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
Gym
Laundry facilities
Air conditioning
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
The current price is $115
$115
includes taxes & fees
$99 per night
Feb 28 - Mar 1
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
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Pillowtop bed
Fan
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)
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)
Highlights
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Dining table
680 sq ft
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
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Pillowtop bed
Fan
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
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Pillowtop bed
Fan
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
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Pillowtop bed
Fan
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
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Pillowtop bed
Fan
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
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
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
La Salsa - 2 min drive
Hobee's - 6 min walk
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 Googleplex. 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 Stanford Shopping Center and Shoreline Amphitheatre. Fellow travelers say great things about the comfortable beds and helpful staff.
Languages
English, French, Spanish
At a glance
Hotel size
37 rooms
Arranged over 2 floors
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
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Children (12 years old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free uncovered onsite self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking on site
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.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
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
9.2/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Staff & service
8.6/10
Amenities
9.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 17, 2025
Amazing experience!!
Amazing experience!!
Friendly staff, great housekeeping, great breakfast, and an excellent location.
Nahla
Nahla, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 24, 2025
Family weekend
It met my expectations
Peggy
Peggy, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 22, 2025
Well located and spacious
Clean hotel in convenient location. Great breakfast! Family suite very spacious.
Brendan
Brendan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 16, 2024
Very nice place to stay!
Nice place to stay for a quick trip. Free breakfast and parking are a good perk.
Karen
Karen, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 18, 2025
Comfortable and clean
This property is a clean, comfortable and economical place to stay. I have stayed here 3 times.
Kelly
Kelly, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 20, 2025
Absolute gem tucked into quiet neighborhood. Small as compared to chain hotels but big on charm and friendliness. Spacious and comfortable rooms.
Quiet and clean easy to get around to the places we had to go
Dion
Dion, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 30, 2024
Great location, comfortable bed, and quiet.
kyle
kyle, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 13, 2025
Clean and comfortable. All you can ask for for the price.
Verified traveler
10-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 29, 2024
Nice rood, good neighborhood convenient location
Susan
Susan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 28, 2024
Super nice location
Chang
Chang, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 21, 2024
Nice little motor lodge. Very kind staff!
Tamara
Tamara, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 25, 2024
Pleasant stay
Abha
Abha, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 4, 2024
Nice place. Good breakfast and area options
Benjamin
Benjamin, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Nov 21, 2024
Palao visit
It’s a small hotel, but nice.
James
James, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 13, 2024
Great location for my plans.
Michael
Michael, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Dec 2, 2024
Very comfy, great value.
This is a very nicely renovated motel. Due to the the age of the property, the room is larger than most Bay Area hotels. Four stars because it's not a luxury hotel, but it's very nice and a great value.
Robert L
Robert L, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 7, 2025
College drop off
Good place to rest up after dropping daughter off at college
larry
larry, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 18, 2024
Great facility
Imed
Imed, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 18, 2024
I appreciate the minimalist decor, and the communicative, responsive staff.
Suzanne
Suzanne, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 5, 2024
This was a great overnight option as we were getting treatment at Stanford hospital. Nice check in, clean, comfortable beds. Walgreens across the street is convenient. Will definitely stay here again.
Sarah
Sarah, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 27, 2024
Efficient, clean, good amenities and friendly service! Excellent value, Will return ,
Ravi
Ravi, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 29, 2024
It was quiet, peaceful, clean, and the staff were very friendly. The hot breakfasts were good.
Kenneth
Kenneth, 4-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 27, 2024
The staff was very friendly and helpful, the amenities were great, it's a lovely boutique hotel.