The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Property class: 3

Choose dates to view prices

You can look forward to a free breakfast buffet, a garden and dry cleaning/laundry services at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto. In addition to a gym, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is £84
includes taxes & fees
24 Oct - 25 Oct

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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

A hotel room with a neatly made bed, a bedside lamp, a clock, and an exit sign on the wall.

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(63 reviews)
  • 286 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

A hotel room with a large bed, a headboard, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, and a framed picture on the wall.

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

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

A hotel room with a bed, two wall-mounted lamps, a framed picture of a waterfall, and a framed picture of a hat.

Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking

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

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a bathroom.

Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(126 reviews)
  • 240 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, and a chair.

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

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

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

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a window with curtains.

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

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

View all photos for Suite, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave (2 Queen Beds)

A hotel room with two beds, a desk with a chair, a television, and a plant.

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

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 693 sq ft
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

View all photos for Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

A hotel room with two beds, each with white linens and red accents, a bedside table with a remote control, and a window with curtains.

Suite, Non Smoking, Kitchen (3 Queen Beds)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • 680 sq ft
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Queen Beds

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About the area

Located in Green Acres, a neighbourhood in Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is near theme parks. Westfield Valley Fair Shopping Mall and Santana Row Shopping Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Levi's Stadium or PayPal Park. 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
View more Motels in Palo Alto
Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

What's nearby

  • A circular building complex surrounded by a cityscape with a sunset in the background.
    Silicon Valley
    1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • A desert landscape with sparse vegetation, a few houses, and snow-capped mountains in the background.
    San Antonio Shopping Center
    3 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • A historic building with arches and a tower, surrounded by palm trees and greenery.
    Stanford University
    5 min drive - 2.5 miles
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park
    20 min walk - 1.1 miles
  • The Labyrinth At Grace
    3 min drive - 1.4 miles

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
  • Yutori
    19 min walk
  • Shake Shack
    3 min drive
  • State of Mind Slice House
    12 min walk
  • Hong Kong Restaurant
    15 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:
    • Express check-out, free newspapers and a front desk safe
    • Smoke-free property, barbecues and a TV in reception
    • A 24-hour front desk, luggage storage 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.
  • 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

  • No on-site 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 registration desk

More

  • 2 floors
  • 3 buildings
  • Art Deco architecture
  • Built in 1970
  • Smoking not allowed

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 at the property

  • American Express
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

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 20 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 24 Oct 2026 start from £84, 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?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto doesn't offer parking.

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

9.4

Cleanliness

8.8

Amenities

9.2

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 976 out of 1481 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 330 out of 1481 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 108 out of 1481 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 36 out of 1481 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 31 out of 1481 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Good place to stay for a night!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place has been super clean and close to resturants.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Simple but perfect hotel. The room was large, clean, and had more than we even realized! The breakfast buffet was perfect. Very affordable for what we received! We had a great stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was very clean and the staff was excellent
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel and room were very clean and accommodating. The hotel offered nice decor and aesthetics and it was conveniently located in a nice area surrounded by stores and restaurants.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location for travel to Stanford Medical; many interesting restaurants within 10 minute drive; excellent front desk service!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good breakfast, helpful staff, clean rooms.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
lovely, convent location.. a little pricey though
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice staff and very clean!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was my second stay at the Zen Hotel. It is conveniently located, the rooms are comfortable and clean, and the staff is welcoming and helpful. The breakfast is excellent, and the complimentary parking is a wonderful convenience. I will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the breakfast buffet!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a perfectly nice, no-frills hotel. The room and bathroom was clean and the bed was comfortable. The staff was pleasant and helpful in finding us a secure place to park our bicycles overnight. The breakfast, however, was sub-par. The eggs and potatoes were inedible and the oatmeal was watery. I wouldn't stay here if breakfast being included was a big motivation, but if you just want a nice room, you will enjoy your stay.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good A/C, Clean room, Nice hot breakfast items and quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very nice stay at The Zen. Location was convenient to shopping and eateries, and Stanford. Since it’s close to a busy road, we did hear vehicles noise in the early morning, but not too bad. Overall, a very nice stay and would return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room was very clean, staff was friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Has everything you need for a comfortable stay at the right price.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
it was a very pleasant stay and the staffs were helpful
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice hotel with good amenities and breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were pleased with the cleanliness of the place, friendliness of the staff at check-in, and the complimentary breakfast. We were disappointed that our room had no "zen" patio, that it had a full-size bed not a queen as booked, and it was property was like an upscale Motel 6.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This is a modest yet comfortable place to stay in a very expensive area. For us, the location is excellent because we were able to easily walk to my sisters house a few blocks away. I’m very glad that they discontinued charging for parking. We stay here several times a year and the staff has always been polite and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was able to do super early check in, really nice staff and friedly, Thanks.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location, large rooms, unusual closet location, nice full kitchen. my wife's hand got sucked into the jacuzzi tubs inlet, be careful. excellent breakfast choices.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Nice room but quite small. Very clean. Door had little security. Grounds were pleasant and well kept up. Breakfast was phenomenal. Lots of choices. We had to pay $35.00 extra because we were 1 1/2 hours early. You can not take breakfast items back to room. Lights flashed through the skylights in our room every 20 seconds or so throughout the night. Air conditioning was good. Parking was good also.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We'll be staying here during future trips to the area: friendly staff, clean rooms, great showers.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026