 19, 2025

Liked: Amenities

Property was good and clean.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Jaclyn

Jul 18, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kadidia

Business traveler

Jul 18, 2025

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

Would definitely stay again

Let me start off by saying that staff at checkin in was wonderful and wonderfully quick. My room is way big and clean. Especially in the middle of Palo Alto this is a deal you can't beat. Even though located on a major street, it was very quiet. The fitness center is adequate and the free breakfast about what you'd expect, but they actually have hot oatmeal, eggs, and sausages! Overall the place has a theme on the outside. They didn't quite translate that to the inside though they tried. But a motel is a motel is a motel. The Zen garden truly is very cute but also immediately on a major intersection, with no fencing or wall shiedling it a bit so during the day it's not super Zen. But I would come here again.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Metzli

Jul 18, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Angel

Jul 16, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bernard

Jul 13, 2025

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

I was here because of my wife’s surgery at Stanford. It wasn’t too far. I was not able to check in at 3 and they said the lobby will be open 24 hours so my check in was 11pm and they didn’t give my room away. Ok complimentary breakfast nothing special. Room was clean and the bed was comfortable

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi

Jul 12, 2025

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

Yan

Traveled with family

Jul 10, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

Very friendly staff, nice clean room and good breakfast.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

Business traveler

Jul 10, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Ryan

Traveled with family

Jul 8, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities

I was REALLY disappointed in the Zen Motel. The photos on the website are extremely misleading as they are of the office or extreme close ups. This is an old Motel with run down rooms, no elevators, and the proverbial weirdos walking around your door all night (because it is NOT an enclosed hotel but rather the truck stop motel style). The other reason I chose the Zen Motel is that they advertised free breakfast. However when my family went to eat, the staff picked everything up early so we had to go buy breakfast anyway. Terrible place and I’m not quite sure why they have decent reviews. I was let down.

Average bedroom (our had a clogged bath tub)

Unsafe motel where anyone can access your door.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tomo

Traveled with partner

Jul 8, 2025

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

Since it was very reasonable price, we didn't expect that much, but the hotel was very clean, cozy and room was pretty large for 2 people. We liked Zen Hotel very much! We want to come back again. Thank you so much! (4 stars for Area around the property is because our room faced to the street, so we could hear traffic - but when we closed windows, it was pretty quiet.)

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025