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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a 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 | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 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
(50 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
(3 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
(10 reviews)
  • 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
(102 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
(39 reviews)
  • 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 | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(53 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
(6 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
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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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're just a quick walk from Silicon Valley. 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 cleanliness and comfy beds
  • Steps from Silicon Valley and 5 minutes by car from Stanford University
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.

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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. 865 out of 1282 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 278 out of 1282 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 1282 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1282 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1282 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Klaus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly, helpful staff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Duane B

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

10/10 Excellent

Katharine, Sacramento

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice little hotel, pleasant staff and decent free breakfast. We were able to walk to a place for dinner, which was a bonus.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tamami

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a very clean and comfortable room. The check-in process was smooth, and access to the parking was easy. The bed was comfortable, and I was able to sleep soundly.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thiago

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Juan, Citrus Heights

It’s nice but their WiFi is unreliable and very slow
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gail

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The air conditioner was a bit noisy but effective. Staff very friendly. Will return for sure, quiet atmosphere.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a really nice stay. The pillows are so comfortable, the staff very nice and hospitable. It’s clean, it’s quaint. I slept like a baby. The breakfast is really nice you can tell the staff cares a lot. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
There were many broken toilets outside our window. Yuck
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

LinhKieu

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and breakfast was very good
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tawny

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

cute spot

Great spot, clean, friendly good breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Buzz, sonora

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasantly surprised by this well kept. And well attended to hotel. Highly recommend for a short stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

NATHAN

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

10/10 Excellent

Chuanwen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staffs, free parking inside complex, not modernized but it is indeed clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bladimir

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amparo

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was like a suite…so clean, breakfast is great…not just cold continental…smaller private property…convenient location close to Stanford Clinics …favorite place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

April

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, clean hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Marcos

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

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