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8.5

(656 reviews)

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

From$149
Minimum rate per night

8.5

(656 reviews)
4164 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (California), CA 94306, US
From$149
Minimum rate per night

Free parking

Pet Friendly

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Kids' meals

24-hour front desk

Kitchen

Welcome to The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, a 3-star retreat nestled in the vibrant city of Palo Alto, California. Located just 2.3mi from the city center, our hotel offers a peaceful and convenient escape for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. With 656 reviews and a starting price of $149, you can expect comfort, quality, and exceptional service.

At The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, we prioritize the well-being and satisfaction of our guests. Start your day right with a delicious breakfast, included in your stay. Our hotel also offers a range of amenities, including free parking, pet-friendly rooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For those looking to unwind, we have a fitness center and a beautiful garden where you can take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic. With a kitchen or kitchenette in every room, you can enjoy the convenience of preparing your own meals.

Our hotel features non-smoking rooms, along with facilities for disabled guests, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our attentive 24-hour front desk staff are always ready to assist you. Soak in the relaxing ambiance of our garden view rooms and enjoy the many nearby attractions and activities, including golf courses and hiking trails.

When it comes to providing a serene and convenient stay, The Zen Hotel Palo Alto is the perfect choice. Book your room today and experience the tranquility and comfort that await you at our hotel in Palo Alto, California.

At The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, we offer a variety of room options to suit every traveler's needs. For families or groups, our Deluxe Double Room and Deluxe Queen Room with Two Queen Beds are perfect choices. With comfortable double or queen beds, these rooms can accommodate up to 4 adults and 3 children. Looking for a more spacious option? Our King Suite and Two-Bedroom Suite provide ample space to relax and unwind. These suites feature a king-size bed, multiple queen-size beds, and a sofa bed, accommodating up to 6 adults and 4 children.

For solo travelers or couples, our Queen Room - Disability Access and King Room - Disability Access offer the perfect blend of comfort and accessibility. These rooms feature a queen-size bed or king-size bed, accommodating up to 2 adults and 1 child. For those seeking a bit of luxury, our Deluxe Queen Suite and Deluxe King Room provide indulgent amenities and plenty of space. With a sofa bed and multiple queen-size and king-size beds, these rooms can accommodate up to 6 adults and 4 children.

At The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, we prioritize your comfort and relaxation. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or alone, our range of room options ensures a pleasant stay for everyone. Book your room today and experience the serene ambiance of our hotel in Palo Alto, California.

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Closest airports

Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

11.3mi

San Francisco International Airport

19.9mi

Oakland International Airport

22.7mi

Stockton Metropolitan Airport

58.9mi

Monterey Regional Airport

59.1mi

Most popular amenities

Free parking

Pet Friendly

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Kids' meals

24-hour front desk

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Fitness center

Garden view

Kitchenware

Kitchenette

Picnic area

Garden

Wheelchair accessible

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Private Bathroom

Parking On Site

Rooms

Guest reviews

8.5

(656 reviews)
From$149
Minimum rate per night

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Location

8.8

Facilities

8.6

Staff

9.3

Value for money

8.7

Wifi quality

8.7

Breakfast

7.5

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Xanthe

10

April 2023

Front desk staff is friendly and accommodating. We came early and reassured us to get our room ready early, which he didn’t even have to do especially because we were early. Rooms were clean. Even the shower curtain was new or atleast freshly changed!

The stairs. Our room was in the older building and we needed to take stairs. Although it was a struggle, my elderly mom was fortunately able to climb it. We couldn’t really change rooms because it was the largest and the one we preferred. I just wished that it was disclosed on the website that the room is located on the second floor and only accessible via stairs.

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🇮🇪

Aine

8.2

April 2023

Great big room (209) with two queen beds, a good well-lighted work desk and armchair, a dining table with two chairs, a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and a double hot plate plus tableware, cutlery and cooking equipment. Very clean. Laundry room downstairs and a small gym. Staff at reception very friendly and helpful. Concierge room to mind luggage on last day after checkout.

Bathroom tiled floor was a little cold as we were there during cold, bad weather in March. Room was very clean but decor a little dated however front desk mentioned that rooms were scheduled for redecoration in coming year. Hot breakfast and waffles in little dining room but could update to offer more healthy choices.

