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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
Art Deco motel with free breakfast and fitness centre

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior
Exterior
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
Free daily buffet breakfast
Lobby

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
The current price is NZ$188
includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb

Explore the area

View map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(15 reviews)
  • 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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(52 reviews)
  • 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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 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

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(103 reviews)
  • 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

Deluxe Room, 2 Double Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(40 reviews)
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

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

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(54 reviews)
  • 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)

Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 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)

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 63 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 1,000 reviews
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includes taxes & fees
21 Feb - 22 Feb
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About the area

Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto places you in the heart of Palo Alto, steps from Silicon Valley and 3.6 km (2.2 mi) from Stanford University. Highlights at this Art Deco motel include in-room free WiFi and LCD TVs. .This business-friendly motel offers free WiFi in public areas and a fitness centre, and has a 24-hour front desk. Other amenities include laundry facilities, a garden and barbecues. Free buffet breakfast is available daily between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 3-property class Green Acres motel include Stanford Stadium and Shoreline Amphitheatre.
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • DVBIC Palo Alto - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km

Getting around

  • San Antonio Station - 3 min drive
  • Whisman Station - 8 min drive
  • San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Art Deco motel with free breakfast and fitness centre
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. Parking is available for a fee.

This 3-star Palo Alto motel is smoke free.

  • 37 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 3 buildings
  • Built in 1970
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers 37 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature a safe and coffee/tea makers. Pillowtop beds feature premium bedding. 37-inch LCD televisions come with satellite channels. Fridges and microwaves are provided. 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.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Uncovered parking on site (USD 9.95 per night)
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Uncovered self-parking fee: USD 9.95 per night
  • 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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
    Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

As of 14 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 21 Feb 2026 start from NZ$188.18, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Yep, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto has an uncovered self car park for USD 9.95 per night. A self car park is also available, for a fee.

Is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as laundry facilities, a BBQ and a picnic area, it's no surprise that The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is a hit with families.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto serve breakfast?

You bet, our guests love the free buffet breakfast here! Offered daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, this is the place to fuel up for a day full of adventure.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, only service animals are allowed.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 893 out of 1316 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 275 out of 1316 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 89 out of 1316 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1316 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1316 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kei

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Michella

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leslie

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laddie

Liked: Cleanliness
It was perfect!!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Allison

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast options were terrible. There’s no reason they couldn’t have offered some healthy or less processed food choices.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Peilin, Vancouver

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
the staffs are nice
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Irene

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Delightful staff, excellent breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David, PALO ALTO

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

David, PALO ALTO

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good breakfast. Beds are low to the ground so you don't have to jump up to get in and they are comfortable. Rooms are spacious with a desk, refrigerator, and microwave. Shower is better than average. Walgreens across the street is very handy. Several restaurants nearby.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

CHARLES, PORTLAND

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great space for the two nights! Clean and quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jesse

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

patricia, san francisco

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The Zen is not new or fancy but the price and location are great. My room was very clean and they offer a nice breakfast. It is walking distance to San Antonio center for more dining options or an enormous Safeway.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Samuel

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
Everything was a bit off; key card didn't work (multiple times), sheets clean but worn, the person in the kitchen who hovered, waiting for me to spill something. And, it's a motel
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rudy

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deborah

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Deborah

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Convenient location. Easy check in. Good house keeping.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Alfredo

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roger

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The rooms were super clean and the lady at the front desk was more than perfect. She answered all questions and made the experience perfect
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
We always enjoy our stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safe, clean, comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Yaniv

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
The room was not clean enough as in previous years . Something detorirated in the Zen lately :(
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josephine

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025