Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich tops our list with a 9.8 location score right on In Gassen lane in Old Town. For medieval Niederdorf atmosphere, Hotel St. Josef’s 9.7 staff score and terrace make it a close second. Both deliver the cobblestone Zurich experience at peak quality.
Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt) packs medieval lanes, the Limmat River, and the city’s best dining into a walkable core. Here are the 20 properties that earn their keep in this historic district.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 20 properties in Zurich Old Town across 56,400+ total verified guest reviews to compile this list, prioritizing cleanliness scores 8.5+ and location ratings 9.0+.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best Old Town Location: #16 Sorell St Peter→ Rates
#10 Sorell Rütli Niederdorf→ Rates - Highest Guest Scores: #16 Sorell St Peter (9.3)→ Rates
#8 Hotel St. Josef (9.2)→ Rates - Budget-Friendly: #3 ibis Zurich Adliswil→ Rates
#14 Viktoria Budget Hostel→ Rates - Top Luxury: #20 The Dolder Grand (5-star)→ Rates
- Best for Families: #12 Acasa Suites Oerlikon→ Rates
#9 Locke am Platz→ Rates - Pet-Friendly: #11 Sorell Seidenhof→ Rates
#17 B2 Hotel Zürich→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Motel One Zürich | (9,450+ Reviews) |
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| 2. MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity | (8,500+ Reviews) |
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| 3. ibis Zurich Adliswil | (4,700+ Reviews) |
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| 4. ibis Zürich Messe Airport | (4,300+ Reviews) |
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| 5. VISIONAPARTMENTS Wolframplatz | (4,050+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Mercure Zürich City | (2,950+ Reviews) |
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| 7. City Pop 2Night Zürich City | (2,600+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Hotel St. Josef | (2,250+ Reviews) |
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| 9. Locke am Platz Zurich | (2,200+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Sorell Hotel Rütli Niederdorf | (2,200+ Reviews) |
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| 11. Sorell Boutique-Hotel Seidenhof | (2,000+ Reviews) |
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| 12. Acasa Suites Zurich Oerlikon | (1,950+ Reviews) |
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| 13. ibis Zürich City West | (1,900+ Reviews) |
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| 14. Viktoria Budget Hostel | (1,300+ Reviews) |
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| 15. Hotel Kernhof Self Check-In | (1,200+ Reviews) |
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| 16. Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter | (1,200+ Reviews) |
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| 17. B2 Hotel Zürich | (900+ Reviews) |
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| 18. Boutique Hotel Kronenhof | (850+ Reviews) |
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| 19. Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador | (750+ Reviews) |
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| 20. The Dolder Grand | (700+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: 20 Best Hotels in Zurich Old Town Reviewed & Ranked
1. Motel One Zürich






The Vibe
Motel One hits that sweet spot between budget and boutique. The shared lounge feels like a modern Swiss living room, and with a 9.0 Comfort score from nine thousand-plus guests, the beds clearly deliver. Positioned on Stockerstrasse, it’s a straight shot to the Old Town’s cobblestone core.
What You Actually Get
Rooms come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi (rated 8.5 by guests). The 24-hour front desk means late arrivals don’t stress. Breakfast is served daily — guests call it “good” rather than extraordinary, which feels honest for the price tier. Pet-friendly on request, with charges that vary. The full amount is collected at check-in, so budget accordingly.
Choose this if: You want reliable, clean comfort steps from Bahnhofstrasse without paying Old Town boutique prices.
2. MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity






The Vibe
MEININGER feels like a hostel that grew up and got a real job. The shared kitchen is massive with plenty of tables and chairs, and the terrace catches afternoon sun. Staff scores hit 8.7, and the “goofy vibe” one guest described fits — it’s playful without being chaotic.
What You Actually Get
Private parking on site (rare in Zurich), family rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. Cash isn’t accepted here — card only. The nearest train station is a five-minute walk (“Zurich Manegg”), and the A3 motorway exit is close for drivers. The kitchen is the real differentiator: big enough for meal prep, which saves Swiss franc fast. Cleanliness holds at 8.6, and the rooms get professionally disinfected before each arrival, per recent protocols.
Choose this if: You’re a budget traveler who cooks their own meals but wants hotel-standard cleanliness and a 24-hour desk.
Check Tonight’s Price for MEININGER Hotel Zürich Greencity →
3. ibis Zurich Adliswil






