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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

3.0 star property
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

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

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
The current price is NZ$188
includes taxes & fees
13 Feb - 14 Feb

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
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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
(52 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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
(103 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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
Pillow-top bed
Blackout curtains
Premium bedding
  • 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

Located in Green Acres, a neighbourhood in Palo Alto, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is near theme parks. Winchester Mystery House and Hoover Tower are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include California's Great America and NASA Ames Visitor Center. 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

  • Beautiful snowy Mount Baldy with some building below, view from Rancho Cucamonga; Shutterstock ID 567807184
    San Antonio Shopping Center
    3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Pinnacles National Park
    San Andreas Fault Trail
    5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Mitchell Park Dog Park
    18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Palo Alto VA Hospital
    4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • DVBIC Palo Alto
    4 min drive - 2.6 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
  • Hong Kong Restaurant
    15 min walk
  • Holy Sushi
    12 min walk
  • State of Mind Slice House
    12 min walk
  • Junbi
    3 min drive

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, luggage storage and a TV in reception
  • A front desk safe, free newspapers 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

  • 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

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 4 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 13 Feb 2026 start from NZ$187.89, 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 2.2 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.

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Reviews

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

9.2

Cleanliness

6.0

Location

9.4

Staff & service

8.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 894 out of 1321 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 279 out of 1321 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 89 out of 1321 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 29 out of 1321 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 30 out of 1321 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Reesa

Room was clean and staff was great
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and the feeling that I was at home with the other guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spotless room, wonderful staff, nice breakfast, and great location.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olivia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I love staying here, the beds and pillows are so comfy and the rooms are very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Safe location for walking day and night. Great staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Korin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
clean room, clean facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

ALFRED

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was great, plenty of room & the breakfast was very good & tasty
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Joan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room was clean and comfortable. The staff was friendly and professional. The breakfast was a standard hotel breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Tavehi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love staying at Zen! The service is outstanding and near lots of great food places.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean room. Friendly staff
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026

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

Natalie

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

10/10 Excellent

William

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 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

10/10 Excellent

Meagan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious and quiet. Courteous staff! In great neighborhood near two parks/playgrounds (Bol Park and Juana Briones Park).
Stayed 1 night 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

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

LinhKieu

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Safe, clean, comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christyne

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

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

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

8/10 Good

Peilin

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