The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center

Choose dates to view prices

Where to?

Dates

July 2025

August 2025

Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, this serene outdoor space features a bamboo fence and a natural stone ground.

Enjoy meals in this dining area with several tables and chairs, a mounted TV, and a coffee station.

Cozy retreat with a neatly made bed and a nightstand featuring a lamp and clock.

Relax in a serene outdoor space with a stone pathway, cushioned bench, and potted plants.

Enjoy a comfortable stay in this stylish room with a sofa, chair, and potted plant, offering a view of the city.

Overview
Rooms
Location
Policies

Popular amenities

Housekeeping
Laundry
24/7 front desk

Explore the area

4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Palo Alto VA Hospital
‪4 min drive‬
Stanford University
‪5 min drive‬
Stanford University Medical Center
‪9 min drive‬
San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
‪17 min drive‬

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Room options

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
Sleeps 6
3 Queen Beds

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

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, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Wonderful

280 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed

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

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.

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
‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 min walk
‪Pho VI Hoa - ‬20 min walk
‪La Salsa - ‬2 min drive

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 securing valuables, luggage storage, 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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Similar properties

Relax by the pool in a serene outdoor setting surrounded by a patio with seating.

Pool
Breakfast included
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

$114 nightly

Aug 22 - Aug 23

Total includes 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.

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.

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 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, 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 that I can book 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

9.2

Wonderful

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

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

Nadarajah, Mountlake Terrace

Traveled with family

Jun 23, 2025

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

Kimberly

Traveled with family

Jun 4, 2025

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

Fantastic location on same street as Stanford Stadium with a bus stop out front for events. The room was very large and comfortable. Easy parking. Safe area

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Sihem

Apr 30, 2025

Nice stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Apr 30, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Grace

Apr 30, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Nice room and good value with free parking and breakfast. Much nicer than others of comparable price.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Apr 29, 2025

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Business traveler

Apr 28, 2025

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

Courteous helpful staff, clean rooms, decent above average breakfast and easy

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Hector

Apr 27, 2025

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

Nice place to stay

We were there for a night because of a hospital visit, Stanford Medical. It was quiet, and clean. They offered a free breakfast but we weren't able to have, because of the no eating before the appointment. But it did look good. We will stay here again

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

Business traveler

Apr 25, 2025

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

Great Staff!

This hotel is very charming, though I did encounter a few minor issues. The Wi-Fi connection was a bit unreliable, frequently cutting in and out. The mattress had a noticeable dip in the center, which affected comfort. The complimentary breakfast is quite minimal, but it's a nice bonus nonetheless. The staff—including the front desk, housekeeping, and breakfast attendant—were all exceptionally friendly. Given the reasonable price, I would choose to stay here again.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Apr 25, 2025

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

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Business traveler

Apr 25, 2025

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

Hidden Gem in Palo Alto

I have stayed at this property multiple times while in Palo Alto, and keep coming back b/c it is a clean, quiet, and lovely property. My only complaint with this visit - the room I was given this time seemed to have an extremely soft bed - which I personally do not find comfortable. I am not sure if this is a newer soft mattress, or an older worn-out one... but I would ask for a different room just in case. I will certainly be back!

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Traveled with family

Apr 24, 2025

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

Place was nice and the staff was nice and helpful

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

xia

Apr 22, 2025

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Thomas, Berkeley

Apr 22, 2025

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Will not be returning

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Apr 22, 2025

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

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fernando

Apr 20, 2025

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

I was pleasantly surprise their continental breakfast was amazing: eggs, tater tots, sausage, bacon, waffles, bagels, oatmeal, coffee, juice, etc... awesome!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Johnny, West Covina

Traveled with family and small children

Apr 19, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities

They gave us a large room with living room, which was nice. Hotel is kept clean but is showing its age. Breakfast service was horrible. I showed up just before 9 for service that is supposed to last until 9:30, there was 1 sausage left. I asked for more and they said it was being prepared. Nothing by 9:20, then they said it was the end of service and there wouldn't be any more. The self serve trays were so small they only held enough for 2-3 people to serve themselves before they were empty. Unless you plan to show up really early and wait to get food, don't bother with the free breakfast. I don't know how it has such high average reviews.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Hnin Kay

Apr 19, 2025

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

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anton

Apr 19, 2025

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Apr 19, 2025

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The rooms were worn out and old

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Apr 18, 2025

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

This appears to be a rehabbed motel. It is clean, perhaps a bit tired, but quiet, comfortable, met every requirement I had and was the best deal in the area. Would definitely stay again.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family

Apr 15, 2025

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

I loved everything the staff so friendly and kind our room was clean each time food was amazing for breakfast highly recommend

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria

Apr 14, 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Stayed here for three nights. Overall, the cost of the stay was equivalent to the accommodations. Keep in mind that the walls are extremely thin. I heard the neighboring room watching TV at 6 AM and all comings and goings in the parking lot at all hours. Another neighbor was smoking outside of my room which was unpleasant. Breakfast was more or less the same each day. One of the days they were out of all the hot items after a 6:30 AM rush and this wasn’t replenished before I had to leave for the day. That being said, I did feel safe as a solo female traveler and the location is convenient.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thea

Apr 14, 2025

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

Not knowing Palo Alto at all, this turned out to be the perfect place as a stopover to visit Stanford. Very quiet. Close to conveniences. Lovely staff. Breakfast included that was actually a full breakfast. Would definitely return to the property.

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025