The Vibe
ibis does what ibis does — no surprises, just function. But the 8.9 staff score says the team here punches above the brand’s weight. Free parking is the headline act for drivers, and the Wi-Fi scores 9.0, outperforming most pricier hotels in Zurich.
What You Actually Get
Two-star setup with a restaurant, free parking, and a terrace. The bus stop is directly outside the hotel, and Wollishofen train station is the nearest rail connection. Rooms are typically compact — “budget hotel” as one guest described — but the front desk service consistently wins praise. The A3 motorway exit is adjacent, making this ideal for road-trippers. Breakfast is available but not included by default. Pets allowed on request with charges.
Choose this if: You’re driving into Zurich and need free parking without sacrificing decent Wi-Fi and genuinely friendly staff.
4. ibis Zürich Messe Airport





The Vibe
This ibis is pure airport logic — functional, fast, and forgettable in the best way. The 8.1 staff score and 8.1 location score (close to Messe Zurich and Hallenstadion) make it a pragmatic choice for exhibition-goers or early flights. The Wi-Fi hits 8.4, solid for a transit hotel.
What You Actually Get
Private parking, a restaurant, and a shuttle service that runs from 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily — bookable at reception. Rooms are basic but clean (7.7 score), and family rooms are available. Pets accepted on request at CHF 20 per night. The location in Zürich Nord puts you 9 km from Zurich Airport and a 10-minute walk from Messe Zürich. Cancellation policies vary by room type, so check before booking.
Choose this if: You need a straightforward bed near the airport or Messe exhibition center and want a reliable shuttle.
5. VISIONAPARTMENTS Wolframplatz – self check-in






The Vibe
Self check-in apartments with a fitness center and laundry — this is the extended-stay playbook. The 7.1 overall rating reflects mixed experiences, but the 8.1 location score (0.6 miles from Museum Rietberg) and 8.4 Wi-Fi keep it functional for longer stays.
What You Actually Get
Apartments with heating, elevators, and private parking on site. The fitness center is a bonus for travelers who don’t want to skip leg day. Laundry is available in the basement (bring your own detergent). Children 3 and above are charged as adults. Pets allowed on request with charges. The self check-in process means no front desk — everything is handled remotely, which works for some and frustrates others.
Choose this if: You’re on a longer Zurich stay and want apartment-style living with workout access.
Check Tonight’s Price for VISIONAPARTMENTS Wolframplatz – self check-in →
6. Mercure Zürich City






The Vibe
Mercure brings 4-star weight with an 8.9 staff score and 8.6 location — close to a Coop supermarket and public transport. The spa adds a layer that most Zurich mid-range hotels skip. Comfort sits at 9.0, matching the top of this list.
What You Actually Get
Spa access, a fitness center, restaurant, and bar. Private parking costs CHF 15 outside or CHF 25 underground per night. The hotel is 3.6 miles from Zurich Central Station. Pet-friendly on request. The breakfast buffet earns consistent praise, though the restaurant has had COVID-era restrictions. Rooms are compact but comfortable, as the 9.0 comfort score confirms. The spa is open but may have capacity limits.
Choose this if: You want a spa-fitness combo with reliable 4-star service accessible to the city center.
7. City Pop 2Night Zürich City – Self check-in






The Vibe
Compact city living with a Langstrasse address. The 8.8 location score puts you in Zurich’s nightlife corridor, and the 8.8 cleanliness score is impressive for self check-in apartments. The Wi-Fi scores 9.1 — fastest in this price bracket.
What You Actually Get
17 m² studios with city views, private bathrooms, and non-smoking rooms. There’s a laundry room with an ironing station in the basement, and luggage storage available post-check-out (at your own risk). The building has an elevator and wheelchair-accessible rooms. A Coop supermarket is in the same building — convenient for supplies. Check-in is self-service, and you’ll need to provide valid credit card details for guarantee (no charge made). Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: You’re young, solo or a couple, and want self-sufficient Langstrasse living with top-tier internet.
Check Tonight’s Price for City Pop 2Night Zürich City – Self check-in →
8. Hotel St. Josef






The Vibe
Hotel St. Josef is a Niederdorf gem. The 9.7 staff score is the highest in this entire list — guests rave about the welcoming team. The terrace catches Old Town energy, and the 9.4 location puts medieval streets at your doorstep. It’s a 10-minute walk from Zurich Main Station.
What You Actually Get
A restaurant (closed weekends), private parking, room service, and tea/coffee makers in every room. The breakfast is excellent — guests call it a highlight. Luggage storage is free before check-in and after check-out, which solves the arrival/departure gap. Children 6 and above are charged as adults. Pets allowed with charges. The restaurant serves dinner during the week but shuts down Saturday and Sunday — plan meals accordingly.
Choose this if: You value outstanding service and want to wake up in the heart of Zurich’s medieval quarter.
9. Locke am Platz Zurich





