Where to Stay
Zurich's Kreis 1 encompasses Switzerland's most expensive shopping centre (the Bahnhofstrasse), the Old Town, the entertainment district of Niederdorf, and the banking and financial pulse of the city (on the Paradeplatz). In addition to all these things, it is also home to the city's widest selection of hotels at diverse prices.
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City Backpacker, whose name aptly reflects its clientele, is cheap, clean and central—qualities that also characterize the ZicZac Rock Hotel, a favorite with famous musicians. The Wellenberg, also located in the bustling Niederdorf quarter, is in the middle price bracket. An unassuming façade makes the striking and innovative design of the rooms inside all the more surprising. The Hotel Kindli interior, by contrast, is pure Laura Ashley (cosy and romantic English-style designs, that is). The Florhof, located near the art museum, boasts a lighter and more contemporary design. A short distance away in the Oberdorf, two inexpensive hotels stand out in the crowd: Hotel Otter, not recommended for fussy customers or light sleepers, and the Hotel Rössli, still one of Zurich's best-kept secrets. Try it before the word gets out! On the opposite bank of the Limmat lies the Hotel Zum Storchen, unique among Zurich hotels in its location right on the river bank. Three luxury hotels are situated on the same side of the river: the Baur au Lac, the Savoy Baur en Ville and the Widder. All these enjoy a towering reputation beyond the confines of the city and have played host to many an eminent guest. Whilst the first two are long-established, the Widder is the junior partner in the triumvirate, opened as recently as 1995, and has quickly consolidated its reputation among the rich and famous.
Naturally there are plenty of hotels outside of Kreis 1 that are worth the extra trip away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. The Splügenschloss in Kreis 2 is a neo-classical structure not far from the lake. Although a fair distance from the center of town, the Hotel Uto-Kulm, situated on Üetliberg mountain in Kreis 3, offers spectacular views of the city. The St. Georges, located in picturesque Kreis 4, is a small, affordable establishment with a cosy family-run atmosphere. Within easy reach of the station in Kreis 5, Hotel Walhalla is popular with business executives and busy travelers alike. Dolder Grand Hotel is an exclusive establishment in art nouveau style, offering the visitor breathtaking views of the Alps. It is not to be confused with the nearby Waldhaus Dolder in Kreis 7, which is also highly recommended for its many amenities and stunning vistas. If your priority is to quickly get to a quiet hotel room after a trip to the opera, the Hotel Opera is the place to stay. Not far away is the equally elegant Hotel Seegarten which, as its name suggests, lies a short distance from the lake. The Eden au Lac, separated from the lakeside by a busy street, is an imposing structure with an opulent interior and a variety of enticing amenities.
