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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

Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, this serene outdoor space features a bamboo fence and a natural stone ground.
Cozy retreat with a neatly made bed and a nightstand featuring a lamp and clock.
Enjoy meals in this dining area with several tables and chairs, a mounted TV, and a coffee station.
Relax in a serene outdoor space with a stone pathway, cushioned bench, and potted plants.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this stylish room with a sofa, chair, and potted plant, offering a view of the city.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AU$173
includes taxes & fees
18 July - 19 July

Explore the area

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
(48 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
  • 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
(5 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
  • 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
(88 reviews)

Highlights

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

Highlights

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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
  • 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
Fan
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
  • 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
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Pho VI Hoa - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪La Salsa - ‬2 min drive

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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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includes taxes & fees
20 July - 21 July
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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 15 July 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 18 July 2025 start from AU$173.42, 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. 790 out of 1150 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 244 out of 1150 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 66 out of 1150 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 1150 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1150 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

Katie

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved everything the staff so friendly and kind our room was clean each time food was amazing for breakfast highly recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed here for three nights. Overall, the cost of the stay was equivalent to the accommodations. Keep in mind that the walls are extremely thin. I heard the neighboring room watching TV at 6 AM and all comings and goings in the parking lot at all hours. Another neighbor was smoking outside of my room which was unpleasant. Breakfast was more or less the same each day. One of the days they were out of all the hot items after a 6:30 AM rush and this wasn’t replenished before I had to leave for the day. That being said, I did feel safe as a solo female traveler and the location is convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not knowing Palo Alto at all, this turned out to be the perfect place as a stopover to visit Stanford. Very quiet. Close to conveniences. Lovely staff. Breakfast included that was actually a full breakfast. Would definitely return to the property.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michel

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was clean and quiet and had great breakfast options.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

rebecca

Travelled with family, Business traveller
Liked: Amenities
Convient location, close to several good restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaac, Kerman

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very nice, quiet, and well taken care of establishment. This is not a bougie, high-end Intercontinental location, but it is very nice, clean, very well-maintained, and updated location. My room was very clean. Everything in the room worked perfectly. The beds were very comfortable. Our room decor looked fresh and up to today’s standards. There was plenty of parking as well. The parking lot was clean and safe for the vehicles to be left overnight and unattended. The continental breakfast was very delicious, fresh, and tasteful. There was plenty of food for everyone and the personnel checking on the food would come out every few minutes to make sure everything was clean, the serving platters were at their fullest, and nothing was absent for the guest. The staff was professional and friendly, no matter who you spoke to at the different shifts. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Denise

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spacious room but very noisy from the street
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice, large room.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zen is a perfect Hotel!!! Clean and safe and quiet with friendly staff-I've stayed here several times and EVERY time has been perfect. Well done Team ZEN!!! Im a fan- Bronwyn, RN
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

JaNae

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was great
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

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

Convenient and ckean

The room was nice and the staff very nice and attentive. Really nice breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

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

It’s a great place to stay!!

This is the second time I have stayed at the Zen Hotel. It is a quick drive to Stanford so I stay here because of convenience, cleanliness and the professionalism and kindness of the people who work there. Thank you for another positive experience!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Preethi

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

10/10 Excellent

Kelley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place and will continue to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandra

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Brent, Hillsboro

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was clean. Our room was on the end near a pretty busy intersection. Kinda noisy but not aweful. Breakfast was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chang, Winnetka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice quiet place. Big rooms. Old but clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kadriye

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

10/10 Excellent

Anna, Lakeland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Peaceful hotel in a pleasant area close to many things!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

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

Aged but well kept.

Nice hotel that’s a bit aged but is well kept. Basic but comfortable and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025