The Vibe
Locke am Platz is built for connectivity — it’s literally right on the train station (Enge), which guests call “a good way.” The 9.3 location score and 9.4 staff score reflect a property that knows what travelers need: comfortable beds, working AC (not a given in Zurich), and proximity to the center.
What You Actually Get
Family rooms with private bathrooms, tea/coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi rated 9.0. Private parking is available. Dogs up to 30 kilos are welcome at CHF 40 for the total stay — not per night. A weekly cleaning service applies for stays of 7+ nights. The hotel has an elevator and is accessible. A laundry service operates nearby, and the front desk will explain the procedure. The 9.0 cleanliness score matches the comfort score, making this consistent across the board.
Choose this if: You want train-adjacent convenience with working AC, a dog-friendly policy, and reliable 4-star service.
10. Sorell Hotel Rütli Niederdorf Zürich






The Vibe
Completely renovated, this Sorell property sits in the heart of Niederdorf’s pedestrian zone. The 9.4 location score is earned — Zurich HB is a 7-minute walk, and the medieval streets, funiculars, and ETH Zurich are steps away. Guests describe the rooms as “huge and elegant.”
What You Actually Get
Non-smoking rooms, facilities for disabled guests, terrace, daily housekeeping, and tea/coffee makers. The breakfast is good, and the front desk is available 24 hours. Superior King rooms can function as family rooms with a sofa bed for kids. Pets allowed on request with charges. The hotel doesn’t have its own parking, but public options are nearby. The 8.6 cleanliness score is solid for an Old Town property.
Choose this if: You want to be in Niederdorf’s cobblestone lanes with a short walk to the main station.
Check Tonight’s Price for Sorell Hotel Rütli Niederdorf Zürich →
11. Sorell Boutique-Hotel Seidenhof Zürich






The Vibe
Seidenhof is boutique done right — a garden terrace, balcony rooms, and a location 164 feet from Bahnhofstrasse. The 9.6 location score is the second-highest in this list. Staff hits 9.3, and the 9.3 cleanliness suggests meticulous housekeeping.
What You Actually Get
Garden views, room service, restaurant, bar, and terrace. Some rooms have balconies and bathtubs. The fitness and spa center across the street is available for CHF 25 per day per person — a worthwhile add-on. Breakfast is very good, and the front desk (Isaac gets special mentions) helps with dinner reservations. Children 12 and above are charged as adults. Pets allowed with charges. The hotel has a lift.
Choose this if: You want boutique character with Bahnhofstrasse access and a garden to decompress in.
Check Tonight’s Price for Sorell Boutique-Hotel Seidenhof Zürich →
12. Acasa Suites Zurich Oerlikon






The Vibe
Acasa Suites punches above its 4-star rating. The 9.5 comfort score is the highest of any property on this list — these beds are serious. Oerlikon station is a 3-minute walk, and the train to Zurich Airport takes 8 minutes. Multiple languages spoken at reception (Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French).
What You Actually Get
Fitness center, restaurant, parking on site, family rooms, and a terrace. The breakfast is very good. Coop and Lidl grocery stores are nearby, and Oerlikon has plenty of restaurants. The 24-hour reception means late arrivals are stress-free. Smoking isn’t permitted anywhere on the property. The 9.2 facilities score reflects modern, well-maintained spaces. Children of all ages are welcome with no extra adult charging for younger kids.
Choose this if: You prioritize a good night’s sleep and need fast airport connections with multilingual staff.
13. ibis Zürich City West






The Vibe
Zürich West is the city’s hip district, and this ibis anchors near the Technopark. The garden courtyard with a swing set is a quiet surprise — families love it. The 8.7 staff score and 8.5 location score make it a solid mid-range pick for the area.
What You Actually Get
A restaurant (closed weekends), parking on site at CHF 25 per night, terrace, and family rooms. The nearest tram stop is Hardbrücke station. The city center is 10 minutes by public transport or 30 minutes on foot. Pets allowed with charges. Air conditioning is available in rooms. Guests praise the breakfast and the proximity to river parks and shopping. The garden courtyard is the standout feature — rare for an ibis.
Choose this if: You’re exploring Zürich West’s nightlife and want a family-friendly base with a garden.
14. Viktoria Budget Hostel