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🇪🇸

Ferran

8.2

June 2023

The room was big and the beds were big as well. We were able to check-in late. It was clean when we entered. We had microwave, fridge and coffee machine. They gave us complementary water the first day. We had plenty of wardrobes.

For me the mattress was too soft. Since COVID room cleaning service is only offered for long stays once every a few days. They just emptied the bins and gave us new towels. It is not that bad, it's just a few years ago the rooms were used to be made daily. The breakfast was not so good but I guess that average for these kind of hotels. In the end we had our coffee there in the morning and we went to have breakfast somewhere else.

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🇺🇸

Geralyn

9.1

August 2023

Breakfast was a little disappointing - very small selection, (mostly cereal and bagels) no eggs, waffles, etc. Advertising made it seem a little more appealing. Room was very large and comfortable! Great bedding, spacious bathroom. Did not expect full kitchen! What a bonus! (bad: no decaf coffee in room...) Location great! Excellent restaurants within walking distance... easy access to main thoroughfares. Staff, housekeeping, etc. very helpful. Was a little surprised at the age of the hotel. Mostly outside aesthetics. Overall, very happy with our stay... will we stay here again? You bet we will!

Jacuzzi bathtub did not work, no decaf coffee available in room.

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🇺🇸

Terri

8.2

March 2023

Location was perfect for us to visit Stanford, and the room was comfortable. The staff was really nice, and offered us waters on arrival and an early check-in. For our one-night stay, it was great and reasonably priced for Palo Alto. The breakfast was better than we expected with make-your-own waffles, good coffee, and a nice selection so everyone could find something they wanted.

Unfortunately, the satellite TV wasn't working, the shower/tub didn't drain well, and the wall heater didn't work well (too hot) but we just just streamed a movie on our computer instead and manually used the heater as needed. Not a biggie for us at all, and the comfort and location helped us overlook those minor inconveniences. We initially were a bit surprised at the exterior of the hotel (more like an old classic motel) - it would have helped to have some exterior photos on the website.

Show more
🇺🇸

Josefina

10

January 2023

This place is peaceful and quiet. I love the friendly and knowledgeable staff. This is my favorite place when I visit Palo Alto. My room is always clean and tidy. It is so nice to arrive to a fresh room as someone makes to the room and opens the window for me every time. The breakfast bar is located in the reception area. It is roomy and easily accessible. I loved all the different choices. Some mornings I like having a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, some others cereal or oatmeal. I can even have waffles. Breakfast is my main meal so I also eat a good amount and the attendant did not disappoint. She came back and refilled as needed and made sure we had fresh coffee.

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🇬🇧

Kristian

8.2

August 2023

Our king suite was spacious, comfortable, modern and clean. Separate AC in the bedroom and the rest of the room was nice. Complimentary breakfast was good. I also used the gym on site and it was small but adequate to get a good strength workout in.

We booked for 3 but the foldout bed wasn’t made up and I had to ask for it to be done for us. Housekeeping came and made up the bed but didn’t provide any pillows so I had to go back to the office and ask for them.

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🇺🇸

Lee

8.2

April 2023

The location was easy to find. It's on the main drag so there is easy access to all that is along the street. George was very friendly and accommodating. He moved me to an upgraded room. But I wasn't so sure looking back at my bill that I was in fact paying for that upgrade. The food was fresh and tasty. The supply was replenished and the area clean.

Unfortunately, the water pressure dropped off. Had to shower in another unit. There was a company looking at the issue at the time.

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🇺🇸

Kathryn

9.1

May 2022

This is a good value one story motel with free parking near the room. I had a queen room which had a comfortable arm chair with ottoman, microwave, refrigerator, good air conditioning. My room was not next to road and was quiet. Good blackening shade. Breakfast was simple but more than adequate with good coffee, juice, cereals, pot of oatmeal, make your own waffles, muffins, eggs, sausage, potatoes, yogurt. Staff was friendly.

The room was just what I wanted and expected. I didn’t need to spend much time in the room. Not great if two had to spend all day there. Desk can be used for eating. No room for an eating table. I booked this room when another hotel I liked doubled their Stanford room rate. This is 15-20 minutes from hospital.

