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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

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Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk
Exterior
Property entrance
Lobby

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

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 | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • 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) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 693 sq ft
  • 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) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 680 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(89 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • 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 | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(37 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(44 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • 532 sq ft
  • 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 | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(8 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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Exterior

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About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3-star motel in Green Acres
Along with a fitness center, this smoke-free motel has dry cleaning and laundry facilities. Free buffet breakfast, free WiFi in public areas, and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a 24-hour front desk, express check-out, and free newspapers are onsite.
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers 37 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and safes. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Palo Alto motel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and fans. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Art Deco motel also offers a fitness center, barbecue grills, and multilingual staff. Complimentary uncovered self parking is available on site.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is a smoke-free property.

A complimentary buffet breakfast is served each morning between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • 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 available
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

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Children up to the age of 12 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

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

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 795 out of 1161 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 247 out of 1161 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 68 out of 1161 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1161 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1161 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

Ortencia, Hanford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Check in clerk was friendly and stay was comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Sihem

Nice stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice room and good value with free parking and breakfast. Much nicer than others of comparable price.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Lisa

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Courteous helpful staff, clean rooms, decent above average breakfast and easy
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Hector

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

Nice place to stay

We were there for a night because of a hospital visit, Stanford Medical. It was quiet, and clean. They offered a free breakfast but we weren't able to have, because of the no eating before the appointment. But it did look good. We will stay here again
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Christopher

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

Great Staff!

This hotel is very charming, though I did encounter a few minor issues. The Wi-Fi connection was a bit unreliable, frequently cutting in and out. The mattress had a noticeable dip in the center, which affected comfort. The complimentary breakfast is quite minimal, but it's a nice bonus nonetheless. The staff—including the front desk, housekeeping, and breakfast attendant—were all exceptionally friendly. Given the reasonable price, I would choose to stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

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

Hidden Gem in Palo Alto

I have stayed at this property multiple times while in Palo Alto, and keep coming back b/c it is a clean, quiet, and lovely property. My only complaint with this visit - the room I was given this time seemed to have an extremely soft bed - which I personally do not find comfortable. I am not sure if this is a newer soft mattress, or an older worn-out one... but I would ask for a different room just in case. I will certainly be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Place was nice and the staff was nice and helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

xia

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Thomas, Berkeley

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Will not be returning
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fernando

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was pleasantly surprise their continental breakfast was amazing: eggs, tater tots, sausage, bacon, waffles, bagels, oatmeal, coffee, juice, etc... awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Johnny, West Covina

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
They gave us a large room with living room, which was nice. Hotel is kept clean but is showing its age. Breakfast service was horrible. I showed up just before 9 for service that is supposed to last until 9:30, there was 1 sausage left. I asked for more and they said it was being prepared. Nothing by 9:20, then they said it was the end of service and there wouldn't be any more. The self serve trays were so small they only held enough for 2-3 people to serve themselves before they were empty. Unless you plan to show up really early and wait to get food, don't bother with the free breakfast. I don't know how it has such high average reviews.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Hnin Kay

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

10/10 Excellent

Anton

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The rooms were worn out and old
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This appears to be a rehabbed motel. It is clean, perhaps a bit tired, but quiet, comfortable, met every requirement I had and was the best deal in the area. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
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

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