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

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, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(49 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) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 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) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 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
(89 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 | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(37 reviews)
  • 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 | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(14 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
(44 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
(2 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 | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

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Exterior

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The price is CHF 132
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
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About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and fitness centre
Along with a fitness centre, 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 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.

Recreational amenities at the motel include a fitness centre.

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

The free breakfast at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto gets high marks from our customers. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of San Antonio Shopping Center. Enjoy features like free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking, plus a gym.
  • Free buffet breakfast served daily
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Amenities include free newspapers in reception, a front desk safe and laundry facilities
  • On-site recreation includes a gym
  • Guests really like the accommodation for the comfy beds and cleanliness
  • 5 minutes by car from Stanford University and 13 minutes from San Francisco Bay
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.

Guests are served a free buffet breakfast daily from 6:30 AM to 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 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 at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.

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

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 794 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 245 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 68 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1158 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1158 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

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 traveller
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 traveller
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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 traveller

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

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