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
Gym
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
The current price is $99
$99
$115 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 5 - Apr 6
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
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/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)
Highlights
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
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)
Highlights
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Refrigerator
Dining table
63 sq m
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
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/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
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
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
Highlights
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
HDTV
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/curtains
Premium bedding
26 sq m
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
Pillowtop bed
Blackout drapes/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
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
49 sq m
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 - 7.0 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
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 Shoreline Amphitheatre and Stanford University Medical Center. 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.
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.
Have a question?
Beta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
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
Mar 20, 2025
Great place!
Great place to stay. It was clean and comfortable and had a good breakfast.
Amy
Amy, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 3, 2025
Brief stay but it was perfect for our needs
Krista
Krista, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Mar 26, 2025
Aged but well kept.
Nice hotel that’s a bit aged but is well kept. Basic but comfortable and would stay again.
Michael
Michael, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 1, 2025
It’s a great place to stay!!
This is the second time I have stayed at the Zen Hotel. It is a quick drive to Stanford so I stay here because of convenience, cleanliness and the professionalism and kindness of the people who work there. Thank you for another positive experience!!
James
James, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 9, 2025
Fast and easy check in 👍
Dennis
Dennis, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 21, 2025
Nice Little Hotel!
I got a good night’s sleep, the room was clean, comfortable, and quiet. Breakfast was good. Thanks!
Noah
Noah, 1-night trip
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
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
Feb 24, 2025
Family weekend
It met my expectations
Peggy
Peggy, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
Mar 3, 2025
Good stay.. . But
Overall good stay. Great value for your money. Even though bed was hard and the pillows were too soft. Great that there was breakfast. Very comfortable and quiet. Great location.
Jennifer
Jennifer, 2-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 29, 2024
Good motel
Onur
Onur, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 2, 2025
Nicely remodeled clean and quiet. Very nice hotel for the price.
Kethsana
Kethsana, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 2, 2024
Excellent place!
John
John, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 30, 2024
The Zen Hotel stands out as a very pleasant place to stay. We particularly liked the esthetic touches, large quiet rooms and breakfast.
Esther
Esther, 5-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.