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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
Property entrance
Lobby
Exterior
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
The current price is NZ$187
includes taxes & fees
3 Jan - 4 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
  • Place, San Antonio Shopping Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Palo Alto VA Hospital
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, San Andreas Fault Trail
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Jose, CA (SJC-Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.)
    ‪16 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
  • 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
(51 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Dining table
  • 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
  • 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
(102 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Fan
Blackout curtains
Pillow-top bed
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Fridge
Dining table
  • 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)

Highlights

Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Fridge
Dining table
  • 63 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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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 4.1 km (2.5 mi) from Stanford University. Highlights at this Art Deco motel include free buffet breakfast and free self-parking. .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. Each morning free breakfast is served. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 3-property class Green Acres motel include Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford University Medical Center.
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
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Nikola Tesla Statue - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 5 min drive - 2.9 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
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬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. Free self parking is available.

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 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.

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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
  • 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.

  • 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 30 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 3 Jan 2026 start from NZ$186.93, 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 a free self car park.

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

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 874 out of 1297 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 280 out of 1297 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 88 out of 1297 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 28 out of 1297 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 27 out of 1297 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family stays here often with no issues
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Vivian

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
I have stayed in this two bedroom unit before. There is a small sofa missing that was up against the wall under the picture. This room also had a coffee table in front of the two couches. The carpet needs a shampoo as my feet were dirty every night from walking on the carpet. The furniture need to have the cleaned especially the chairs.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was greatoo lol
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Muhammad

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Zhen

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Suzanne

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice, quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

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

10/10 Excellent

Puneeta

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule changes. Room was clean and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The first room we stayed in was room 116, the bed was very comfortable and the bathtub was high the front desk accommodated and got us another room which was 202. Everything was better in that room, but the bed was not as comfortable. we were extremely happy. Raul, one of the front desk people, was extremely helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryan

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

10/10 Excellent

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was wonderful and the gym was fantastic. My only drawback was the laundry setup: the dryer required coins, while the washer had to be paid for with cash at the office. Since I hadn’t brought cash, my plan to do laundry was derailed unless I wanted to go find an ATM. Which I did not. Tip for future guests: bring cash if you plan to use the laundry facilities. 3.50 each.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Beverlee

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

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marjorie

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely, clean and comfortable room, ample free parking, and a hearty and delicious free hot breakfast with a good variety of options! Also loved the balcony overlooking a pretty, peaceful little garden. Would definitely stay here again next time I’m in the area!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mary

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very kind fron office. Convenient water refill station, thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Robin

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

All around a horrible experience

First of all I was given keys to the wrong room. I checked in around 5:45 pm but did not go to the room at that time because I had dinner reservations and did not return until around 10 pm. When I went to my room at 10:00pm, through a very dark alley, I tried to use my key and it wouldn’t work. I kept trying to get in and then a man started banging on the window from inside the room and yelling at me. I went back to the front lobby and the man at the desk couldn’t believe he had made this mistake and tried to blame it on his boss when he was the one who checked me in four hours prior. After about ten minutes I was finally given a new room which was on the 2nd floor when I had specifically asked for a ground floor room when I walked into the new room there was a strong odor snd the room appeared dirty. I ended up leaving and finding somewhere else to stay. I was a woman by myself and did not feel safe staying there.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

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

This is where is stay when I visit Palo Alto

The workout room is really nice. WiFi is strong.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Frank

Travelled with family
Overall, the property is okay for the location and basic need of a place to sleep. However, the front desk staff was not very helpful. Our room wasn’t ready at check-in, and when we asked for a ground-floor unit, we were downgraded to a room with two double beds instead of the two queen beds we had reserved. On the last night of our stay, the smoke detector kept going off with loud beeping every hour. I couldn’t get any sleep, and by the end, I just wanted to leave.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

4/10 Poor

Chen

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Super dirty especially the bathtub.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Evelyn

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

Excellent

Good breakfast and more important parking lot
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christyne

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Simple, clean, friendly staff, comfortable bed, quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025