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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$161
includes taxes & fees
10 Apr - 11 Apr

Explore the area

View map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪25 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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 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
(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, pillow-top 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, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(107 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
(42 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
(55 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

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto places you in the heart of Palo Alto, steps from Silicon Valley and 3.6 km (2.2 mi) from Stanford University. Highlights at this Art Deco motel include in-room free WiFi and LCD TVs. .This business-friendly motel offers free WiFi in public areas and a fitness centre, and has a 24-hour front desk. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a garden and barbecues. Free buffet breakfast is available daily between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 3-property class Green Acres motel include Stanford Stadium and Shoreline Amphitheatre.
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Nikola Tesla Statue - 5 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • San Antonio Station - 3 min drive
  • Whisman Station - 8 min drive
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 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

Free breakfast is available daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. A fitness centre, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff are also featured at the business-friendly The Zen Hotel Palo Alto. Parking is available for a fee.

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 members are 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 a safe and coffee/tea makers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Fridges and microwaves are provided. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Palo Alto motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and fans. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site 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 registration desk

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
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.

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.

  • Uncovered self-parking fee: USD 9.95 per night
  • 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. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room 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 all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children aged 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 8 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 10 Apr 2026 start from AU$161, including 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.

Is parking available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Yep, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto has an uncovered self car park for USD 9.95 per night. A self car park is also available, for a fee.

Is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities, a BBQ and a picnic area, it's no surprise that The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is a hit with families.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto serve breakfast?

You bet, our guests love the free buffet breakfast here! Offered daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, this is the place to fuel up for a day full of adventure.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, only service animals are allowed.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 905 out of 1345 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 283 out of 1345 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 94 out of 1345 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 1345 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 32 out of 1345 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Bert

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Yes
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Dorcas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent location for access to downtown Palo Alto. Charming, quiet property, very clean and well maintained. Room was super clean in every detail. Very comfortable. Easy, friendly check-in. Will stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Lacresha

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Troy

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything was fantastic, again. This was my second stay and they were both to notch.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Mary J

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Li

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
good service
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

William, Truckee

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's and old refurbished motel. Very nice. Great bed and pillows. Good breakfast. I was attending a funeral at Alta Mesa Cemetery, very convenient 5 minute drive to the Cemetery. It is a motel, would recommend anyway.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

carolyn

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Quiet, roomy, comfortable. Nice buffet breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Ali

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This my go to spot when I am Palo Alto! Worth a try if you haven’t tried Zen.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

2/10 Terrible

Paula

Business traveller
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
Notifying the law enforcement is needed for this hotel. I traveled alone there to the hotel. Clerk didn’t regard my safety, shared my hotel room loudly several times. Even asked her to write my number on the receipt or door card. Secondly, gave me a key card that did not work. I asked her to accompany to the room and check for sure the card opened. I think this hotel may be involved with sex trafficking women.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emilee

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

10/10 Excellent

Mareta

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We did not make it in time for the breakfast, but the front desk clerk offered to check with the kitchen staff if there was still anything left i could have. I told her it was okay, but the fact that she offered i appreciated. Over the last 4 years i have traveled to Palo Alto to pick up and drop off my daughter from College. This was my last trip as she graduated and i have to say.. i am glad we stayed at the Zen. It was refreshing to have front desk staff who had great customer service. Sometimes it is not just a clean room and nice area, but just a friendly smile and great etiquette goes a long way. Low cost room, but high level services and our room was spacious, clean and very "zen". Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

casandra

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Christina

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean, convenient and pleasant. I just wish there were some sound insulation. Our neighbor's snoring was pretty annoying. Staff was pleasant, and breakfast, while simple, did the job.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Ivo

Travelled with family
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

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

4/10 Poor

Leonard

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I didn't get the room I paid for and was not offered any remedy
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tom

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Magina

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

10/10 Excellent

Olivia, Rosemead

Travelled with group
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

10/10 Excellent

Solomon

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalie, Charlottesville

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Excellent value for the price. It felt safe, staff was very friendly, it looked and felt extremely clean, parking was fine, it was quiet and we all slept surprisingly well. Breakfast was adequate.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Blake

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025