Where To Stay in Zurich: A Guide To City’s Best Hotels

You’ve finally bit the bullet and decided to travel to Zurich, but you’re not sure which area to stay in? With more than a hundred hotels a 500+ hotel rooms to choose from, it’s understandable if you can’t quite decide what’s the best option for you. That’s why this guide to the best hotels in Zurich is just what you need to read!

I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the city’s best hotels in all the most popular areas. The guide also includes budget, mid-range, and luxury hotel options, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re pinching pennies or splurging on the best rooms!

So, still wondering where to stay in Zurich? Scroll down to start making sense of it all!

Alstadt (Zurich Old Town)

The Altstadt is the central area of Zurich with all the main tourist attractions. If this is your first time in the city, or you just want to be within walking distance of all the best attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and shops, this is the best area of Zurich for you. It’s also the most expensive area of Zurich for accommodation.

Luxury Hotel: Baur au Lac

Baur au Lac is a fabulous 5-star hotel in the heart of Zurich. It’s situated near the shore of Lake Zurich and the central location means you will have easy access to all the best attractions in the city center. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of the main railway station, as well as a mere stone’s throw away from the Zurich harbor, which allows easy boat travel to other towns and villages on the shore of the lake.

The nightly rates for this luxury hotel start at around 620 CHF for a single room, and go up to 5,500 CHF for a deluxe suite with a view of Lake Zurich. Breakfast isn’t included in the base rate of the rooms, but WiFi access and a welcome gift are.

Mid-range Hotel: citizenM Zürich

The citizenM Zurich is a great hotel for travelers who want to be centrally located but without spending a fortune on the hotel room. The hotel is in Zurich city center on the left bank of the Limmat River, close to the Old Botanical Garden. The location is excellent for first-time visitors because all the top sights are within walking distance, plus you can enjoy some beautiful Zurich views from your room.

The rooms at citizenM are quite small but equipped with all the necessities. You’ll get a comfy bed, a bathroom in the room, and a desk for work. This hotel also boasts quite a few communal lounge areas, which makes it one of the better options for young adults who want to mingle and meet other people during their trips. In a way, it’s like an upscale hostel, but you don’t have to share a room with strangers. The base rate for a single room is around 286 CHF, while double rooms go for at least 289 CHF.

Budget Hotel: Old Town Hostel Otter

Even the cheapest budget hotels in Zurich can rival luxury hotels in other cities. The Old Town Hostel Otter is great for travelers who are on a very tight budget because it allows them to explore the city without spending a fortune. You can get a bed in a 6-person dormitory for as little as 55 CHF, which will barely get you a proper lunch in Zurich.

The hostel also offers twin rooms and a proper apartment, and the prices for private rooms are 140-220 CHF. If the prices seem a bit high for a bed in a dormitory, that’s Zurich for you. The location of the hostel is excellent though; it’s a 3-minute walk away from Grossmnunster, and only 6 minutes from the Zurich Opera House.

Enge

Enge is more of a residential area of Zurich, so the prices of hotels are generally lower than in the city center. The neighborhood is well connected to the rest of the city with public transport, plus it’s home to Museum Rietberg, Fifa World Football Museum, beaches, and more.

Luxury Hotel: Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich

Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich is one of Enge’s best 5-star hotels. It’s situated close to the Zurich Yacht Club and the Rentenwiese Park, plus it’s only a 10-minute walk from Paradeplatz in the city center. The hotel is in a more quiet and peaceful area of Zurich, but you’re still super close to the city’s best attractions.

The nightly rates are significantly more affordable than those of hotels in the proper center of Zurich. The cheapest nightly rate is 383 CHF, which is equivalent to a mid-range hotel in Altstadt. That’s the rate for solo travelers; couples can get a room at this luxury hotel for as little as around 420 CHF.

Mid-range Hotel: Hotel Glärnischhof by Trinity

Hotel Glärnischhof by Trinity is an excellent option for travelers who don’t quite have the budget for luxury accommodations. The location of this hotel is excellent; it’s just across the bridge from the heart of Zurich, a 4-minute walk away from Paradeplatz and Bahnhofstrasse.

Basic double rooms start at a little more than 300 CHF, which is an excellent price for a hotel so close to the historic area of Zurich. Solo travelers can also get a great deal because the prices for single rooms start at approximately 240 CHF. It’s worth noting that these prices listed here include some discounts that are automatically applied when you try to book a room at the hotel’s official website.

Budget Hotel: Residence Mutschellen

Residence Mutschellen is an affordable accommodation option for travelers on a tight budget. It’s further away from the city center of Zurich than all the other places mentioned in Enge, but it’s very close to the bus, tram, and train station that can take you to the heart of the city in no time. This hotel is a 30-minute walk (or 15-minute bus ride) away from Paradeplatz, but only a 10-minute walk away from Museum Rietberg.