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🇺🇸

Dale

9.1

April 2022

Hotel was located on El Camino Real but entering and exiting was easy because driveway was on a side street. We were in a standard size room but it was on the large size with plenty of space. Desk allowed two people to sit side by side to use computers. Wi-Fi was good from our room and all devices connected. Rooms were clean. Nice sink and counter separate from toilet. Staff were real friendly and attentive with any needs or questions. Continental breakfast was good with plenty of choices (yogurts, muffins, hot and cold cereals, eggs, potatoes, links, juices) considering many hotels cut back since covid.

There was nothing that struck me as bad. It was a good value for the money.

Show more
🇺🇸

Xanthe

10

April 2023

10

Front desk staff is friendly and accommodating. We came early and reassured us to get our room ready early, which he didn’t even have to do especially because we were early. Rooms were clean. Even the shower curtain was new or atleast freshly changed!

The stairs. Our room was in the older building and we needed to take stairs. Although it was a struggle, my elderly mom was fortunately able to climb it. We couldn’t really change rooms because it was the largest and the one we preferred. I just wished that it was disclosed on the website that the room is located on the second floor and only accessible via stairs.

🇮🇪

Aine

8.2

April 2023

8.2

Great big room (209) with two queen beds, a good well-lighted work desk and armchair, a dining table with two chairs, a kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and a double hot plate plus tableware, cutlery and cooking equipment. Very clean. Laundry room downstairs and a small gym. Staff at reception very friendly and helpful. Concierge room to mind luggage on last day after checkout.

Bathroom tiled floor was a little cold as we were there during cold, bad weather in March. Room was very clean but decor a little dated however front desk mentioned that rooms were scheduled for redecoration in coming year. Hot breakfast and waffles in little dining room but could update to offer more healthy choices.

🇪🇸

Ferran

8.2

June 2023

8.2

The room was big and the beds were big as well. We were able to check-in late. It was clean when we entered. We had microwave, fridge and coffee machine. They gave us complementary water the first day. We had plenty of wardrobes.

For me the mattress was too soft. Since COVID room cleaning service is only offered for long stays once every a few days. They just emptied the bins and gave us new towels. It is not that bad, it's just a few years ago the rooms were used to be made daily. The breakfast was not so good but I guess that average for these kind of hotels. In the end we had our coffee there in the morning and we went to have breakfast somewhere else.

🇺🇸

Geralyn

9.1

August 2023

9.1

Breakfast was a little disappointing - very small selection, (mostly cereal and bagels) no eggs, waffles, etc. Advertising made it seem a little more appealing. Room was very large and comfortable! Great bedding, spacious bathroom. Did not expect full kitchen! What a bonus! (bad: no decaf coffee in room...) Location great! Excellent restaurants within walking distance... easy access to main thoroughfares. Staff, housekeeping, etc. very helpful. Was a little surprised at the age of the hotel. Mostly outside aesthetics. Overall, very happy with our stay... will we stay here again? You bet we will!

Jacuzzi bathtub did not work, no decaf coffee available in room.

🇺🇸

Terri

8.2

March 2023

8.2

Location was perfect for us to visit Stanford, and the room was comfortable. The staff was really nice, and offered us waters on arrival and an early check-in. For our one-night stay, it was great and reasonably priced for Palo Alto. The breakfast was better than we expected with make-your-own waffles, good coffee, and a nice selection so everyone could find something they wanted.

Unfortunately, the satellite TV wasn't working, the shower/tub didn't drain well, and the wall heater didn't work well (too hot) but we just just streamed a movie on our computer instead and manually used the heater as needed. Not a biggie for us at all, and the comfort and location helped us overlook those minor inconveniences. We initially were a bit surprised at the exterior of the hotel (more like an old classic motel) - it would have helped to have some exterior photos on the website.

🇺🇸

Josefina

10

January 2023

10

This place is peaceful and quiet. I love the friendly and knowledgeable staff. This is my favorite place when I visit Palo Alto. My room is always clean and tidy. It is so nice to arrive to a fresh room as someone makes to the room and opens the window for me every time. The breakfast bar is located in the reception area. It is roomy and easily accessible. I loved all the different choices. Some mornings I like having a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, some others cereal or oatmeal. I can even have waffles. Breakfast is my main meal so I also eat a good amount and the attendant did not disappoint. She came back and refilled as needed and made sure we had fresh coffee.

