The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

2.5 star property

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Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Lobby
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk
Exterior
Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds) | Premium bedding, pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk
Exterior

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Breakfast included
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Palo Alto, CA (PAO-Santa Clara County)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

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

  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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

  • 693 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

  • 680 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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

  • 240 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

  • 532 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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
  • Smoke-free property

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
This property accepts credit cards and cash
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. 711 out of 1030 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 214 out of 1030 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 59 out of 1030 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 20 out of 1030 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1030 reviews

9.2/10

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

Walter

Business traveler
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Very clean……included all necessary conveniences….everything worked…..breakfast was better than most….pleasant and helpful staff…..excellent value
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jarold

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great overnight option as we were getting treatment at Stanford hospital. Nice check in, clean, comfortable beds. Walgreens across the street is convenient. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Benjamin

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place. Good breakfast and area options
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Gayle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I liked that The Zen is a small motel. While there were 4 pillows (and I forgot mine so I was relieved) the pillows were VERY soft and “smooshie.” So 4 pillows actually felt like 1.5 at best. Also, it seemed there was only a sheet that I could pull over me while sleeping.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

kyle, Holly Springs

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, comfortable bed, and quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was quiet, peaceful, clean, and the staff were very friendly. The hot breakfasts were good.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chang, Winnetka

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Super nice location
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Kimberly

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Location is on a very busy, noisy street. Lots of noise, even in the “quietest” room. Also a little sketchy overall. Do not recommend if you want to be able to sleep.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marcus

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

2/10 Terrible

christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing stay
Our stay was just what we needed: a clean, quiet, spacious room with a mini-frig and micrwave. The Zen was in a quiet area but near major streets. The included breakfast was a notch above the norm. We would easily stay here again if back in this area.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Traci

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth, Boulder

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nothing fancy but great value for the money
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Imed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great facility
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Onkeo S

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Onkeo S

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Irma D

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krishna

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Alexander

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Would stay here again!
Great location. Room was quiet. Beds and pillows were very comfortable. Very nice staff. Easy parking.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024