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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 hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a sofa, and a nightstand with a lamp.
A breakfast buffet with a sign listing items like kale, banana, apple, organic yogurt, and pineapple.
A modern living room with a large window, a potted plant, a sofa, a coffee table, and a chair.

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, Mitchell Park Dog Park
    ‪20 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
  • Free WiFi

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
(60 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

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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

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
  • Free WiFi

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
(60 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO DOUBLE BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Two Queen Beds

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

Two Queen Beds

  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

DOUBLE DELUXE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4
  • 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
  • The Labyrinth At Grace - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Stanford University - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Stanford Stadium - 7 min drive - 5.0 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

  • ‪Yutori - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Shake Shack - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪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

Property grounds
Creekside Inn
Barron Park
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
4.6 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,880 reviews
The price is CA $174
CA $201 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 11 - Sep 12
Creekside Inn

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 Aug 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on Sept 7, 2026 start from CA $156, 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. 957 out of 1445 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 323 out of 1445 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 100 out of 1445 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 34 out of 1445 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1445 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jackson

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

Kellie

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

Mark

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

10/10 Excellent

Camila

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

Denise

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

8/10 Good

Carol

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

10/10 Excellent

Jung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Solid breakfast options, well-maintained, kind staff.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice motel with a great location across from Walgreens and around the corner from Fuki Sushi. Spacious rooms with comfortable beds and decent refrigerator and microwave. Typical breakfast. Generally a pleasant stay ... except for VERY slow internet and an internet system that required me to reboot my computer each day to get the popup to enter the password. It's hard to recommend this place until they improve the internet.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Nancy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Best place to say love the staff and the place!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Its a nice area to stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liliya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay, excellent accommodations
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Raul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel and the staff were attentive. Overall, the stay was nice
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Irene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel in Stanford / Palo Alto. Clean, big space, quiet, safe, walking distances to restaurants, excellent customer service. Excellent stay.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ellen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was nice and the breakfast was good. Room was very decently sized.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice clean friendly and affordable
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is always very clean, and I always sleep so much better here than any other hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed at lovely weekend stay at the Zen. Spacious room, lovely breakfast options offered and kind staff. Very conveniently located to Stanford University.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Marielena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a very nice place to stay very clean and stuff were great
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quaint and clean hotel! The parking is easy and checking in was quick. Great complimentary breakfast the next day. I wouls stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, updated, good breakfast
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Tara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, spacious and clean. Convenient location. Will stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A nice simple and comfortable stay and great breakfast. Perfect a 1 night work trip.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Titus

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Very clean place
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable! Have stayed here a few times and will continue to. Good breakfast!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All excellent I’ll need staying again in the future
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026