🇬🇧

Kristian

8.2

August 2023

8.2

Our king suite was spacious, comfortable, modern and clean. Separate AC in the bedroom and the rest of the room was nice. Complimentary breakfast was good. I also used the gym on site and it was small but adequate to get a good strength workout in.

We booked for 3 but the foldout bed wasn’t made up and I had to ask for it to be done for us. Housekeeping came and made up the bed but didn’t provide any pillows so I had to go back to the office and ask for them.

🇺🇸

Lee

8.2

April 2023

8.2

The location was easy to find. It's on the main drag so there is easy access to all that is along the street. George was very friendly and accommodating. He moved me to an upgraded room. But I wasn't so sure looking back at my bill that I was in fact paying for that upgrade. The food was fresh and tasty. The supply was replenished and the area clean.

Unfortunately, the water pressure dropped off. Had to shower in another unit. There was a company looking at the issue at the time.

🇺🇸

Kathryn

9.1

May 2022

9.1

This is a good value one story motel with free parking near the room. I had a queen room which had a comfortable arm chair with ottoman, microwave, refrigerator, good air conditioning. My room was not next to road and was quiet. Good blackening shade. Breakfast was simple but more than adequate with good coffee, juice, cereals, pot of oatmeal, make your own waffles, muffins, eggs, sausage, potatoes, yogurt. Staff was friendly.

The room was just what I wanted and expected. I didn’t need to spend much time in the room. Not great if two had to spend all day there. Desk can be used for eating. No room for an eating table. I booked this room when another hotel I liked doubled their Stanford room rate. This is 15-20 minutes from hospital.

🇺🇸

Dale

9.1

April 2022

9.1

Hotel was located on El Camino Real but entering and exiting was easy because driveway was on a side street. We were in a standard size room but it was on the large size with plenty of space. Desk allowed two people to sit side by side to use computers. Wi-Fi was good from our room and all devices connected. Rooms were clean. Nice sink and counter separate from toilet. Staff were real friendly and attentive with any needs or questions. Continental breakfast was good with plenty of choices (yogurts, muffins, hot and cold cereals, eggs, potatoes, links, juices) considering many hotels cut back since covid.

There was nothing that struck me as bad. It was a good value for the money.

Did you like the reviews about The Zen Hotel Palo Alto ?

From$149
Minimum rate per night

Hotel surroundings The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Airport

Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

11.3mi

San Francisco International Airport

19.9mi

Oakland International Airport

22.7mi

Stockton Metropolitan Airport

58.9mi

Monterey Regional Airport

59.1mi

Airport

Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

11.3mi

San Francisco International Airport

19.9mi

Oakland International Airport

22.7mi

Stockton Metropolitan Airport

58.9mi

Monterey Regional Airport

59.1mi

Attraction

The Tech Interactive

14.1mi

Half Moon Bay

17.7mi

Mission District

28.8mi

SoMa (South of Market)

29.4mi

Yerba Buena Gardens

30mi

Barbary Coast Trail

30.1mi

Hayes Valley

30.1mi

Painted Ladies

30.3mi

Grateful Dead House

30.3mi

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

30.5mi

Transamerica Pyramid

30.6mi

San Francisco Botanical Garden

30.9mi

San Francisco Japantown

31mi

Fillmore District

31mi

Pacific Heights

31.1mi

Amenities of The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Free parking