The Vibe
Adults-only budget accommodation with an 8.7 cleanliness score — cleaner than most hostels in Europe. The shared kitchen and garden make it social without being loud. Wi-Fi hits 9.0, and the 8.2 value score is strong for Zurich.
What You Actually Get
Non-smoking rooms, a shared kitchen, terrace, garden, and daily housekeeping. Check-in is strictly between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM — late arrivals aren’t accommodated. The hostel only offers mixed dormitories (no female-only rooms). Children are not allowed. Pets are not allowed. Tram 13 from the main station takes you to Meierhofplatz stop. The Wi-Fi is excellent for a hostel, and guests consistently praise the kitchen facilities.
Choose this if: You’re a solo budget traveler who values cleanliness, a kitchen, and adults-only quiet.
15. Hotel Kernhof Self Check-In






The Vibe
Kernhof is honest about what it is: a budget property in a busy area. The 6.5 location score is the lowest on this list — it’s in Aussersihl, a 14-minute walk from Zurich Central Station. But the fridges in rooms and Wi-Fi at 8.6 make it functional for the price.
What You Actually Get
Self check-in with codes, family rooms, kitchens in some units, and parking 150 meters away at a public parkhouse. The property notes it’s “located in a busy area” — guests should expect street noise. No luggage storage available after check-out. Fridges in rooms allow for cold medicine storage (one guest needed this). Pets allowed with charges. The 7.2 overall score reflects the trade-off between price and experience.
Choose this if: Your budget is tight, you don’t mind street noise, and you need self check-in flexibility.
16. Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich






The Vibe
This is the top-rated property in our list — and for good reason. The 9.8 location score on In Gassen lane puts you directly in the Old Town’s historic core, steps from St. Peter Church and the Lindenhof viewpoint. A 9.6 staff score and a champagne breakfast make mornings feel special.
What You Actually Get
Free bikes to explore the city, a fitness center, garden, shared lounge, room service, and tea/coffee makers. The breakfast offers “a glass of champagne in the morning” — a detail guests rave about. The underground car park is 164 feet from the property (reception provides directions). Rooms have a cooling system rather than traditional AC — adequate but not ice-cold. The 9.5 cleanliness score is outstanding. Pets allowed with charges.
Choose this if: You want the absolute best Old Town location with a champagne breakfast and free bikes to explore.
Check Tonight’s Price for Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich →
17. B2 Hotel Zürich






The Vibe
Housed in a former brewery, B2 is Zurich’s coolest 4-star. The 9.7 staff score ties for highest on this list, and the 9.7 cleanliness score is the joint best. The rooftop pool is the crown jewel — outdoor swimming in summer, heated access year-round.
What You Actually Get
Outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, room service, tea/coffee makers, and an excellent breakfast. The property sits on a slight hill — access involves a slightly steep road or a staircase from the Hürlimann-Areal complex. A 5-minute walk from Zurich Enge station gets you there. The rooms are stylish, air-conditioned, and “totally silent” per guests. Dogs are welcome at CHF 50 per stay (cleaning fee). Spa access is available to hotel guests exclusively from 7:30 AM to 8:00 AM before public hours.
Choose this if: You want a design-forward brewery conversion with a rooftop pool and silence-worthy rooms.
18. Boutique Hotel Kronenhof






The Vibe
Three stars with five hearts, the tagline says. Kronenhof is a small, family-run property in Zürich Nord with an 8.8 staff score and cheap garage parking (CHF 10/night). It’s basic but welcoming — guests describe rooms as “very small but clean.”
What You Actually Get
Private parking in a garage (CHF 10/night), terrace, elevator, laundry facilities, and breakfast at US$30. Check-in closes at 10:00 PM. Rooms have attached private bathrooms (not shared). Free Wi-Fi scores 8.8. The location is accessible to Zurich HB and the airport via public transport. Pets allowed on request with charges. The 8.1 cleanliness score is decent for the price tier.
Choose this if: You need budget accommodation with cheap parking and don’t mind small rooms.
19. Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich





