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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

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

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$206
includes taxes & fees
5 Apr - 6 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
(52 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
(106 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
(40 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
  • DVBIC Palo Alto - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 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
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪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

  • Uncovered parking on site (USD 9.95 per night)
  • 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.

  • 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 7 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 5 Apr 2026 start from AU$206, 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. 907 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 275 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 91 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 1335 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1335 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ALFRED, antelope

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was great, plenty of room & the breakfast was very good & tasty
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josue

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tavehi

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love staying at Zen! The service is outstanding and near lots of great food places.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Ey
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Yuval

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
They forgot to wake me up in the morning for my flight
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

June

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dimiter

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I like the Zen. It checks all the boxes for me.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Traci

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Breakfast menu is fresh!! Tastes good maybe two meat items would be great!! Or alternate between the days for choices of meat like the room service.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice hotel with comfortable bed!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good job
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel Alexander

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked it a lot
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharleen

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dorcas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Check in was smooth and very welcoming. Room was ready, super clean and up to date. The whole outside parking area is clean and well maintained. Pleasant atmosphere. Great central location in Palo Alto. Rooms on west side are very quiet. Breakfast offers many hot and cold options. Well pleased.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Laura

The staff and breakfast (with hot items) are both good. The facility is somewhat dated.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Coach

Travelled with family
Liked: Amenities
Great hotel. Amazing breakfast spread and super helpful and friendly staff. Stay here everytime we are in town for games
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Corliss

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cristina

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Everyone was so kind and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tao, San Jose

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean affordable option. Front desk staff helpful & efficient. Will definitely return!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

2/10 Terrible

Yong

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I really like this place. Not only did I get a wonderful weekend rate, the room was excellent (clean, accessible, quiet, well appointed) and the staff very nice. Breakfast more than adequate with make your own waffles, cereals, muffins, juice, hot drinks, potatoes/sausage/bacon, oatmeal, fruit. Good TV offerings and strong wifi. Lots of electrical outlets. Microwave, coffee/tea maker and mini refrigerator. Free parking. Quick pick up by Lyft/Uber. There's even a pool.
Double bed in accessible room
Patio entry to room
Micro/Frig/Coffee
BIG tv and work desk
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kurtis

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything from the parking lot the rooms were very clean and proper. Very close to food and the hospital.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025