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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Choose dates to view prices

The Zen Hotel offers a peaceful stay near Stanford University in Palo Alto. Guests enjoy in-room WiFi, an on-site gym, and a garden. Multilingual staff assist with luggage storage and other needs, creating a relaxed atmosphere appreciated by previous visitors.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$156
includes taxes & fees
14 Dec - 15 Dec

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

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
(49 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
(101 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
(39 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
(53 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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Exterior

Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto

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  • Pet-friendly
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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 254 reviews
The price is AU$348
includes taxes & fees
24 Dec - 25 Dec
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About the area

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

What's nearby

  • Mitchell Park Dog Park - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • San Antonio Shopping Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • DVBIC Palo Alto - 4 min drive - 2.6 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
  • ‪4290 Bistro - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪Holy Sushi - ‬12 min walk

About this property

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Motel near Stanford University
A free breakfast buffet, a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services are just a few of the amenities provided at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto. Free in-room WiFi and a gym are available to all guests.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Express check-out, smoke-free property and multilingual staff
  • A 24-hour front desk, free newspapers and a front desk safe
  • Guest reviews give top marks for the breakfast, helpful staff and location
Room features
All guest rooms at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto feature comforts, such as premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to thoughtful touches, such as air conditioning and bathrobes. Guest reviews speak positively of the cleanliness rooms at the property.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Heating and fans
  • Bathrooms with free toiletries and hairdryers
  • 37-inch HDTVs with satellite channels
  • Fridges, microwaves and coffee/tea makers

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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
  • 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

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

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 any lifts

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

Is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

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

As of 5 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 14 Dec 2025 start from AU$156.01, 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.

How much is parking at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).

What time is check-out at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

Checkout is at 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Where is The Zen Hotel Palo Alto located?

Located in Green Acres, this motel is steps from Silicon Valley and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Stanford University. San Antonio Shopping Center and San Andreas Fault Trail are also within 2 miles (3 km). San Antonio Station is 28 minutes by foot.

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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 859 out of 1273 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 277 out of 1273 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 86 out of 1273 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1273 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 25 out of 1273 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

Jill

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice hotel with comfortable bed!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Coach

Liked: Amenities
Great hotel. Amazing breakfast spread and super helpful and friendly staff. Stay here everytime we are in town for games
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anaisa

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

10/10 Excellent

Isaac

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent staff and clean property. Room was clean and well stocked
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Always very clean and quiet!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Leslie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I like the Zen. It checks all the boxes for me.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Traci

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Breakfast menu is fresh!! Tastes good maybe two meat items would be great!! Or alternate between the days for choices of meat like the room service.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
I absolutely love this place! Great customer service, very clean, nice and quiet, and an amazing breakfast with so many choices!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Laura

The staff and breakfast (with hot items) are both good. The facility is somewhat dated.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laddie

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

10/10 Excellent

Lalaina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in, accessible parking, nice staff, clean and safe area.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel Alexander

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked it a lot
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Peilin

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

8/10 Good

patricia

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

10/10 Excellent

Roger

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

Citlali

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Estel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was extremely cordial and friendly. Comfortable bed. Nice breakfast options. I would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Staff
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Virginia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very safe parking area 24 hours service at the front desk Clean rooms every day
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

LinhKieu

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and breakfast was very good
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms were spacious and very clean. Parking was accessible and front desk check in and out fast. Location close to Shoreline. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good job
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Ronald

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in and out. Large room with all the amenities for an extended stay, cook top, microwave, refrigerator, etc. Staff were friendly and helpful. I’d stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
PaloAlto is beautiful cleanest city i have ever seen. The hotel Zen is very clean and has a couch and dining chairs and table in room!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay at the Zen hotel. Comfortable beds and clean rooms. Great staff. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025