The Zico is a nice change from a standard chain hotel. The spanish-style building has been given a huge facelift, and the decorating has been done with class and a sense of fun. The room I stayed in was of average size. The linens and furniture were well-chosen and appealing. The bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was a little cramped but very functional. The free breakfast was good, about on par with a standard business hotel, and much superior to a low-budget chain hotel breakfast.

I was only there two nights and did not need to interact with the staff very much, so I can't speak to the service, but my overall impression of the Zico is positive. Factoring in the price, the location, the food and the style of the hotel it is a good deal. I will definitely stay here again next time I am in the Bay Area on business.

When I arrived at the hotel I was happy that the outside apperance and lobby matched the description on their homepage. However, I was informed at check in that the hotel mis booked my room as a king instead of two queens, which I had a party of 4 with me. We were give one king room and then a "complimentary" room. The other half of my party's room was very much like the pictures and very satisifying. Mine however was nothing more or better than an average Motel 6 room. No decor or painting like the rooms and was just absurd overall. I only was given one pillow and the front desk clerk seemed to be unaware of a location of more. The 2nd floor also had a stench of a nursing home. The cooked breakfast was reasonable yet the walls are paper thin. If interested in staying I reccomend double confirming reseverations or staying completely some where else were you will receive the expectations you pay for.

Excellent independent hotel near Palo Alto. A bit noisy if your room is in the back, and we had a few minor hardware issues with the cabinet in the room. But inexpensive for the area, and the free full breakfast is worth at least $7 to $10 a day. Free wireless internet too.
MUCH better than the Homewood Suites behind it.

I went up to Northern California for a family wedding at the Stanford Chapel. We stayed 3 nights in this lovely little hotel 15 minutes south of Stanford. I have stayed in $1000 a night rooms and not had as comfortable sleep as I did here. The decor is not cookie cutter - it is colorful and interesting. All facilites work really well. Everything from check in to check out was smooth and all good. The towels were good and thirsty; the linen on the bed was quality,comfortable and attractive. The rooms were well appointed and the bathroom was stocked with usefull goodies. The room was well lit and spotless as everything inside the hotel was. The breakfast was in a clean, attractive and well thought out facility and the food produced was hot and satisfying with good choices available.

We arrived a day early and were accomodated at the low rate I had for the other nights. Unfortunately, the young people in the room next to ours were loud with their music and late night partying. A word to the front desk and we were moved to a super quiet location. Which brings me to the location of the hotel. It is right off the 85 at El Camino Real. The outside gives no hint at the goodness inside as it shares a parking lot with another hotel. At no time do you ever realize you are right next to the freeway once at the hotel, as there is no freeway noise - just convenience. Room 125 is a great location. Oh and My Mom made comment of the ease of getting in and out of the hotel vs. the Sheraton or Westin. She went to my sisters room at the Westin and had to walk and walk and walk before she came to their room, after alighting from the lift! No such folly here! Easy come and easy go! I only wish there were more Hotel Zico's elsewhere!