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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$166
includes taxes & fees
31 Jan - 1 Feb

Explore the area

View map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪16 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
Fan
  • 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
(52 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
Fan
  • 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)

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
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
Fan
  • 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
(103 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
Fan
  • 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
(40 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
Fan
  • 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
(54 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
Fan
  • 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

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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 4.1 km (2.5 mi) from Stanford University. 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

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • DVBIC Palo Alto - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 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
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 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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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
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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
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.

  • 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 23 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 31 Jan 2026 start from AU$165.92, 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. 891 out of 1318 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 281 out of 1318 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 89 out of 1318 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1318 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 28 out of 1318 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
I absolutely love this place! Great customer service, very clean, nice and quiet, and an amazing breakfast with so many choices!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ronald, Madera

Travelled with family and small children, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in and out. Large room with all the amenities for an extended stay, cook top, microwave, refrigerator, etc. Staff were friendly and helpful. I’d stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

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

8/10 Good

Catherine

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
parking was good, room nice and big and quiet. Wifi was spotty at times. Breakfast was ok.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Estel, Orland

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was extremely cordial and friendly. Comfortable bed. Nice breakfast options. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ronald

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Molly

Travelled with partner
My stay here was okay, and the price was right. Although my room was non-smoking, it smelled like someone who smokes marijuana stayed there previously, so an air freshener would have been nice. The weather strip on the bottom of the door was torn. The breakfast selections were good, but I had to wait for the hot water for tea and the oatmeal, which was watery.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Rysa

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

Motel not a hotel

The stay provided the basic amenities I look for during a quick business trip. The property is sparse, but serviceable.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Anna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean. Felt safe
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle, Berkeley

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Chris

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Frank

We had a nice day. Everything was wonderful. It would've been nice to have a firmer mattress with my bad back. Only thing that seemed to be a problem was the people above us. We were in room 208 didn't go to bed until around 1 AM and they were walking very heavily making it difficult for us to sleep, but that's not really the fault of the hotel
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were spacious and very clean. Parking was accessible and front desk check in and out fast. Location close to Shoreline. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

AMIT

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and spacious rooms. Had all the amenities. We stayed for 1 night but I will not hesitate to stay for longer duration if I visit Palo Alto in future. Breakfast is standard as any other hotel but its neat and clean. Overall very satisfied and would recommend anyone looking for a clean place to stay around Palo Alto area
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Carolyn

Travelled with family
Room clean but some areas of room looked tired and old
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erlinda

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Room was a nice size and comfortable. It would be nice to have a waste basket near the vanity sink.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leticia

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
It was very nice. The staff were very helpful. I would recommend the hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

erik

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
everything you could need!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

T

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I didn't partake of the ample breakfast but appreciated the strong coffee pods in the room. I liked the cleanliness/design of the room and property and all the electrical outlets. Great shower too. Only gripe is that the shower rod was extremely rusty which detracted from the overall appearance of the room. This was very odd and should be addressed. Staff was very courteous and obliging. I would happily stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing staff very comfortable beds and pillows. Very clean room phenomenal showers very easy to find the hotel and a phenomenal breakfast in the morning. I would definitely recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay at the Zen hotel. Comfortable beds and clean rooms. Great staff. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Virginia, reading

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very safe parking area 24 hours service at the front desk Clean rooms every day
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025