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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

Lobby
Exterior
Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds) | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk
Exterior
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

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, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

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

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 63 sq m
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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

  • 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

  • 27 sq m
  • 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, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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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'll be within walking distance of San Antonio Shopping Center. 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 comfy beds and cleanliness
  • 5 minutes by car from Stanford University and 13 minutes from San Francisco Bay
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.

Languages

English, French, Spanish

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

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. 770 out of 1119 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 234 out of 1119 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 65 out of 1119 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 25 out of 1119 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1119 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fast and easy check in 👍
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kodi

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

10/10 Excellent

Jack

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charly

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We liked the close proximity to many restaurants. The room was dated but clean, bed comfortable. We would recommend for the price point
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good stay
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melissa

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

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krista

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Brief stay but it was perfect for our needs
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ruth

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Terrible hotel, loud and cracks in door
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very accomdating and personable staff. We upgraded last minute when we added another person and wanted to get the suite. Clean, functional place. Good breakfast options including, waffles, sauges, tater tots, yogurt, fruit,... no eggs due to the current shortage is understandable. We’ll be back if we need a place in the area.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

edgar

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet and clean
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Faye

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great motel. very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Ian

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Good location, reasonable accommodations and price

Stayed for 6 nights, booked well in advance. We ended up in handicap accessible room. Room okay, but being 6'1" I find bending over to look into bathroom mirror annoying. And the shower annoying as water goes everywhere. Would have been nice to have the option for this room, rather than it be automatically assigned.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Linda

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

8/10 Good

Susana

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient, in a good price range, quiet and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peggy

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

Family weekend

It met my expectations
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
When I need to go to UCSF or Stanford, I always stay here at the Zwn Hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nahla

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

Amazing experience!!

Amazing experience!! Friendly staff, great housekeeping, great breakfast, and an excellent location.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Sarah

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great price, huge room, terrible ant problem.

Needed a room that could sleep 3 adults, 3 kids for a mother son outing and this popped up. It was the perfect size and very cute, especially the little back area with the most beautifully relaxing secret garden. The price was more than reasonable and we felt like we got more than we paid for in the size of the room. Ok, now for the draw backs. There were only 2 and they are easy to overlook due to the size of the room and the price. 1- there was an ant issue. They were in our tub, all over our kitchen sink, in the window seals. We had ants crawling on us and it was rough. 2 - there was no extra bedding in the closet for the couch pull out so I called the front desk and they kept telling me it was there and I needed to look harder. Multiple times wouldn’t believe me that I looked. Not sure why they’d question me and not just bring it. Again, not big deals and all in all, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cathleen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025