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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AU$159
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec

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
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
(49 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
(101 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
Blackout curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
(52 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Blackout curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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. .Within a 15-minute drive of this 3-property class Green Acres motel, attractions include Levi's Stadium 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
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬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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4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 1,632 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 26 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 30 Nov 2025 start from AU$159.30, 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.

Reviews

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 854 out of 1264 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 274 out of 1264 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 85 out of 1264 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1264 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1264 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ceylan

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and easily accessible.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Madeline M

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place was very nice . It was clean spacious .
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Sina, San Francisco

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice place and good price. But definitely not a 4* hotel. This is an old motel or inn that has been upgraded.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gerald

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

10/10 Excellent

Sanjeev

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quite simple and value for money
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was only okay. Breakfast is not great. I will try another place when I return to Palo Alto.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

wayne

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsey

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Joanne

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
The walls were thin and the people next door were very noisy until about 12:30 am. The bed was uncomfortable (room 206). The curtains facing out did not completely close and had small holes in them and were very dirty. Overall I was disappointed by the experience at the Zen Hotel. I expect a comfortable bed, complete privacy with curtains facing public areas, and a room quiet enough to allow for a good night sleep. Staff were very friendly and helpful, room was clean. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dillon James

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

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

Would stay here again

I stayed here for three nights while my dad was having surgery at Stanford and was very pleased with my stay. Everything was clean and comfortable, and the staff was great. The only thing that was a little less than convenient was that my room was on the second floor and there is no elevator. It is more of a motel than a hotel which I was not expecting, but other than that it was perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly. Room was very clean. Free parking and quiet area. Would stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Eric, Aptos

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A clean, comfortable, 3-star hotel right on El Camino Real.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Rowena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

david

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Jeffrey, Silver Spring

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient to Stanford University campus.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! The breakfast was good…the scrambled eggs tasted real and the coffee was good. The housekeeping staff was excellent too…
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael, SAN LUIS OBISPO

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

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

Great place to sleep

It was a nice stay. We got the room with 3 queen beds and it was a great set up for a family with kids. Rooms were very quiet and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

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

10/10 Excellent

TIM

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

8/10 Good

Isaac

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

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

10/10 Excellent

Citlali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025