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
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Popular amenities
Non-smoking
Laundry facilities
24/7 front desk
Main amenities (12)
Daily housekeeping
Fitness center
24-hour front desk
Garden
Front-desk safe
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Multilingual staff
Picnic area
Barbecue grills
Free newspapers in the lobby
Luggage storage
For families (6)
Children stay free
Microwave
Private bathroom
Television
Garden
Daily housekeeping
$109 nightly
The total price is $126
$126 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
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
8.88.8 out of 10
Excellent
49 reviews
(49 reviews)
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillowtop bed
306 sq ft
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)
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
5 reviews
(5 reviews)
Highlights
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Dining table
693 sq ft
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)
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
5 reviews
(5 reviews)
Highlights
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Dining table
680 sq ft
2 bedrooms
Sleeps 6
3 Queen Beds
View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
Deluxe Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
90 reviews
(90 reviews)
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillowtop bed
240 sq ft
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
9.09.0 out of 10
Wonderful
37 reviews
(37 reviews)
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillowtop bed
286 sq ft
Sleeps 4
2 Double Beds
View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking
Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
14 reviews
(14 reviews)
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillowtop bed
280 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
44 reviews
(44 reviews)
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Premium bedding
Fan
Pillowtop bed
286 sq ft
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed, Non Smoking, Refrigerator & Microwave
10.010.0 out of 10
Exceptional
2 reviews
(2 reviews)
Highlights
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Dining table
532 sq ft
Sleeps 4
1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
View all photos for Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible, Non Smoking
Stanford University Medical Center - 9 min drive - 6.4 km
Getting around
San Carlos, CA (SQL) - 18 min drive
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) - 18 min drive
San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) - 30 min drive
Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK) - 56 min drive
California Ave Station - 4 min drive
Menlo Park Station - 9 min drive
San Antonio Station - 28 min walk
Restaurants
Starbucks - 11 min walk
State Of Mind Slice House - 12 min walk
So Gong Dong Tofu House - 3 min walk
Pho VI Hoa - 20 min walk
La Salsa - 2 min drive
About this property
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto
When you stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Stanford University and Shoreline Amphitheatre. Guests can enjoy the fitness center or take advantage of nearby hiking/biking trails. This Art Deco motel is also within a short drive of San Francisco Bay and Levi's Stadium. Fellow travelers say great things about the comfortable beds and helpful staff.
Languages
English, French, Spanish
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
37 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Express check-out available
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking on site
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast each morning 6:30 AM–9:30 AM
Barbecue grills
Traveling with children
Children stay free (see details)
What to do
Bicycle rentals nearby
Golf lessons nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Winery tours nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Free newspapers in lobby
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Facilities
3 buildings/towers
Built in 1970
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Television in common areas
Fitness center
Art Deco architecture
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Braille/raised signage
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Assistive listening devices available
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
Wheelchair-accessible fitness center
Closed captioned TV
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
Room amenities
Be entertained
IPod docking station
37-inch LCD TV
Satellite TV channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning (climate-controlled) and heating
Fan
Coffee/tea maker
Bathrobes and slippers
Iron/ironing board
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Soundproofed rooms
Premium bedding
Pillowtop mattress
Freshen up
Private bathroom
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Desk chair
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Access via exterior corridors
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Cashless transactions are available.
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
Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-out and contactless check-out are available.
Is there an onsite casino at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?
No, this motel doesn't have a casino, but Casino M8trix (16-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities like cycling and hiking, and practice your swing on the nearby golf course. Enjoy amenities like a fitness center, a picnic area, and a garden.
What's the area around The Zen Hotel Palo Alto like?
The Zen Hotel Palo Alto puts you in Green Acres, in the heart of Palo Alto. Popular attractions include Stanford University, which is 5 minutes away by car.
Travelers say the area is safe.
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The Zen Hotel Palo Alto Reviews
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers 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
9.4/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Staff & service
8.6/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Breakfast
Bed
Location
Parking
Value
Bathroom
Breakfast
Coffee
What guests liked
Breakfast was a highlight with a good variety and quality, including hot options like eggs, sausages, and oatmeal. (121 reviews)
The property is conveniently located near many restaurants with a variety of dining options. (6 reviews)
Convenient and safe parking was available, often right in front of the room. (11 reviews)
From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Jul 10, 2025
Very friendly staff, nice clean room and good breakfast.
Yan
Yan, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 24, 2025
A great place to stay.
Roxanne
Roxanne, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 8, 2025
It was a very cute and quiet hotel!
Meegan
Meegan, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 4, 2025
Pristine, affordable, and well located.
German
German, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 4, 2025
Great hotel! Clean and beautiful. Highly recommended.
Devon
Devon, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 29, 2025
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.
Louise
Louise, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 19, 2025
Property was good and clean.
George
George, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 3, 2025
Basic, clean, large room with kitchen. Good value
Trevor
Trevor, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 10, 2025
It is nice and clean, and the owner is very friendly. Reasonable price, and the breakfast is great.
Yang
Yang, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 8, 2025
Great property very close to Stanford University, which made it convenient for my purposes.
Very clean, very well cared for and comfortable bedding
Randolph
Randolph, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
May 13, 2025
Clean quiet breakfast easy checkin and checkout comfortable amenities are good.
amparo
amparo, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 22, 2025
Clean and confort rooms. It was pleasure too stay at this hotel for me. Breakfast was good and fresh.
Ercan
Ercan, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 5, 2025
Everything acceptable and above average. Thank you
Joseph
Joseph, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 7, 2025
Unique & quaint
Christine
Christine, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 19, 2025
Wanted to change rooms for more convenience when we got there, never a problem. Very centrally located to shopping and restaurants. Love this motel
Magina
Magina, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Apr 30, 2025
Nice stay.
Sihem
Sihem, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 27, 2025
really good service,
saad
saad, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 9, 2025
Nice staff, beds were pretty comfy, room was clean spacious.
amy
amy, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 28, 2025
Courteous helpful staff, clean rooms, decent above average breakfast and easy
Matthew
Matthew, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 25, 2025
Room
Larry and Brenda
Larry and Brenda, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 17, 2025
It was a nice property, clean, quiet and comfortable. The staff was extremely pleasant and the full complimentary breakfast was a nice plus. I would definitely stay here again.
Virginia
Virginia, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 15, 2025
I loved everything the staff so friendly and kind our room was clean each time food was amazing for breakfast highly recommend