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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

Surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, this serene outdoor space features a bamboo fence and a natural stone ground.
Enjoy meals in this dining area with several tables and chairs, a mounted TV, and a coffee station.
Relax in a serene outdoor space with a stone pathway, cushioned bench, and potted plants.
Cozy retreat with a neatly made bed and a nightstand featuring a lamp and clock.
Enjoy a comfortable stay in this stylish room with a sofa, chair, and potted plant, offering a view of the city.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

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
(48 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
(88 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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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. 787 out of 1147 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 244 out of 1147 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 66 out of 1147 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 1147 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1147 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

Samantha

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

10/10 Excellent

Michel

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
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

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Amenities
Convient location, close to several good restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isaac, Kerman

Traveled 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 traveler
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

Traveled 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

10/10 Excellent

JaNae

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was great
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donna

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

Convenient and ckean

The room was nice and the staff very nice and attentive. Really nice breakfast!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James

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

It’s a great place to stay!!

This is the second time I have stayed at the Zen Hotel. It is a quick drive to Stanford so I stay here because of convenience, cleanliness and the professionalism and kindness of the people who work there. Thank you for another positive experience!!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Preethi

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Love this place and will continue to stay
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alejandra

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very good
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Brent, Hillsboro

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was clean. Our room was on the end near a pretty busy intersection. Kinda noisy but not aweful. Breakfast was good.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chang, Winnetka

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice quiet place. Big rooms. Old but clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kadriye

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna, Lakeland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Peaceful hotel in a pleasant area close to many things!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

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

Aged but well kept.

Nice hotel that’s a bit aged but is well kept. Basic but comfortable and would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Almina

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

8/10 Good

David

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

10/10 Excellent

Birgit

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean, spacious room, great location for us. The room walls are a little thin but would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Melissa

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The dead brown Christmas wreath still hanging in the lobby during my stay in March is a fitting metaphor for this hotel: previously vibrant and joyful, now neglected and sad
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025