See all properties
Save

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior
Property entrance
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking
Lobby
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪17 min drive‬

Room options

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
(49 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)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 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

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

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(93 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

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

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(45 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, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 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
(8 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

Creekside Inn

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,530 reviews
The price is AU$206
includes taxes & fees
6 Sept - 7 Sept
Creekside Inn

About the area

Palo Alto

With a stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, you'll be centrally located in Palo Alto, within a 10-minute drive of Stanford University and Shoreline Amphitheatre. .This motel is 8.8 mi (14.1 km) from San Francisco Bay and 9.8 mi (15.7 km) from Levi's Stadium.
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Stanford University - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Googleplex - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Stanford Stadium - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 9 min drive - 6.4 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
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 min walk
  • Hobee's

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and a fitness center
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers 37 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and safes. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers. 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.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Make yourself at home in one of the 37 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a fitness center or take in the view from a garden. This Art Deco motel also features complimentary wireless internet access, a television in a common area, and a picnic area.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
Featured amenities include express check-out, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van 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 parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking

More

  • 2 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Built in 1970
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 12 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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

We should mention

This property does not have 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

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 802 out of 1174 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 251 out of 1174 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 69 out of 1174 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1174 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1174 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

WILLIAM

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leonard, Hazlet

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

amparo

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

amparo

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean quiet breakfast easy checkin and checkout comfortable amenities are good.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lloyd

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent place to stay in the Palo Alto area! Will stay here again next time I’m in town!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Davidson

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean, comfortable bed and nice shower
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes, Zen Hotel is my first choice when need a place in the Bay Area.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rosemarie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

amy

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice staff, beds were pretty comfy, room was clean spacious.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and convenient area. Good value compared to other options. Nice exercise room. I’d stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Solid place. Not fancy, but clean and comfortable. Room has nice small features like bedside reading light. Breakfast good. Overall good value, especially for business travelers.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Ali

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Hotel is ok but had an unpleasant experience in the morning with the individual serving the breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

A Very Pleasant Stay

We were very please with the welcome we received when checking in & the condition of the room. The bed was very comfortable and since we were in the corner of the rooms it was very quiet even though on a main busy street. Everything was clean & new. The breakfast was wonderful. Well stocked and a good variety was offered, even though we were there towards the end of the serving time. The only criticism we have is that the heater is very loud when the fan kicks on and off. We could turn it completely off since it wasn't a very hot or cold night, but not ideal.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark, Seattle

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Mara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The rooms were clean, and it was conveniently located to my business meeting at Stanford.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Saengchai

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ortencia, Hanford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Check in clerk was friendly and stay was comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Sihem

Nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025