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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
Art Deco motel in city center in Palo Alto

Choose dates to view prices

In the heart of Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel offers a serene retreat near Stanford University. Start your day with a breakfast buffet and stay connected with in-room WiFi, or unwind at the gym and explore the garden. With express check-out, luggage storage, helpful multilingual staff have left previous guests feeling at ease.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry facilities
  • 24/7 front desk

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Fitness center
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Garden
  • Front-desk safe
  • Laundry service
  • Self-serve laundry
  • Multilingual staff
  • Picnic area
  • Barbecue grills
  • Free newspapers in the lobby
  • Luggage storage

For families (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Daily housekeeping
$89 nightly
The total price is $103
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(17 reviews)
  • 280 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(56 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 532 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(11 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(111 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(45 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(58 reviews)
  • 306 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 693 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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)

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(5 reviews)
  • 680 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds
  • Free WiFi

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  • Pet friendly
  • Free parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Connecting rooms available
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, 302 reviews
$102 nightly
The price is $118
Jul 3 - Jul 4
Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • San Andreas Fault Trail - 3 min drive - 2.5 km
  • The Labyrinth At Grace - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Nikola Tesla Statue - 4 min drive - 2.9 km

Getting around

  • San Carlos, CA (SQL) - 18 min drive
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 18 min drive
  • San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 30 min drive
  • Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 56 min drive
  • California Ave Station - 4 min drive
  • Atherton Station - 11 min drive
  • San Antonio Station - 28 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Yutori - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Junbi - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Hong Kong Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪State of Mind Slice House - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

  • The Zen Hotel Palo Alto puts you within a 10-minute drive of Stanford University and Stanford Stadium. Guests can enjoy the fitness center or take advantage of nearby hiking/biking trails. This Art Deco motel is also within a short drive of Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford University Medical Center. Fellow travelers say great things about the comfortable beds and helpful staff.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 37 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
    • Express check-out available
    • Early check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • No onsite parking
DONE

Other information

    • Smoke-free property

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–9:30 AM
  • Barbecue grills

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)

What to do

  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Golf lessons nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff

Facilities

  • 3 buildings/towers
  • Built in 1970
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Television in common areas
  • Fitness center
  • Art Deco architecture

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Assistive listening devices available
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible fitness center
  • Closed captioned TV
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 37-inch LCD TV
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled) and heating
  • Fan
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Iron/ironing board

Sleep well

  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Premium bedding
  • Pillowtop mattress

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi
  • Desk chair

Food and drink

  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Access via exterior corridors

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher on site.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Cashless transactions are available.

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

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Are pets allowed at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Sorry, there's no onsite parking at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto.

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-out and contactless check-out are available.

Is there an onsite casino at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

No, this motel doesn't have a casino, but Casino M8trix (16-min drive) is nearby.

What is there to do at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto and nearby?

Have fun with nearby activities like cycling and hiking, and practice your swing on the nearby golf course. Enjoy amenities like a fitness center, a picnic area, and a garden.

What's the area around The Zen Hotel Palo Alto like?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto puts you in Green Acres, in the heart of Palo Alto. Popular attractions include Stanford University, which is 4 minutes away by car. Travelers say the area is safe.

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Reviews

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

8.6

Amenities

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • Breakfast options were excellent, with a full hot buffet and a variety of protein and fruit available. (168 reviews)
  • The gym was modern, spotless, and well-equipped, providing a great space for a quiet and effective workout. (5 reviews)
  • Strong and reliable WiFi was available for guests. (3 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.

Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Bed
Location
Parking
Value
Coffee
Breakfast
Bathroom

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We'll be staying here during future trips to the area: friendly staff, clean rooms, great showers.
Kellie, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Nice hotel in Stanford / Palo Alto. Clean, big space, quiet, safe, walking distances to restaurants, excellent customer service. Excellent stay.
Irene, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The menu was good, filling and plentiful. Parking felt safe however could benefit from more spaces to park.
Yvette, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Moderately priced. Simple and clean. Staff were pleasant and helpful. Breakfast was fresh and nutritional
Russell, 4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay. Well maintained property. Front desk staff was pleasant, polite and profitable. Only demerit would be the newly enforced parking fee which will foster me looking elsewhere.
Juan, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Clean room, staff was friendly and professional.
Ana, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

The room was very clean and comfortable
Cindy, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Courteous staff greeted us. Clean spacious and well appointed room awaited us. And a full hot breakfast buffet every morning filled us.
Michael, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Spotless room, wonderful staff, nice breakfast, and great location.
Karen, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Room was clean and staff was great
Reesa, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great staff and the feeling that I was at home with the other guests.
Diane, 4-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

it more like a motel set up. we appreciate the closeness to the bus station which was just next to the hotel.
Xuanloi, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

We've stayed at the Zen several times when visiting our son at Stanford. I like the excellent hot breakfast, close proximity of Walgreens across the street, and good parking. Property is older but they take pride in the little things and great value. Will definitely stay here again.
Stephanie, 2-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Clean room with really clean towels and bed sheets!!!
Lana, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

This is a very small, neat and modern hotel in a good location. Our room was clean and attractive.
Carol, 2-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Room was clean and spacious. Very convenient location. Parking was full and could use more spaces. But overall, very nice and breakfast was adequate.
Nghi, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Perfectly clean room, great breakfast, an awesome find
Katie, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Great breakfast!
Bryndyn, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

I love staying here, the beds and pillows are so comfy and the rooms are very clean.
Olivia, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Unpretentious motel, but a wonderful choice! Clean room with every important amenity, including an easy to use shower with a grab bar and non-slip surface (rare!). Excellent hot breakfast included, great location.
Judith, 6-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

I recently stayed here for a weekend trip. The location is unbeatable. The staff were incredibly friendly and efficient, making check-in a breeze. The room was spacious and spotless. The breakfast buffet offered a huge variety of options. Highly recommended.
Regina, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Clean room and good amenities, especially the breakfast!
Alena, 3-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Very friendly staff! Clean.
Jill, 1-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

Quick check-in. Clean room. Nice bathroom. Friendly staff. Comfortable bed. Good breakfast. Convenient parking.
Daniel, 1-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Room was great, plenty of room & the breakfast was very good & tasty
ALFRED, 1-night trip