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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, Mitchell Park Dog Park
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • 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

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 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
(55 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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 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
(110 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
(44 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
(58 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)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 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 37-room, 3-star motel has free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and a gym.
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What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 2 min drive - 1.0 mile
  • 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

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk

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 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, 1,792 reviews
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May 23 - May 24
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 May 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on May 24, 2026 start from $103, 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. 929 out of 1391 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 298 out of 1391 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 99 out of 1391 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 1391 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1391 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

JAYSON

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026

6/10 Okay

Lishan

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness
We stayed at a one bedroom suite, during our stay, we spotted ants crawling in the bathroom and kitchen counter. One night the ant was my bed, and other night it was on my arm while I was on my bed. They come repeatedly. The sofa bed is very hard to sleep on, I feel the wire springs. On the 2nd night, the upstair guests were stumbling the floor past 10:30pm, we had to call the front desk twice to report the issue, it was difficult to communicate with the front desk as he didn’t understand our issue and kept saying he would leave a note the next day to the staff. We booked the hotel based on good reviews but left feeling very disappointed. I would not recommend this place.
In the tube, I have videos but cannot upload.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

2/10 Terrible

Phillip

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Juan

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Exceptional on all levels. Creme de la creme of hotel stays. Best value for the buck on the Peninsula
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Connie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Friendly staff, cozy room.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Lou

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Maurice

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Christian

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Debra

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Perfectly clean room, great breakfast, an awesome find
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unpretentious motel, but a wonderful choice! Clean room with every important amenity, including an easy to use shower with a grab bar and non-slip surface (rare!). Excellent hot breakfast included, great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Very friendly staff! Clean.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

daniel

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
For the price its great. Very clean and staff are really nice and accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Darcy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was clean, staff friendly. Room smelled odd and heater was extremely loud.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

George, Long Beach

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Cara

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great spot!! Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Laura

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The room was shabby. Very uncomfortable bed. Harsh fluorescent lighting is unwelcoming and unpleasant. This place is marketed as boutique-esque but run as a cheap motel. Staff was lovely. Management and rooms are what needs improvement.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Edward

Disliked: Staff & service
I was unable to stay because I was stranded in Phoenix due to Winter Storm Fran. Once I was finally able to get out of the airport, I contacted the hotel to let them know I would not be arriving and requested a refund. I was told that the cancellation needed to be requested in advance, which was not possible given the circumstances. This situation was entirely outside of my control, as millions of Americans, myself included, were affected by this storm. Additionally, I had two coworkers staying at the same property, and their feedback was that it felt more like a motel than a hotel and did not reflect the value of the stay. I’m disappointed with how this was handled and with the outcome overall. Had I known this in advance, I would have booked with a larger, well established hotel rather than a boutique property.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

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