2-Star Hotels in Palo Alto

This is the second time I stayed at this hotel. Basically I chose it because of the affordable price and the proximity to Stanford hospital. If you are wanting a hotel that is quiet, this is not the place. The rooms open to the outside and is situated off a very busy main thoroughfare. I must say, they have done an admirable job of updating the bathroom. You can still tell where the old and the new meet but still very nice. This is supposed to be a hotel with non-smoking rooms but as soon as I stepped into my room, 203, I was smacked in the face by the smell of rancid cigarette smoke that must’ve been absorbed into the carpet. Even though the bathroom had been updated, I can’t that the bedroom area has been with torn curtains, old furniture and a refrigerator that was so loud at times, I had to unplug it. And then there is the carpet. It wasn’t dirty but very smelly. This is where the confused part comes in. When I checked out the next morning, there was a couple behind the counter. I am assuming they may be the owners. I mentioned that the room smelled awful and that it may be from the carpet. It smelled of stale smoke. I wasn’t pissy about it. Just mentioning the facts. They asked which room it was. I told them and the man seemed to be writing it down. Then the woman says to me there is no carpet in that room. Huh? I told her there is. Then the man said no, there is no carpet in the room. I told them I just came from that room and there definitely is carpet in the room. They continued to argue with me. Seriously? Whatever. I just turned around and left. They do have a free breakfast but I didn’t want to stick around for it.

I cannot say enough good things about the amazing people who run this hotel. I had medical appointments in Palo Alto on consecutive days and needed a room that could accommodate my desire for certain covid mitigation/precautions (room entry from outdoors, and individual AC units.) I spoke with Roger who not only confirmed Zen Hotel’s protocols and features, he also told me they host many people who are in town for medical issues (Stanford Hospital, and other large medical facilities, are nearby) so the staff there is very careful. A few days prior to our visit, I emailed to asked for additional measures, and Jorge, the Front Desk Agent, acknowledged my request. We arrived, checked in, noted that my request had been honored, and had a quiet, comfortable visit. When I arrived home the following night there were two messages from Jorge, and one from Roger, who had called early the previous day (prior to my arrival) to ask for my credit card info which had somehow not been logged into their system. They were sold out and needed confirmation of payment from me, but — long story short(er)—I didn’t receive the messages until after I returned. They had every right to cancel the appointment but did not. They gave me the benefit of their doubt, and their commitment to serving those with medical needs. I keep getting teary-eyed, writing this. Such decency and kindness! When I called today to thank them, Jorge told me, had they had to cancel the reservation, they would have found accommodations for me in one of their affiliated hotels. I’ve never experienced this level of customer service and care from any other hotel. So thank you again, Roger and Jorge and Zen Hotel Palo Alto. I will most certainly stay at Zen again (and make sure you have all the info you need in advance!)

This is an old-fashioned motor inn in the heart of Palo Alto. It has pet friendly rooms for $30 extra, which is cheaper than other places we looked at. The room was small but sufficient, and was very clean. The bed was comfortable but the pillows pretty flat.. The staff were friendly. The location was in walking distance to restaurants. There was no breakfast to speak of, just prepackaged pastries. If you have a dog, you have to walk a couple of blocks to get to some grass. All in all this was a great place to stay on our trip.

From the nearest car hotel to the location, the waiter at the front desk had a good attitude. I used the app to talk to him very smoothly. Check-in includes daily self-service reception at the reception, with slices of bread, milk, fruit, coffee, orange juice, cereal, etc. It is too convenient for me. Is the price expensive, who makes him in the center of the universe?

It takes about seven or eight minutes to drive to Stanford. The room is very spacious and the space for activities is large. The boss is very enthusiastic. Before we checked in, we turned on the electric heater and the TV was switched to the Chinese station. You may know that we are from China by looking at the name of the order. Fair, if you need hot water, talk to the front desk when you check in. A kettle is provided and parking is free

The price was right we were able to rent 10 rooms and use the breakfast area for a pizza party for our boys who played soccer it was probably one of the b Best beds that I slept on at a motel. Also, the gentleman in the front counter was willing to do anything to make our stay bettet

Very good stay experience, first of all, the surrounding environment is very comfortable, is the center of Palo Alto, but not the big city of San Francisco, called downtown, there is a main road, beautiful and prosperous. Stanford University is right next to me, I go to the campus every day. It’s much more comfortable than living in downtown San Francisco. The breakfast was very good. The room is comfortable and quiet. The only downside is that the room is small, but I don't mind this.

We had to come to town for appointment at Stanford. We had no idea where we were going, but this quaint, friendly, little motel was perfect! Lovely garden area to sit in and relax under the tree, breakfast brought to your room at your appointed time, pool. We will definitely be staying here every time we come to Stanford. Don’t want to give away our little gem. Very special place

I didn't realize how beautiful and charming this hotel would be. It is really lovely. Lobby is full of history, nice little plaques explaining the fireplace, wrought iron lamp, etc. Room was simple, spacious, clean, airy, and extremely comfortable. Excellent reading chair, desk chair with height adjustment (thank you!), great toiletries, very quiet and peaceful. Very friendly down-to-earth desk staff. Fantastic location, totally walkable everywhere. Coffee in lobby in the morning. Would gladly stay here again.

Hotels in the Bay Area are really expensive, they are clean as a whole, and breakfast is served with bread and coffee in the supermarket.