Where to Stay in Zurich, Switzerland - A Complete Guide
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Planning a trip to Zurich? Here’s my complete guide to hotels and accommodation in Switzerland’s largest city.
Located in the north of Switzerland, Zurich is a beautiful city that’s rich with Swiss culture. There’s so much to see; from the delicious Lindt Chocolate Museum and charming Old Town to the trendy nightlife and fondue eateries, there really is something here for everyone.
Whether you’re travelling on a budget or splashing out on luxury hotels, Zurich has a wide range of accommodation to choose from. During my own visit I stayed in a hotel from my bucket list - the gorgeous B2 Hotel, which is located close to Lake Zurich (and I visited on a gifted basis).
A modern and upscale four star hotel, the B2 Hotel is a real showstopper with a stunning library bar that features floor to ceiling bookshelves. The spa is accessible from the hotel for an extra fee, and boasts a rooftop pool with fantastic views over the city. There’s even a secret entrance just for hotel guests, who can change in their rooms and travel to the spa via the elevator.
I’ve written a full review of the B2 Hotel on my website here.
Here’s my full guide to the best hotels and accommodation in Switzerland’s largest city.
At a Glance
Best hotel close to Zurich Airport: Raddison Blu Hotel, Zurich Airport (with direct airport access)
Best budget hotel: Meinminger Hotel Zurich Green City
Best mid-range hotel: B2 Hotel
Best luxury hotel: Mandarin Oriental Savoy
Best Airbnb: Villa Allegra Studio Apartment
Where to stay near Zurich Airport
If you’d prefer to stay close to Zurich Airport, there are a wide variety of options to suit different budgets.
Budget Hotels
On the cheaper end of the scale, Ibis Budget Zurich Airport is a two star hotel offering low cost rooms. Breakfast is available for an extra fee, and there’s also a self service laundrette and free wifi. At a slightly higher cost, the Holiday Inn Express Zurich Airport comes with included breakfast and wifi. The rooms are also soundproofed - which is extremely useful for a hotel that’s close to an international airport!
Other budget hotel options include the B&B Hotel Airport Rumlang, which is rated three stars and features a breakfast buffet, free wifi, and an onsite stake-house called Food House 14.
Alternatively, head to the InterCity Hotel Zurich Airport, which is a four star property with budget friendly rooms. Their facilities include a gym, bar/lounge area and free high speed internet. There’s also a restaurant which serves a variety of regional and national Swiss dishes. Breakfast is also available for an additional charge.
Higher End Hotels
While many fantastic low cost options are available, you can also find a variety of higher end hotels in the vicinity of Zurich Airport. They might not be quite as luxurious as some of the top hotels in the city, but they do make a very comfortable place to rest your head before a flight. All of these hotels are rated four stars and are still very reasonably priced.
My top recommendation is the Raddison Blu Zurich Airport - the only hotel which has direct access to the terminal. It helps that the hotel itself is also lovely, with two restaurants, two fitness centres and meeting room facilities. There’s even a ballroom, should you have a need for one.
Other options include the Hilton Zurich Airport, which offers 180 degree views over the alps and airport runway, as well as a restaurant and fitness centre. The Hyatt Place Zurich Airport has a similar offering, with modern decor, a resturant/bar, and a 24/7 fitness centre. The final mention goes to the Leonardo Hotel Zurich Airport, which boasts a restaurant serving both Swiss and international dishes, as well as a bar with an outdoor terrace. A gym, ‘grab n go’ station and business centre are also available.
Best Budget Hotels in Zurich
While Switzerland is known to be an expensive country to visit, and Zurich is no exception, it is possible to find a variety of budget hotels in the city.
In fact, EasyHotel has three locations in Zurich. Designed to be economical, the rooms are clean and simple, with your choice depending on where you would prefer to be located. The EasyHotel Zurich City Centre is based in the heart of the city, while the EasyHotel Main Station is located by the Zürich Hauptbahnhof, also known as Zurich HB or Zurich Main Station. The final branch, EasyHotel Zurich West is based close to the Limmat River on the west side of the city.
If the Easy brand doesn’t quite work for you, the Ibis Budget Zurich City West is located just across the river from the third EasyHotel. With a one star rating, this hotel provides a clean and safe place to sleep with modest rooms.
