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

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, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪16 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
(48 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
(101 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
(39 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
(52 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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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 3-star motel has 37 guestrooms and offers free in-room WiFi, free self parking, 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
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • DVBIC Palo Alto - 4 min drive - 1.6 miles
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 5 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

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬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. 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, securing valuables, and dry cleaning/laundry. 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.

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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,621 reviews
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Nov 24 - Nov 25
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

  • 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 Nov 23, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Nov 26, 2025 start from $69.3, 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.

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.

What do couples enjoy most about 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.

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).

Can I book a room with a balcony 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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 851 out of 1259 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 272 out of 1259 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 85 out of 1259 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1259 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1259 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

wayne

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsey

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Joanne

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The walls were thin and the people next door were very noisy until about 12:30 am. The bed was uncomfortable (room 206). The curtains facing out did not completely close and had small holes in them and were very dirty. Overall I was disappointed by the experience at the Zen Hotel. I expect a comfortable bed, complete privacy with curtains facing public areas, and a room quiet enough to allow for a good night sleep. Staff were very friendly and helpful, room was clean. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dillon James

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

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

Would stay here again

I stayed here for three nights while my dad was having surgery at Stanford and was very pleased with my stay. Everything was clean and comfortable, and the staff was great. The only thing that was a little less than convenient was that my room was on the second floor and there is no elevator. It is more of a motel than a hotel which I was not expecting, but other than that it was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly. Room was very clean. Free parking and quiet area. Would stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric, Aptos

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A clean, comfortable, 3-star hotel right on El Camino Real.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Rowena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

david

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jeffrey, Silver Spring

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient to Stanford University campus.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! The breakfast was good…the scrambled eggs tasted real and the coffee was good. The housekeeping staff was excellent too…
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael, SAN LUIS OBISPO

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

Great place to sleep

It was a nice stay. We got the room with 3 queen beds and it was a great set up for a family with kids. Rooms were very quiet and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

TIM

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

8/10 Good

Isaac

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Citlali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean and kind
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Adrian

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast has hot items, well stocked. Rooms are clean. Staff is kind and courteous. Parking is fine. Rooms are reasonably quiet. Nice place especially at its current pricing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy to access. Nice room and layout. I appreciated the breakfast!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

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

Hidden Gem

The Zen hotel is a hidden gem. It’s close to Shoreline and you can’t beat the price. It was quiet and comfortable and the complimentary breakfast included a great selection of hot and cold options.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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