Pet Friendly

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Kid-friendly buffet

Kids' meals

24-hour front desk

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Fitness center

Garden view

Kitchenware

Kitchenette

Picnic area

Garden

Wheelchair accessible

Free toiletries

Bathtub

Private Bathroom

Parking On Site

Amenities of The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

Accessibility

Auditory guidance

Entire unit located on ground floor

Entire unit wheelchair accessible

Lowered sink

Raised toilet

Toilet with grab rails

Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Wheelchair accessible

Activities

Game room

Golf course

Additional fee

Hiking

Free

Bathroom

Bathrobe

Bathtub

Bathtub or shower

Free toiletries

Hairdryer

Private Bathroom

Shower

Slippers

Toilet

Toilet paper

Towels

Bedroom

Alarm clock

Linens

Business Facilities

Fax/Photocopying

Free

Cleaning Services

Daily housekeeping

Free

Dry cleaning

Additional fee

Ironing service

Additional fee

Laundry

Additional fee

Suit press

Additional fee

Common Areas

Shared lounge/TV area

Food & Drink

Breakfast in the room

Kid-friendly buffet

Kids' meals

Free

Tea/Coffee maker

Food & drink safety

Breakfast to-go containers

Delivered food covered securely

Front Desk Services

24-hour front desk

Express check-in/out

Free

General

Air conditioning

Facilities for disabled guests

Family rooms

Hardwood or parquet floors

Heating

Ironing facilities

Laptop size safe

Non-smoking rooms

Pet Friendly

Smoke-free property

Internet

Free wifi

Kitchen

Dining table

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

Microwave

Oven

Refrigerator

Stovetop

Toaster

Living Area

Dining area

Sitting area

Media & Technology

Cable channels

Flat-screen TV

Pay-per-view channels

Radio

Telephone

TV

Outdoors

BBQ facilities

Free

Garden

Outdoor furniture

Picnic area

Parking

Free parking

Parking On Site

Free

Physical distancing

Cashless payment available

Contactless check-in/out

Room Amenities

Fan

Iron

Socket near the bed

Sofa bed

Safety & security

Carbon monoxide detector

CCTV in common areas

Fire extinguishers

Key card access

Safe

Free

Smoke alarms

Safety features

First aid kits available

Services

Wake-up service/Alarm clock

Spa

Fitness

Fitness center

Free

View

Garden view

House rules - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto takes special requests - add in the next step!
From$149
Minimum rate per night

Check-in

From 15:00

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in

Check-out

Until 11:00

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Internet

WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Age restrictions

There's no age requirement for check-in

Curfew

Come and go whenever you want

Parking

Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

Children and beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 12 and above are considered adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

No capacity for extra beds or cribs.

Cards accepted at this property

Cash

Visa

American Express

Mastercard

Discover

This property does not accept cash.

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

From$149
Minimum rate per night

Fine print

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

Frequently Asked Questions - The Zen Hotel Palo Alto

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto takes special requests - add in the next step!

When are the check-in and check-out times for The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

For The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, you can check in after 3:00 PM and the check-out deadline is 11:00 AM.

Does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto provide free parking options?

Yes, there is ample parking available at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto. The best part is that parking is free for all guests. The hotel offers convenient public parking on-site, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Additionally, there is no need to worry about making parking reservations in advance.

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How much does a stay at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto cost?

Accommodations at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto can start from $149. Be aware, rates are influenced by room type and selected dates. Ensure to specify your stay dates for up-to-date pricing.

What types of rooms does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offer?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto offers a variety of rooms including Deluxe Double Rooms, Queen Rooms with Disability Access, Deluxe Queen Rooms with Two Queen Beds, King Suites, Deluxe Queen Rooms, Two-Bedroom Suites, King Rooms with Disability Access, Deluxe Queen Suites, and Deluxe King Rooms. Smoking is not allowed in any of the rooms. Room sizes range from 237 sqft to 689 sqft. Occupancy varies from 2 adults and 1 child to 6 adults and 4 children.

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Which amenities can guests enjoy at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto?

At The Zen Hotel Palo Alto, guests can enjoy a range of leisure amenities during their stay. The hotel features a golf course, providing guests with the opportunity to practice their swing and enjoy a round of golf. For those looking to stay active, there is a fitness center where guests can work out and keep up with their fitness routine.

In addition to these amenities, guests can also take advantage of hiking opportunities in the area surrounding the hotel. The scenic trails offer a chance to explore the beautiful surroundings and engage in outdoor activities.

For those interested in outdoor dining, the hotel also provides BBQ facilities where guests can have a fun and flavorful cookout. This enables guests to enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable meal in the hotel's outdoor spaces.

With these leisure amenities, guests at The Zen Hotel Palo Alto can make the most of their time and enjoy a variety of activities during their stay.

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What methods of payment does The Zen Hotel Palo Alto accept?

The Zen Hotel Palo Alto accepts American Express, Visa, Discover, and Mastercard as methods of payment. However, they do not accept cash.

Choose dates to view prices