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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
3-star Art Deco motel near Stanford University

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior
Exterior
Free daily buffet breakfast
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
Lobby

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
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • 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

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
(56 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • 49 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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
(111 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

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

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(46 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

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

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(58 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 63 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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About the area

Palo Alto

Green Acres stay.With a stay at this Green Acres motel, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Silicon Valley and 2 miles (3 km) of San Antonio Shopping Center. San Andreas Fault Trail and Palo Alto VA Hospital are also within 2 miles (3 km).
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • The Labyrinth At Grace - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Nikola Tesla Statue - 4 min drive - 2.9 km

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
  • ‪Yutori - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3-star Art Deco motel near Stanford University
Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. A fitness center, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

This 3-star Palo Alto motel is smoke free.

  • 37 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • Built in 1970
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers 37 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature safes and coffee/tea makers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Refrigerators and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Palo Alto motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and fans. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Family Room, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking (Deluxe)
Leland Hotel Palo Alto
Ventura
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.1 out of 5, Very good, 304 reviews
The price is CA $154
CA $178 total
includes taxes & fees
Jul 3 - Jul 4
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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Soundproofed rooms

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 37-inch LCD TV with satellite channels
  • iPod dock

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Children 12 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children 12 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

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

How close is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto to the airport?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is 12.9 mi (18-min drive) away from the San Carlos, CA (SQL) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jun 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Jul 2, 2026 start from CA $154, 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.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offer free breakfast?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers free buffet breakfast every day from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.

Is there a casino at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, there is no casino at this motel, but Casino M8trix (16-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in.

Is there free parking at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Free parking is not available at this motel.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have a pool?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto does not have a pool.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this motel.

How close is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto to downtown Palo Alto?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is 2.3 mi away from Palo Alto.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 938 out of 1417 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 311 out of 1417 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 101 out of 1417 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1417 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 33 out of 1417 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, easy check in and out with a great breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great staff, clean room, amazing location, delicious breakfast, safe for families with small children
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Eileen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, clean room, great for our one night stay in the Bay Area.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Connie

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

10/10 Excellent

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Clean room, staff was friendly and professional.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelente hotel
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spotless room, wonderful staff, nice breakfast, and great location.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and the feeling that I was at home with the other guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Reesa

Room was clean and staff was great
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We've stayed at the Zen several times when visiting our son at Stanford. I like the excellent hot breakfast, close proximity of Walgreens across the street, and good parking. Property is older but they take pride in the little things and great value. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Magina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Always a great stay at the Zen!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
This is a very small, neat and modern hotel in a good location. Our room was clean and attractive.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie

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

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love staying here, the beds and pillows are so comfy and the rooms are very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bryndyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Clean and comfortable, quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

daniel

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

10/10 Excellent

Nickesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
very clean and fancy room, nice shower area and big bed, soft sheets, good location with some late night food options nearby and fancy tesla and Mclaren supercar dealerships next door. Highly classy 👌
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hugo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Parking, and layout was simple and convenient.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Regina

Liked: Cleanliness
I recently stayed here for a weekend trip. The location is unbeatable. The staff were incredibly friendly and efficient, making check-in a breeze. The room was spacious and spotless. The breakfast buffet offered a huge variety of options. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean room and good amenities, especially the breakfast!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juan

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