Solo travelers can get a room at this hotel for as little as 150 CHF per night, while couples can get a twin room for only 166 CHF. If you’re splitting the cost that’s only slightly more expensive than a bed in a hostel dormitory, but you have your own bathroom and even a kitchenette.

Langstrasse

Langstrasse is a great neighborhood for young adults who want to stay in a more affordable area of Zurich that’s known for its excellent nightlife. The neighborhood is home to hip hotels, excellent bars, and lots of clubs.

Luxury Hotel: 25hours Hotel Langstrasse

25hours Hotel Langstrasse is the best place to stay if you want to be close to Zurich’s main train station. The 4-star hotel offers surprisingly inexpensive rooms for an upscale hotel in one of Zurich’s most desirable neighborhoods.

Solo travelers get the shorter end of the stick because the difference in price between the cheapest room for one vs two travelers is only about 15 CHF. Single rooms start at around 295 CHF, while double rooms cost anywhere from 309 CHF (without breakfast) to 539 CHF for a refundable reservation with breakfast.

Mid-range Hotel: Greulich Design & Boutique Hotel

Stay at the Greulich Design & Boutique Hotel if you want to be in a more urban area of Zurich and stay at a modern hotel. The room furnishings are all very clean and modern, and all hotel rooms are equipped with a bathroom, a desk, and free WiFi.

The hotel offers standard double rooms, lofts, and a 2-bedroom apartment. The average nightly rate is 200 CHF for a double room, and it’s worth noting that there are no single rooms at the Greulich. Solo travelers will need to pay the same rate as couples, so you might want to reconsider if you’re looking for a single room in Zurich. The more spacious double rooms are 300-330 CHF per night, depending on what amenities you want to be included in the price.

Budget Hotel: Hotel Kernhof

Hotel Kernhof is at an excellent location, practically on Langstrasse and very close to the Swiss National Museum. This 3-star hotel offers free WiFi in the rooms, free toiletries in the private bathroom, and a dedicated workspace. One thing to note is that the hotel is situated in a pretty busy area, where parties go on well into the wee hours of the morning. But that’s the beauty of Langstrasse, and unless you like to frequent bars and nightclubs, it’s not a good area for a stay.

The nightly room rates are 125 CHF for solo travelers and 140 CHF for couples. Even the most expensive suite at the hotel is around 200 CHF per night, which is what makes Hotel Kernhof one of the best budget Zurich hotels.

Zurich West

Zurich West is a popular neighborhood in the city’s Industriequartier. The former industrial area has gotten a new life and is now central to Zurich’s economic growth. The city area is characterized by beautiful panoramic views, train stations, nightclubs, and proximity to the Swiss National Museum.

Luxury Hotel: 25hours Hotel Zürich West

25hours Hotel Zürich West is an excellent 4-star hotel. It’s a very good option for travelers who want to experience staying in a luxury hotel in Zurich, but don’t quite want to pay the exorbitant prices of hotels that are more centrally located. It’s situated in an area full of great bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, plus it boasts easy access to the rest of the city with public transport.

Single rooms at this hotel start at just 220 CHF, which is a bargain for a hotel as well-equipped as this one. What’s even better is that rates for two adults in double rooms are also 220 CHF, which is the equivalent of an apartment in a hostel in Altstadt! It’s not great for solo travelers, so you might want to consider a different hotel if you’re traveling on your own.

Mid-range Hotel: Novotel Zurich City West

The Novotel Zurich City West is a great option for travelers who prefer staying in busier neighborhoods. It’s a 4-star hotel with spacious, comfortable, and modern rooms. The hotel is located very close to the main tram stations in the area, allowing easy access to other city areas.

The nightly rates for this hotel are around 220 CHF for a double room, which isn’t at all a bad deal for couples. However, solo travelers get the short end of the stick here because the hotel doesn’t have dedicated single rooms, and the rates for the double rooms are the same as for two adults.

This hotel is also one of the best hotels in Zurich for families as they offer a range of activities for children and they also have a delicious children’s menu that the kids will surely enjoy.

Budget Hotel: ibis budget Zurich City West

ibis budget Zurich City West is a 1-star hotel with some of the most affordable nightly rates in the city of Zurich. Double and twin rooms start at around 120 CHF per night, and that’s as cheap as beds in hostel dormitories. But instead of sharing the room and the bathroom with strangers, you get them all to yourself, as well as free WiFi.

Breakfast is not included in the price of the rooms, but you can get it for an extra fee of 15 CHF. Also, it’s worth noting that the shower is inside the room (it’s not separated by a wall), so the hotel will work only for solo travelers or couples who are very comfortable with one another. The location of the hotel is excellent though; it’s in a busy neighborhood with lots of great restaurants and bars, plus it’s super close to tram and bus stations.

