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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Stanford University
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Stanford University Medical Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪18 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

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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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
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. 728 out of 1057 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 223 out of 1057 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 59 out of 1057 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 22 out of 1057 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1057 reviews

9.2/10

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

Dion

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet and clean easy to get around to the places we had to go
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

David

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location. As someone who was born and raised long ago in Palo Alto, I was excited to be back in my old neighborhood. It was great to be able to run from the hotel to my old high school (Gunn) and up into Los Altos Hills, where I used to do training runs. My room was not cleaned after the first night, but after I complained it was cleaned and refreshed well the next day. The small fitness center could use an upgrade, for example with towels and more exercise mats being provided.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Christopher

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Betty

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Enrike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a great first impression. I would love to stay there again on my next travel to the area.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ravindran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A well maintained property with WiFi, parking and good breakfast. There is a Walgreens across the street.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Revathi

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

RICK

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Nghi

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Misael

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

10/10 Excellent

Jackie

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

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The staff at the Zen are very nice people! I would stay again!
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

catalina

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Tttt
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very nice place to stay!
Nice place to stay for a quick trip. Free breakfast and parking are a good perk.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

raymond

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean safe and easy to get around.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

April

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and nice service but pretty noisy.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Donald

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
property was older but clean and in area that was convenient for us.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peggy

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Even though this is an older property, they have updated it and it's very nice. It's no Marriott or Hilton but the price is right And it's close to Stanford which is where we need to be.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Christopher

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location is conveniently located to restaurants. Nice area to take a walk, property is nice & cozy looking.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Clean and updated motel very close to Stanford.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Susan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lot of special touches: so many small hotel rooms have no place to put things down (not true here); or the drawers are tiny (these are spatious). Outside temps were chilly; the wall heater is very effective. The lights have dimmers--and there is an unusual small spotlight for anyone who likes to read in bed. More than expected in several ways. The only drawback: like every "free breakfast" these days, more choices without sugar should be included.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024