See all properties

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

2.5 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Lobby
Exterior
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

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

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

Similar properties

Property entrance

Creekside Inn

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, (1372)
The price is $132
per night
includes taxes & fees
Mar 8 - Mar 9
Creekside Inn

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. 713 out of 1035 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 215 out of 1035 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 61 out of 1035 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 21 out of 1035 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1035 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

Stephen

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

8/10 Good

James

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Palao visit
It’s a small hotel, but nice.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice little motor lodge. Very kind staff!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Mijke

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Traci

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

John

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I needed a 12 or one late checkout. Was told 11.30 after which I would be billed. Not cool. I have stayed here many times. Room was also far from the registration with stairs. Doubtful I will stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Jingqiu

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I appreciate the minimalist decor, and the communicative, responsive staff.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

8/10 Good

Christina

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

10/10 Excellent

Disha

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert

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

6/10 Okay

Edward

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Clean, adequate place to stay for a night for two
This appears to be a renovated hotel. The doors were not properly aligned so there were big gaps at places. Fortunately, it was a warm day so no cold to seep into the room. The breakfast was good and the place overall was quiet. The bathroom was tiny. The bed was comfortable and the tv channels had good selections. There was a Walgrens right across the street which was helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Diana

Business traveler, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Attractive Asian aesthetic. Very clean and well maintained. Staff was very friendly and accommodating to our special needs.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quite and reasonable price
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

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