The Vibe
Behind the opera house, steps from Lake Zurich — the Ambassador’s 9.7 location score is elite. Repeat guests are common here, a sign of consistent quality. The complementary minibar is a small luxury that guests remember. Staff scores 9.3 and comfort hits 9.5.
What You Actually Get
Restaurant, room service, terrace, tea/coffee makers, and a good breakfast. The public car park “Opéra” is across the street (CHF 45/night) — no on-site parking. Cribs are available free of charge for families. Children over 3 are welcome. Pets allowed on request with charges. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi (9.0). Beds are “highly-rated for comfort” per guest feedback — combined with the complementary minibar, it’s the little things that earn loyalty.
Choose this if: You want a luxurious location behind the opera house, facing Lake Zurich, with a complementary minibar.
Check Tonight’s Price for Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich →
20. The Dolder Grand – City and Spa Resort Zurich
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The Vibe
The Dolder Grand is Zurich’s only true 5-star resort — perched above the city with panoramic views, a world-class spa, and an indoor pool. The 9.8 Wi-Fi score is the highest on this list, and the 9.5 comfort score matches the top tier. It’s where you go when budget isn’t a concern.
What You Actually Get
Indoor swimming pool, fitness center, airport shuttle, room service, and an excellent breakfast. The spa requires children to be at least 12 years old and accompanied by an adult — advance reservation is required for all spa and restaurant access. The property is accessed via cog railway next to the hotel, adding to the castle-on-a-hill feel. Pets allowed with charges. The 9.4 cleanliness score and 9.3 staff score reflect the 5-star standard. Guests consistently praise the service as “professional yet personal.”
Choose this if: Money is no object and you want Zurich’s finest spa resort experience with impeccable service.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Dolder Grand – City and Spa Resort Zurich →
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#16 Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich
Unbeatable 9.8 location in Old Town, champagne breakfast, free bikes, and a 9.3 overall rating — it’s the complete package.
Check Tonight’s Price for Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich →
💰 Best Value
#3 ibis Zurich Adliswil
Free parking, 9.0 Wi-Fi, 8.9 staff score, and a restaurant at a price that keeps your Swiss francs intact.
🏖️ Best for Location
#19 Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
9.7 location behind the opera house, Lake Zurich steps away, complementary minibar, and repeat-guest loyalty.
Check Tonight’s Price for Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich →
How We Ranked These Zurich Old Town Hotels
We analyzed 20 properties in Zurich’s Altstadt and surrounding districts, cross-referencing 56,400+ verified guest reviews against location scores, amenities, and value patterns. The goal: surface the hotels that actually deliver on their promises in Zurich’s most historic neighborhoods.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and comfort — the categories that drive repeat bookings in Zurich
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns to confirm pool access, breakfast quality, and pet policies
- Location signals: Distance to Niederdorf, Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich HB, and Lake Zurich — the landmarks that define the Old Town experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Zurich Old Town hotels?
Yes — most properties on this list allow pets, but policies vary significantly. Sorell Boutique-Hotel Seidenhof and B2 Hotel Zürich both welcome dogs, with B2 charging a flat CHF 50 cleaning fee per stay. Locke am Platz charges CHF 40 total (not per night) for dogs up to 30 kilos. Always confirm charges in advance, as some hotels apply per-night fees instead of per-stay. Properties like City Pop 2Night and Viktoria Budget Hostel do not allow pets.
Which hotels offer free cancellation in Zurich?
Cancellation policies vary by room type and booking platform across all properties. Hotels like Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter and Hotel St. Josef offer flexible options on specific rate plans, while budget properties like ibis Zurich Adliswil often have stricter non-refundable rates. We recommend checking the cancellation conditions for your specific dates during checkout — most Booking.com listings clearly display free cancellation options before confirming.
What’s the best time to visit Zurich Old Town?
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. July and August bring the warmest temperatures for lake swimming but also peak tourist season and higher hotel rates. December is magical for the Christmas markets in Niederdorf and at Hauptbahnhof, though temperatures hover near freezing. For the best hotels in Zurich Old Town, book at least 4-6 weeks ahead during summer and Christmas periods.
How do I get from Zurich Airport to the Old Town?
The easiest route is the direct train from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich Hauptbahnhof (HB) — it runs every 10-15 minutes and takes 10-12 minutes. From HB, the Old Town (Niederdorf) is a 5-minute walk east. Hotels like Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter (In Gassen) and Hotel St. Josef (Hirschengraben) are within 10-15 minutes on foot from HB. Taxis cost CHF 40-60 and take 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Which Zurich Old Town hotel has the best location score?
Sorell Boutique-Hotel St Peter Zürich holds the highest location score on our list at 9.8/10, positioned on In Gassen lane directly in the Altstadt. Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich follows closely at 9.7, set behind the opera house on Lake Zurich. Sorell Boutique-Hotel Seidenhof scores 9.6 on Sihlstrasse, just 164 feet from Bahnhofstrasse. For Niederdorf access, Hotel St. Josef’s 9.4 location score on Hirschengraben puts medieval streets at your doorstep.
Can I check in late at any of these Zurich hotels?
Yes — most hotels on this list offer 24-hour front desk service, including Motel One Zürich, Hotel St. Josef, MEININGER Hotel Greencity, and Acasa Suites Oerlikon. Sorell properties have standard check-in until midnight. Self check-in properties like City Pop 2Night and Hotel Kernhof have cutoffs at 10:00 PM and 11:30 PM respectively. Viktoria Budget Hostel has the strictest policy — check-in closes at 10:00 PM with no exceptions.





