Zürich
Choosing a hotel in Zurich’s Old Town comes down to the kind of visit you are planning. Niederdorfstrasse and the historic lanes suit travellers who want restaurants, sights and evening atmosphere nearby, while Stampfenbachstrasse offers a quieter base close to the main station. Consider walkability, room style, breakfast, air conditioning and how much personal service you want.
We researched which places in Zürich visitors recommend most and checked there is enough information to plan a visit.
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#1Motel One Zürich is a design-led hotel on Stockerstrasse, positioned near Zurich’s city center, main station and lake. Its rooms follow the brand’s simple, contemporary style, while the central setting works well for sightseeing, business trips and short city stays.
The location is convenient, though the compact, minimalist room layout may leave limited space for luggage and storage. Members can access a stated nightly saving and cancellation until 6pm.
#2Hotel Alexander Zürich puts you directly in the Old Town on Niederdorfstrasse 40, a convenient base for exploring the city on foot. Single, Business and Double rooms cover different types of short stay, with notably clean, well-kept interiors and friendly assistance.
Free coffee and regional breakfast add practical value, while the compact room sizes suit guests travelling light more than those bringing oversized luggage.
#3Best Western Plus Hotel Zürcherhof is a welcoming Old Town base on Zähringerstrasse 21, 8001 Zurich. Its appeal lies in attentive, professional service that extends across reception, housekeeping and breakfast, with thoughtful touches such as cold water and a cool treat for arrivals.
The atmosphere is especially suited to visitors who value a cared-for welcome after sightseeing, with the historic centre close at hand.
#4Hotel Rössli Zürich is a three-star boutique retreat on Rössligasse 7, in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town. The setting combines peaceful, charming surroundings with a warm, authentic atmosphere, making it a natural fit for travellers who want character close to the city’s historic core.
Élu Cosmetics products add a refined touch, while room sizes and cooling arrangements vary, so the choice of room can shape the stay.
#5Hotel Arlette offers a friendly, practical stay on the quiet Stampfenbachstrasse, a short walk from Zurich’s main station and city centre. The rooms and bathrooms have an older European character but are kept in good working order, with air conditioning available.
Compact rooms and bathrooms suit travellers focused on location and value rather than extra space, while the approachable team is well placed to help with reservations, questions and special requests.
#6Distinctive 1950s architecture
Hotel Marta brings distinctive 1950s architecture to Zähringerstrasse 36, in Zurich’s vibrant Old Town near the main station. Its 39 rooms range from Small to Panorama, pairing individual design with a no-frills, urban approach.
A vegetarian breakfast buffet is included, making the hotel well suited to travellers who want stylish surroundings and easy access to galleries, the lake and the walkable historic centre. Rooms do not have air conditioning.
#7In the heart of Zurich’s Old Town
All-day tea and coffee in the lobby
Sorell Stadthotel Rütli sits in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town at Zähringerstrasse 43, surrounded by restaurants, shops and major sights within an easy walk. Standard single and queen rooms support both solo trips and compact city breaks, while breakfast and all-day tea and coffee in the lobby keep the routine simple.
It suits visitors who want a lively Niederdorf location with a comfortable, practical base.
#8Air-conditioned rooms
Hotel Bristol offers a convenient central Zurich stay at Stampfenbachstrasse 34, close to the main station and the Old Town. Air-conditioned rooms are a useful advantage in warmer weather, with standard single rooms, double-bed rooms and family rooms available.
Spacious twin rooms, efficient service and a generous breakfast spread make it a versatile choice for couples, families and travellers arriving by rail.
#9Hotel Züri by Fassbind brings a polished, stylish overnight stay to Heinrichstrasse 254 in Zurich. Rooms are designed for travellers who want more space and a clean, elegant setting, with tram connections and the main station within convenient reach.
Friendly, accommodating service and a solid breakfast support both business trips and multi-day itineraries. Its location outside the historic core makes advance planning sensible during busy periods.
#10Sorell Stadthotel Rex offers a quieter neighbourhood base at Weinbergstrasse 92, with a tram stop nearby and a roughly five-minute ride into Zurich city centre. The hotel’s appeal is its idyllic urban setting, supported by standard single and queen rooms.
It can work particularly well for travellers seeking a calmer alternative to the busiest Old Town streets, although housekeeping details deserve attention when choosing a stay.
#11Hotel Limmathof puts Zurich’s centre immediately outside the door, at Limmatquai 142 beside Central and around five minutes on foot from the main station. Rooms are compact but clean and comfortable, with some offering views towards the water and transport hub.
Weinstube 1923 adds an established dining setting, while the hotel works best for travellers who prioritise location, a comfortable bed and efficient overnight accommodation.