If you’ve ever fancied staying in one of those Japanese style capsule hotels, then the Green Marmot Capsule Hotel is the one for you. Each cosy capsule contains a comfortable bed, folding table, lighting, and a mirror, as well as air conditioning and complementary wifi. The capsules are organised into three separate areas, with one for women, one for men, and another for groups.
Finally, families and groups should consider checking into the Meinminger Hotel Zurich Green City. The room options include twin, triple and quadruple rooms, while the standard family room can sleep a total of six. Dormitory rooms are also available. With an onsite bar/lounge, game room, terrace and self service kitchen, this hotel has everything you need for a budget friendly break in Zurich.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Zurich
A step up from the budget category, these hotels are stylish and comfortable options with great facilities that won’t beak the bank. All of these properties are rated four stars and are well reviewed online by guests.
Loacted in Zurich Old Town, the Kameha Grand is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, with unique interiors designed by Marcel Wanders. The hotel is well equipped for business travellers, with six breakout rooms and seven event rooms available to hire. There’s also a well equipped spa with saunas, a steam room and loungers on the roof terrace.
The Courtyard Zurich North is another Marriott property, but this one is based in the northern district Oerlikon, which is part way between the airport and the city centre. The rooms are modern and the facilities include a kitchen/bar with terrace seating and a fitness centre.
In the west of the city, just 10 minutes away from the Old Town, you’ll find the Crowne Plaza Zurich. With modern rooms, a spa with a swimming pool and two restaurants this is a great option for travellers who want to explore the city. Alternatively, check into the lovely Sheraton Zurich Hotel, which is also based on the west side of Zurich. This is another option with comfortable rooms, great views over the district, an onsite steakhouse, Mediterranean restaurant/cocktail bar and separate breakfast room with a buffet.
Of course, here I also have to mention the wonderful B2 Hotel which is where I stayed in Zurich. The the library bar has a great ambiance, the service was impeccable and the spa is fantastic. I loved staying here and would definitely return in the future.
Best Luxury Hotels in Zurich
There’s no shortage of beautiful luxury hotels to visit in Zurich - the only limit is your budget! All of these suggestions are five star properties based in the centre of the city, close to Zurich’s main shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse.
For a more affordable high-end experience, the Zurich Marriott Hotel offers two restaurants with a choice of Swiss and Thai cuisine. Guests staying in a Club Room or Suite also have access to the M Club Lounge, which provides complimentary food and drink throughout the day, with high speed internet and a concierge. Other guests can access the M Club for an additional fee.
If you have a substantial budget, consider staying at the stunning Baur au Lac Hotel, which is one of the oldest five star hotels in the world. Established on the shores of Lake Zurich in 1844, the hotel has beautiful rooms and three restaurants, with one serving afternoon tea. Alternatively, consider another of the city’s historic hotels, the Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, which was founded in a beautiful building on Bahnhofstrasse in 1877. They offer several eateries and classy rooms and suites for a lower price than the Baur au Lac Hotel.
The Mandarin Oriental Savoy was reopened after an extensive renovation in 2023, and is the oldest grand hotel in Zurich. With rooms and suites designed by Tristan Auer, the hotel offers two formal restaurants, a rooftop bar with city and mountain views, as well as an additional Mandarin Bar serving cocktails and light bites.
If you’re looking for something different, then check out the Dolder Grand, which offers a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This hotel has extensive facilities, including several restaurants and a fantastic spa. Set in natural surroundings and based in a building with ivory spires, the Dolder Grand really is the perfect five star Swiss retreat.
Best Airbnbs
Finally, there are many options to choose from if you prefer a homey Airbnb instead of a traditional hotel.
For a family or small group, this two bedroom apartment in Zurich city centre would make an ideal base for exploring the city. The property is spacious with a small balcony, full kitchen and dining area. Alternatively, take a look at this two bedroom rooftop apartment in Zurich’s Old Town.
Solo travellers or couples may prefer this compact studio apartment which is also in the city centre. With simple decor and a well equipped kitchen, this property is a four minute walk from the nearest train station. If you’d prefer a one bedroom property with a bit more character, then you’ll love this ground floor studio apartment in a Villa Allegra, a traditional Swiss style mountain chalet. The house is separated into three units which are all Airbnbs, making this the ideal rental for couples, families or groups. The facilities include a private patio with outdoor seating, and a small kitchen area for cooking.
Have a fantastic time during your trip to Zurich, and please leave a comment letting me know where you decided to stay!