Seefeld

Seefeld is the area of Zurich south of the Opera House. It’s known for excellent bathing spots, long promenades, and the gorgeous Chinese Garden. Consider staying in Seefeld for lower hotel prices, easy access to the city center via public transport, and an excellent selection of bars and restaurants.

Luxury Hotel: La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich

La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich is a fabulous 5-star hotel on the bank of Lake Zurich. The rooms offer sweeping lake views and exquisite luxurious furnishings. There aren’t any single rooms at this hotel and all solo travelers will have to pay the standard double room rate, which is identical for two adults.

The double rooms at this hotel start at 700 CHF per night and can cost up to 6,000 CHF per night for the 2-bedroom suite. This hotel is the epitome of luxury in Zurich and without a doubt one of the best options for travelers who want to experience living the high life in Switzerland and be pampered with welcome gifts, free drinks, and VIP treatment during their stay.

Mid-range Hotel: Boutique Hotel NI-MO

Boutique Hotel NI-MO is a very nice hotel in this trendy neighborhood. It’s only a 4-minute walk away from the Zurich Opera House, and it’s even closer to some of the best public bathing areas in the city of Zurich. The hotel boasts comfortable rooms and offers a discount to all guests who decide to book a room directly on their website.

The nightly rates at this hotel are approximately 220 CHF for a single room and 250 CHF for double rooms. Even the most expensive hotel room isn’t much more than 300 CHF per night, and that’s without the discount that’s applied automatically if you book on their site.

Budget Hotel: Seefeld Residenz Apartment

Seefeld Residence is an apartment hotel in the heart of this neighborhood. It’s a great option for travelers who are planning longer stays in the city and want their accommodation to have slightly more functionality than a hotel room.

The apartments in Seefeld are equipped with full kitchens, so you can easily cook during your stay. The apartment building has laundry facilities that guests can access for an extra fee, plus there’s private parking on the site for an extra 15 CHF per day.

The apartment for two goes for some 170 CHF per night, while the triple apartment costs approximately 200 CHF per night. That’s a pretty good deal for the Seefeld area, especially since the apartment building is only a 5-minute walk away from the iconic Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich.

Hotels Near the Zurich Airport

Choose a hotel close to Zurich Airport if you’re in the city for only a short time, you’re traveling for business, or you just don’t want to pay the prices of centrally located hotels. The airport has a direct train connection to the old town, so you can still explore Zurich to your heart’s content.

Luxury Hotel: Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport The Circle

If you’re in the city for only a night, or you prefer to stay close to the airport for whatever reason, you’ll be glad to know that there’s no shortage of luxury hotels even there. In fact, some of the best Zurich hotels are situated in the Circle building at the airport, Hyatt Regency included.

It’s an excellent 5-star business hotel with a direct connection to Zurich city center. The train station is just steps away from the hotel’s front door, and you can be in Zurich Altstadt in some 25 minutes. The rooms in this hotel are spacious with modern and luxurious furnishings, and some even offer beautiful views of the nearby park.

The rates for standard double rooms are from 311 CHF per night, but that’s an exclusive deal for World of Hyatt Members. The standard rate for a classic double room is 380 CHF and that’s the most affordable option for solo travelers. The hotel boasts bigger and better rooms as well, with the presidential suite going for more than 2,000 CHF per night.

Mid-range Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport

Radisson Blu Hotel Zurich Airport is a 4-star hotel situated at the Circle building complex. The hotel is very close to the airport train station and it’s only half an hour away from the central Zurich area for easy city tours. It’s also the largest congress and convention hotel in the country, so it’s absolutely perfect for business travelers.

The nightly rates at the Radisson Blu are from 230 CHF, which is a special rate for members of the Radisson Rewards Club. Family rooms and suites are from 300 CHF and 500 CHF per night, while the presidential suite costs at least 1,000 CHF per night to book.

Budget Hotel: B&B Hotel Zürich Airport

If you want to stay close to the airport to save money on accommodation, the B&B Hotel Zürich Airport is one of the most affordable options in the area. It’s a bit further away from the train station (a 10-minute walk), but you can still be in the center of the city in about half an hour.

There aren’t any single rooms at this hotel and the cheapest rooms are standard double rooms with a nightly rate of around 105 CHF. That’s the base rate for the stay and breakfast is another 20 CHF per day. This is actually an excellent deal for couples because you get a room for 50 CHF per person, which is extremely cheap for Zurich. Triple rooms are from 152 CHF per night, while family rooms (for up to 4 adults) start at 213 CHF.

Map of Where to Stay in Zurich

Frequently Asked Questions