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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
Art Deco motel with free breakfast and fitness centre

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AU$189
includes taxes & fees
21 Sept - 22 Sept

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
(50 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Dining table
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Dining table
  • 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
(94 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 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
(46 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Dining table
  • 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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About the area

Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto puts you in the centre of Palo Alto, 4.1 km (2.5 mi) from Stanford University and 2.1 km (1.3 mi) from San Antonio Shopping Center. Highlights at this Art Deco motel include free buffet breakfast and free self-parking. .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. Each morning free breakfast is served. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 3-property class Green Acres motel include Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford University Medical Center.
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
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Hobee's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and fitness centre
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. Free self parking is available.

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 iPod docking stations and a safe. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges, microwaves and coffee/tea makers. 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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Exterior

Creekside Inn

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  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,555 reviews
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includes taxes & fees
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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
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

  • 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.

  • 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
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. 
    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 1 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 21 Sept 2025 start from AU$189.46, 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 a free self car park.

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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 815 out of 1188 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 249 out of 1188 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 72 out of 1188 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1188 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1188 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

Christian

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mona

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great experience! No complaints! Highly recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Arrived for check-in and received pleasant customer service. Earliest check-in time is 3pm but due to a busy day prior, was not allowed into the room until 35 minutes due to cleaning not being completed yet. Once in the room, our perception of the room was that it was clean and quaint. Not the biggest room, but just right. Mattress was firm, pillows soft, and towels were white. The night was peaceful and quiet. They serve breakfast from 6 to 9 am and was decent quality for those looking for something quick before heading out. If you are looking for authentic breakfast, going out would be better. Checkout was quick and easy.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

christine

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leigh

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We really enjoyed our stay with Zen Hotel. It is a tastefully remodeled establishment within close proximity to Stanford healthcare for which we had come. Breakfast was nice too.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ivonne

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Hamid

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good clean room overall.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I had a quick stay while visiting hospital. Easy to get to, clean, very comfortable bed, goood tv channels, Walgreens right across street.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Pranav, Redmond

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient. Easy to park and walk to dining. Golfing trip so clubs can stay in car right in front of our room.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family loved the Zen Hotel! We had the “room” with three queen beds, which was actually a suite with a large bedroom with two beds, a smaller bedroom with one bed, a large living room with a sofa and dining room table with six chairs, and a kitchenette with a small four-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, pots and pans, dishes and silverware, a coffee maker, and even a small blender. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, and the breakfast was great. My only little quibble is that the scrambled eggs were egg whites, rather than regular scrambled eggs. This was a problem for one of us who is on a keto diet and vegetarian (couldn’t eat sausages). But this is a very small quibble. We loved our stay and plan to return.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Suzanne

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
Usually, when at this property, the king bed is available and very comfortable. Unfortunately, king bed was unavailable this visit and assigned 2 old, worn uncomfortable queen beds, room 209.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dimiter

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful Hotel

This Hotel is super nice and very Clean Easy Check-in Nice Breakfast Everyone Is so nice. This will be our go to Hotel when we are in the area. It was our first stay there I had a procedure at Stanford hospital so its pretty close. Our family was able to stay there for a few days. I highly recommend The Zen Hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Pleasant people and location

Quiet and a place I would return to for an extended stay.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Daniel

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's clean. Breakfast and coffee is included. Rooms have microwave and a fridge.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Clark

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Acceptable for business travel. Convenient location, excellent desk staff. It's a motor hotel, so you may experience noise from other guests using the outdoor corridors at night. You'll probably want to skip the free "breakfast" of powdered eggs and stale raisin bran, but the coffee is decent.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Allan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

jie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We will come back. The bathroom door need to be fixed
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

dov

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Louise

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff very friendly and accommodating
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Krystina

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evelina

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