#12Hotel California combines modern rooms with a historic Old Town address at Schifflände 18. It is a useful choice for travellers who want an excellent central location, friendly communication and a room designed mainly for sleeping between city outings.
Selected rooms include practical touches such as a kettle and small fridge, while the on-site restaurant serves generous portions. Summer stays require care, as rooms do not have air conditioning.
#13Hotel Old Town places a modern, cosy stay across three floors on Niederdorfstrasse 17, right in Zurich’s historic centre. Every room has its own character, making it a better fit for travellers who enjoy individuality over uniform layouts.
The location opens onto a cobbled Old Town setting with shops and restaurants nearby, while the building’s restaurant provides an easy dining option just below the accommodation.
#14Limmatblick is a three-star hotel at Limmatquai 136, placing guests in central Zurich near Central, the main station, the university, ETH, Bahnhofstrasse and the airport. The compact rooms make the property most suitable for short stopovers and travellers who value position over extra space; some have river views and air conditioning.
A small public bar on the ground floor brings atmosphere, though it can become noisy later in the evening.
#15Close to Zurich’s main station
Hotel Montana Zürich offers a convenient base on Konradstrasse 39, close to Zurich’s main station and the city centre. Its straightforward rooms, continental breakfast and digital check-in/check-out suit independent travellers and efficient overnight stays.
Fresh-smelling rooms and quick access to rail connections are central to the appeal, while occasional unattended late-night reception makes advance planning worthwhile for arrivals outside standard hours.
Summary
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hotel Motel One Zürich | 4.4 | 2,561 | Central short stays with contemporary design |
| #2 | Hotel Alexander Zürich | 4.4 | 970 | Short Old Town stays and light packers |
| #3 | Best Western Plus Hotel Zürcherhof | 4.4 | 582 | Old Town visits where personal service matters |
| #4 | Hotel Rössli Zürich | 4.3 | 538 | Characterful Old Town stays and boutique-hotel breaks |
| #5 | Hotel Arlette | 4.3 | 330 | Value-focused stays near the station |
| #6 | Hotel Marta - 1950’s architecture in Zurich’s vibrant old town, near main station | 4.2 | 616 | Design-minded travellers exploring Old Town on foot |
| #7 | Sorell Stadthotel Rütli Niederdorf Zürich | 4.2 | 592 | Walkable Old Town breaks and solo city trips |
| #8 | Hotel Bristol | 4.1 | 1,228 | Rail arrivals |
| #9 | Hotel Züri by Fassbind | 4.1 | 1,386 | Business trips and organised multi-day itineraries |
| #10 | Sorell Stadthotel Rex Zürich | 4.1 | 520 | Quieter city stays with quick tram access |
| #11 | Hotel Limmathof | 3.9 | 548 | Central stopovers and walkable city sightseeing |
| #12 | Hotel California | 3.9 | 270 | Central short stays with in-house dining |
| #13 | Hotel Old Town | 3.9 | 232 | City breaks seeking character and central convenience |
| #14 | Limmatblick | 3.8 | 490 | Short central stopovers and transport-friendly stays |
| #15 | Hotel Montana Zürich | 3.7 | 1,400 | Independent travellers and efficient rail-connected stays |
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Map and areas
Use the map to see how each hotel sits in relation to Zurich’s historic centre, the main station and the lake. The Old Town choices cluster around Niederdorfstrasse, Zähringerstrasse and Rössligasse, while hotels farther north can offer a calmer setting without giving up convenient tram or walking access.
Niederdorfstrasse and the surrounding Zähringerstrasse lanes are convenient for walking to restaurants, shops, museums and historic sights. Rössligasse offers a more intimate, characterful setting, while Stampfenbachstrasse is a practical alternative near the main station with a quieter feel.
Yes. Several hotels in and around the Old Town are within walking distance of Zurich main station, and the northern edge of the centre can be especially convenient for rail arrivals. Check the exact street and route if you have heavy luggage or an early departure.
Review the room category, floor area, bed configuration and bathroom layout before confirming. Compact rooms can work well for solo travellers or light packers, but guests with large cases, children or longer itineraries may prefer a larger room or family category.
Some do, but air conditioning is not universal, so it is worth checking the room description before booking. A central location also means that lively streets may feel busier in the evening. If you prefer cooler, quieter nights, compare both climate control and the hotel’s position.
Breakfast can be useful when you want a simple morning routine before sightseeing or business meetings. The options here range from regional breakfast choices to vegetarian buffets and generous spreads. Compare what is included with your booking and whether nearby cafés better match your schedule.
