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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
Art Deco motel in city center in Palo Alto

Choose dates to view prices

In the heart of Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel offers a serene retreat near Stanford University. Start your day with a breakfast buffet and stay connected with in-room WiFi, or unwind at the gym and explore the garden. With express check-out, luggage storage, helpful multilingual staff have left previous guests feeling at ease.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Non-smoking

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Fitness center
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Garden
  • Front-desk safe
  • Laundry service
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Multilingual staff
  • Picnic area
  • Barbecue grills
  • Free newspapers in the lobby
  • Luggage storage

For families (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping
$69 nightly
The total price is $80
Nov 30 - Dec 1
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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
(15 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
(48 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Dining table
  • 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
(10 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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
(101 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
(39 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 286 sq ft
  • 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, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(52 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Fan
Premium bedding
  • 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
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Dining table
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Dining table
  • 680 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

Similar properties

Exterior
Creekside Inn
  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,621 reviews
$96 nightly
The price is $110
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Total with taxes and fees
Creekside Inn
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About the neighborhood

Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

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 Carlos, CA (SQL) - 18 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 18 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 30 min drive
  • Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 56 min drive
  • California Ave Station - 4 min drive
  • Atherton Station - 11 min drive
  • San Antonio Station - 28 min walk

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

When you stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Stanford University and Silicon Valley. Guests can enjoy the fitness center or take advantage of nearby hiking/biking trails. This Art Deco motel is also within a short drive of Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford University Medical Center. Fellow travelers say great things about the comfortable beds and helpful staff.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 37 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Express check-out available
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free uncovered onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking on site
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–9:30 AM
  • Barbecue grills

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)

What to do

  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Golf lessons nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff

Facilities

  • 3 buildings/towers
  • Built in 1970
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Television in common areas
  • Fitness center
  • Art Deco architecture

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Assistive listening devices available
  • Wheelchair-accessible van parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible fitness center
  • Closed captioned TV
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 37-inch LCD TV
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled) and heating
  • Fan
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Premium bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Desk chair

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Access via exterior corridors

Fee & policy details

Optional extras

  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Cashless transactions are available.

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

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Yes, there's free self parking.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-out and contactless check-out are available.

Is there an onsite casino at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, this motel doesn't have a casino, but Casino M8trix (16-min drive) is nearby.

What is there to do at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like cycling and hiking, and practice your swing on the nearby golf course. Enjoy amenities like a fitness center, a picnic area, and a garden.

What's the area around The Zen Hotel Palo Alto like?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is in Green Acres, a short 1-minute walk from Silicon Valley. Travelers say the area is safe.

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Reviews

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

6.0

Location

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Eco-friendliness

8.8

Property conditions & facilities

What guests liked

  • Breakfast was consistently described as great, good, hearty, delicious, and phenomenal with a variety of hot and cold options. (135 reviews)
  • Convenient and safe parking was available, often right in front of the room. (13 reviews)
  • The gym was modern, spotless, and well-equipped, providing a great space for a quiet and effective workout. (5 reviews)
AI Sparkle IconFrom real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Bed
Location
Parking
Value
Bathroom
Coffee
Breakfast

Reviews

8/10 Very good

Delightful staff, excellent breakfast.
Irene, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Staff was friendly. Rooms clean and updated. Conveniently located
Genice, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Great space for the two nights! Clean and quiet
Michael, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Safe, clean, comfortable!
Jennifer, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

All great
Robert, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Convenient location. Easy check in. Good house keeping.
Deborah, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay.
Citlali, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Simple, clean, friendly staff, comfortable bed, quiet.
Christyne, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice landscaping
Michelle, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing staff very comfortable beds and pillows. Very clean room phenomenal showers very easy to find the hotel and a phenomenal breakfast in the morning. I would definitely recommend.
Sarah, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It was very nice. The staff were very helpful. I would recommend the hotel.
Leticia, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

parking was good, room nice and big and quiet. Wifi was spotty at times. Breakfast was ok.
Catherine, 3-night trip

6/10 Good

Motel not a hotel

The stay provided the basic amenities I look for during a quick business trip. The property is sparse, but serviceable.
Rysa, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Clean. Felt safe
Anna, 7-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

cute spot

Great spot, clean, friendly good breakfast!
Tawny, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Room was a nice size and comfortable. It would be nice to have a waste basket near the vanity sink.
Erlinda, 3-night trip

6/10 Good

Breakfast options were terrible. There’s no reason they couldn’t have offered some healthy or less processed food choices.
Allison, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A great place to stay.
Roxanne, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

This is where is stay when I visit Palo Alto

The workout room is really nice. WiFi is strong.
Kelly, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Everything was on point, for the most part. Some of the warm food was cold/ old. Overall, better than expected.
Troy, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A clean, comfortable, 3-star hotel right on El Camino Real.
Eric, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly staff, nice clean room and good breakfast.
Yan, 1-night trip

8/10 Very good

Convenient to Stanford University campus.
Jeffrey, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent

Good breakfast and more important parking lot
Evelyn, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Staff were friendly. Room was very clean. Free parking and quiet area. Would stay again!
Kaya, 1-night trip