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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk
The current price is AU$174
includes taxes & fees
24 Oct - 25 Oct

Explore the area

View map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Stanford University
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪17 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
(14 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
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
(47 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
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
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
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
(100 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
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
(39 reviews)

Highlights

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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
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, within a 5-minute walk of 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

  • 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
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 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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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 17 Oct 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 24 Oct 2025 start from AU$174.25, 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. 832 out of 1219 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 257 out of 1219 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 77 out of 1219 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 1219 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1219 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

4/10 Poor

Jaclyn

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kadidia

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

Would definitely stay again

Let me start off by saying that staff at checkin in was wonderful and wonderfully quick. My room is way big and clean. Especially in the middle of Palo Alto this is a deal you can't beat. Even though located on a major street, it was very quiet. The fitness center is adequate and the free breakfast about what you'd expect, but they actually have hot oatmeal, eggs, and sausages! Overall the place has a theme on the outside. They didn't quite translate that to the inside though they tried. But a motel is a motel is a motel. The Zen garden truly is very cute but also immediately on a major intersection, with no fencing or wall shiedling it a bit so during the day it's not super Zen. But I would come here again.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Metzli

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

10/10 Excellent

Angel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bernard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I was here because of my wife’s surgery at Stanford. It wasn’t too far. I was not able to check in at 3 and they said the lobby will be open 24 hours so my check in was 11pm and they didn’t give my room away. Ok complimentary breakfast nothing special. Room was clean and the bed was comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bobbi

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I love this hotel. It's clean, very clean and so affordable. We have stayed twice while having appointments at Stanford and it's not very far from Stanford Medical Center.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff, nice clean room and good breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frank

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

4/10 Poor

Ryan

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was REALLY disappointed in the Zen Motel. The photos on the website are extremely misleading as they are of the office or extreme close ups. This is an old Motel with run down rooms, no elevators, and the proverbial weirdos walking around your door all night (because it is NOT an enclosed hotel but rather the truck stop motel style). The other reason I chose the Zen Motel is that they advertised free breakfast. However when my family went to eat, the staff picked everything up early so we had to go buy breakfast anyway. Terrible place and I’m not quite sure why they have decent reviews. I was let down.
Average bedroom (our had a clogged bath tub)
Unsafe motel where anyone can access your door.
Not exactly as luxurious as advertised
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tomo

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Since it was very reasonable price, we didn't expect that much, but the hotel was very clean, cozy and room was pretty large for 2 people. We liked Zen Hotel very much! We want to come back again. Thank you so much! (4 stars for Area around the property is because our room faced to the street, so we could hear traffic - but when we closed windows, it was pretty quiet.)
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meegan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a very cute and quiet hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randolph, Arcata

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property very close to Stanford University, which made it convenient for my purposes. Very clean, very well cared for and comfortable bedding
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Travelled with family
Unique & quaint
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ana L.

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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

8/10 Good

Cameran

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Uma

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Uma

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

kae hong

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

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Justin

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

German

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pristine, affordable, and well located.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lyn

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Robert

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Convenient location. Helpful staff. I stayed for 18 days. A major reason was having a washing machine on the premises. The washing machine has been broken for quite some time. It is obvious they do not plan on fixing it. This should be updated in the hotel listing. It is a big inconvenience and unpleasant experience to have to walk to the run down public laundry facility 3/4 mile away.
Stayed 18 nights in Jun 2025