Travelers start their day with a hearty breakfast buffet before taking advantage of express check-out for a smooth departure from this Palo Alto retreat
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.
Located in Green Acres, a neighbourhood in Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is near theme parks. Shoppers can check out Santana Row Shopping Center, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Stanford Stadium or Levi's Stadium. Practise your golf swing with lessons and a golf course nearby, or enjoy other activities in the great outdoors, such as hiking/biking trails. Visit our Palo Alto travel guide
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
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:
Self-parking (surcharge), express check-out and luggage storage
Free newspapers, a front desk safe and a TV in reception
Barbecues, a 24-hour front desk and multilingual staff
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.
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
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)
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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 6 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 7 Mar 2026 start from AU$205, 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 available for USD 9.95 per night.
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 2.2 mi (3.6 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.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
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Reviews
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Excellent value for the price. It felt safe, staff was very friendly, it looked and felt extremely clean, parking was fine, it was quiet and we all slept surprisingly well. Breakfast was adequate.
It's and old refurbished motel. Very nice. Great bed and pillows. Good breakfast. I was attending a funeral at Alta Mesa Cemetery, very convenient 5 minute drive to the Cemetery.
It is a motel, would recommend anyway.
William
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ashley
16 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Always very clean and quiet!
Ashley
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mary
25 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
I absolutely love this place! Great customer service, very clean, nice and quiet, and an amazing breakfast with so many choices!