Reviving an older property can take many forms but few are as stylish or as successful as the transformation of a former motel to The Zen Hotel in Palo Alto. Conveniently located on El Camino Real just a few blocks from Stanford University, the Zen somehow manages not to have street noise and to offer a true oasis. The rooms... More

First, the room was clean and the decor pleasant. What was disturbing was that I paid over $200 for a room where I could hear my neighbour through the walls making a telephone call at night. Secondly, the cable TV was fuzzy for lack of a better word. The analog channels looked like they were being routed by an antenna.... More

It's not often I feel that a room is clean enough to walk around barefooted, but this room felt that clean! The price is good, it feels safe. They have attempted to make it feel Asian/Zen feeling, and although not an expert on Zen, it did feel calm and tranquil. I needed my a/c fan on to mute out closing... More

I work at a university in North Carolina, and every Spring Break we take a group of students in entrepreneurship education to tour start-ups in Silicon Valley. We have stayed at The Zen Hotel two years in a row for these trips and have had a wonderful experience both times. Even before I arrive, I know that I can contact... More

I was in zen hotel for 14 days.what can I say? Only good words. It is quiet, very clean, nice breakfast, friendly stuff. They made me feel like home, especially Ryan which made a lot of efforts to help me with some problem I had. The location is near Stanford university.

I had read the other reviews, so I knew it had more of a motel set up and that is indeed what I found. I had a room on the first floor and the door opens right up to the parking lot. The room was a little smaller than expected and I kept bumping into the corners of the bed... More

Three nights of pleasant surroundings and outstanding cleanliness. Enjoyed the breakfasts, small conference room, free newspapers, nice touch of fresh fruit and cookies, and Asian decor. The staff are attentive and helpful. I'll happily return.

The Zen was a last min add-on to my 3 day trip to the Bay Area but it was an excellent night's stay. It was so good that I'll be back ! The room, work area and bathroom were very clean - not a speck of dust. I am very particular about bathroom cleanliness and the Zen's was spotless. Some... More

I recently stayed at the Zen Hotel so I could attend a function for my son at Stanford. I was initially disappointed that the hotel wasn't closer to Stanford but it wasn't a problem. A bus runs up and down El Camino Real regularly. I think the fare is $1. Our room was clean and large, I had 2 queen... More