Skip to Main Content.
List your propertySupportTrips
Member discount illustration

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Sign in
Learn about Expedia Rewards
Feedback

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

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

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Exterior
Exterior
Property entrance
Lobby
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking
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

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
The current price is €97
includes taxes & fees
31 Aug - 1 Sept

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

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
(50 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
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

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
(94 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
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
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 27 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

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
(14 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
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
(46 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
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
(2 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
(8 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillow-top bed
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

You may also like

Exterior

Hotel Nia, Autograph Collection

Menlo Park
  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 504 reviews
The price is €204
includes taxes & fees
5 Sept - 6 Sept
Hotel Nia, Autograph Collection
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

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 Stanford Theatre are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include California's Great America and Stanford University Arboretum. 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 guideOpens in a new window
View more Motels in Palo AltoOpens in a new window
Map
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

What's nearby

  • Palo Alto VA Hospital - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Stanford University - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Googleplex - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Stanford Stadium - 7 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Stanford University Medical Center - 9 min drive - 6.4 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
  • ‪Hobee's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪So Gong Dong Tofu House - ‬3 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, a TV in reception and a 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage, multilingual staff and smoke-free property
  • 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

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

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

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
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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 29 Aug 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto on 31 Aug 2025 start from €97.22, 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 1.3 mi (2.1 km) from San Antonio Shopping Center and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Stanford University. San Andreas Fault Trail and Palo Alto VA Hospital are also within 2 miles (3 km). San Antonio Station is 28 minutes by foot.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 811 out of 1183 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 249 out of 1183 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 71 out of 1183 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 1183 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 26 out of 1183 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Citlali

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

10/10 Excellent

Eric

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A clean, comfortable, 3-star hotel right on El Camino Real.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Convenient to Stanford University campus.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kaya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were friendly. Room was very clean. Free parking and quiet area. Would stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly staff, nice clean room and good breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roxanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A great place to stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ceylan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and easily accessible.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

MIKE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Nice inexpensive property.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Sina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice place and good price. But definitely not a 4* hotel. This is an old motel or inn that has been upgraded.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great! The breakfast was good…the scrambled eggs tasted real and the coffee was good. The housekeeping staff was excellent too…
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sanjeev

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very quite simple and value for money
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meegan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a very cute and quiet hotel!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Devon

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel! Clean and beautiful. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Louise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Zen Hotel in Palo Alto is located in a good area, with restaurants and shopping nearby. The bed was very comfortable, and the shower had a strong flow of water. The breakfast was great, with its choice of breakfast food.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

German

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pristine, affordable, and well located.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy to access. Nice room and layout. I appreciated the breakfast!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Rowena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable, affordable and clean. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast has hot items, well stocked. Rooms are clean. Staff is kind and courteous. Parking is fine. Rooms are reasonably quiet. Nice place especially at its current pricing.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

jeffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean and kind
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Amenities
Property was good and clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had to go to Stanford hospital, traveling with kids. The location was perfect was a 12 min drive no traffic. Hotel staff very friendly and helpful. Booked 2 queen suite. The room was perfect lots of room and clean. Would book again
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Trevor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Basic, clean, large room with kitchen. Good value
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Grace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It was only okay. Breakfast is not great. I will try another place when I return to Palo Alto.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Randolph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property very close to Stanford University, which made it convenient for my purposes. Very clean, very well cared for and comfortable bedding
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025