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

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

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(16 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • 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)
  • 27 sq m
  • 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)
  • 49 sq m
  • 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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • 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)
  • 22 sq m
  • 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

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(43 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • 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

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(57 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • 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)

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

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

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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 - 2 min drive - 1.5 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
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 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

Property grounds
Creekside Inn
Barron Park
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,769 reviews
The price is CA $157
CA $206 total
includes taxes & fees
May 23 - May 24
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 Apr 29, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on May 2, 2026 start from CA $168, 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. 909 out of 1358 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 290 out of 1358 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 96 out of 1358 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 32 out of 1358 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1358 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Raymond

Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Reesa

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

10/10 Excellent

Vivian

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Korin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean room, clean facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Eva

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The quality wasn’t very good and the selection limited.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Hector

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness
The rooms are clean, the breakfast is good, they are getting a poor review because on the first say i arrived i mentioned i would need to cancel the last day of our múltiple day stay. The staff said to just do 24 hours before the last day reservation. So when i initiated the process they then went back on the policy and said it’s 24 hours to the starts of the first day. I asked if we could get a voucher for another day knowing because I’m sick and under care at Stanford we would eventually need to come Back..they said no and offered 20% off. I won’t be going back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

DEBJANI

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Hugo

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Everything was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Safe location for walking day and night. Great staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Bryndyn

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

10/10 Excellent

Blake

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Allen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room had small bath towels and no room safe for valuables was the main concern. No shower caps or amenities given like a hotel does. This seems more like a motel than a hotel. But pricing was good and convenient for my places I needed to go in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

craig

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Theradapuzha Varghese

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

4/10 Poor

Joseph

Disliked: Cleanliness
Rooms are not good, and need attention and upkeep.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Karin

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Joan

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was friendly and professional. The breakfast was a standard hotel breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

2/10 Terrible

Jorge

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026