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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

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Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
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.

Popular amenities

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

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
The current price is $161
includes taxes & fees
$139 per night
May 2 - May 3

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
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)

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)

Highlights

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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
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

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
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

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

Highlights

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

Similar properties

Exterior

Creekside Inn

  • Pool
  • Free breakfast
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,427 reviews
The price is $120
includes taxes & fees
$104 per night
May 2 - May 3
Creekside Inn
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About the neighborhood

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

What's nearby

  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 5 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Stanford University - 5 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Stanford Shopping Center - 6 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Stanford Stadium - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 9 min drive - 7.0 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
  • Menlo Park Station - 9 min drive
  • San Antonio Station - 28 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪State Of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪La Salsa - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Hobee's - ‬6 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 Googleplex. 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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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

  • IPod docking station
  • 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

Fees & policies

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 puts you in Green Acres, in the heart of Palo Alto. Popular attractions include Stanford University, which is 5 minutes away by car. Travelers say the area is safe.

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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Bed
Location
Parking
Value
Coffee
Breakfast
Bathroom

What guests liked

  • Breakfast options were delicious and plentiful with a variety of choices. (107 reviews)
  • The property is conveniently located near many restaurants with a variety of dining options. (6 reviews)
  • Convenient and safe parking was available, often right in front of the room. (10 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Great place!

Great place to stay. It was clean and comfortable and had a good breakfast.
Amy, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Brief stay but it was perfect for our needs
Krista, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Convenient and ckean

The room was nice and the staff very nice and attentive. Really nice breakfast!
Donna, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

It was great
Robert, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Aged but well kept.

Nice hotel that’s a bit aged but is well kept. Basic but comfortable and would stay again.
Michael, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!!
James, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fast and easy check in 👍
Dennis, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice Little Hotel!

I got a good night’s sleep, the room was clean, comfortable, and quiet. Breakfast was good. Thanks!
Noah, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Our favorite place to come when we’re in the area
Oriana, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing experience!!

Amazing experience!! Friendly staff, great housekeeping, great breakfast, and an excellent location.
Nahla, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Very nice place to stay!

Nice place to stay for a quick trip. Free breakfast and parking are a good perk.
Karen, 1-night trip

4/10 Fair

The rooms were worn out and old
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great location! Many walkable places in a great neighborhood. Will visit again!
Kelley, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Good motel
Onur, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nicely remodeled clean and quiet. Very nice hotel for the price.
Kethsana, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Well located and spacious

Clean hotel in convenient location. Great breakfast! Family suite very spacious.
Brendan, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Family weekend

It met my expectations
Peggy, 3-night trip

8/10 Very good

Good stay.. . But

Overall good stay. Great value for your money. Even though bed was hard and the pillows were too soft. Great that there was breakfast. Very comfortable and quiet. Great location.
Jennifer, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent place!
John, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The Zen Hotel stands out as a very pleasant place to stay. We particularly liked the esthetic touches, large quiet rooms and breakfast.
Esther, 5-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Nice setting, friendly staff, clean comfortable room
Susan, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Comfortable and clean

This property is a clean, comfortable and economical place to stay. I have stayed here 3 times.
Kelly, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great location, comfortable bed, and quiet.
kyle, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Quiet and clean easy to get around to the places we had to go
Dion, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

The staff at the Zen are very nice people! I would stay again!
Dorothy, 9-night trip