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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Property class: 3
3-star Art Deco motel near Stanford University

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

A landscaped garden with a palm tree, bamboo fence, and a small shrub.
An outdoor patio with two wicker chairs, a round table, and a large umbrella.
A modern living room with a large window, a potted plant, a sofa, a coffee table, and a chair.
A breakfast buffet with a sign listing items like kale, banana, apple, organic yogurt, and pineapple.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa, and a nightstand with a lamp.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, Silicon Valley
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, The Labyrinth At Grace
    ‪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

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a bedside lamp, a clock, and an exit sign on the wall.

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(63 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

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

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

A hotel room with a bed, two wall-mounted lamps, a framed picture of a waterfall, and a framed picture of a hat.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a bathroom.

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(126 reviews)
  • 22 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(48 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

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

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

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a television, and a plant.

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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

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

A hotel room with two beds, each with white linens and red accents, a bedside table with a remote control, and a window with curtains.

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 63 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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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

  • Silicon Valley - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 20 min walk - 1.7 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • The Labyrinth At Grace - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Stanford University - 5 min drive - 3.9 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
  • ‪Shake Shack - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 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.

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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

  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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 Oct 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Nov 14, 2026 start from CA $161, 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. 976 out of 1480 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 328 out of 1480 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 108 out of 1480 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 37 out of 1480 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1480 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zen Hotel is very beautiful and peaceful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean, staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean hotel, friendly staff, breakfast included, fair price
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is good, the staff is helpful and friendly the price is good
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Has everything you need for a comfortable stay at the right price.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
it was a very pleasant stay and the staffs were helpful
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel with good amenities and breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay. The room was clean and had everything we needed. Parking was easy to access right in front of our room.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, safe, restful! We enjoyed the “park” like setting in back of our room!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is helpful and friendly. The location is good and the room is spacious and clean
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best place in to stay love the staff
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We'll be staying here during future trips to the area: friendly staff, clean rooms, great showers.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very pleasant stay in a quiet neighborhood with stores and restaurants nearby.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good breakfast
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean rooms, and quiet
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable and nice to get the cross breeze through the room due to the balcony with seating and lovely trees.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nicely located clean hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean. Convenient location.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely staff, wonderfully clean and updated rooms.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
For the price it was surprisingly comfortable and above expectations.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staffs are very helpful and decent breakfast
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Parking was easy and breakfast was convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a single night, stopover only. Great value for money. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hospitable, clean, comfortable and very conveniently located.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026