Altstadt Hotel

This charming boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of Zurich's Old Town, stands out for its exceptional central location, offering guests unparalleled access to the city's main attractions. Its proximity to the Limmat River, historic landmarks, and vibrant shopping and dining areas makes it an ideal choice for sightseers, couples seeking a romantic urban escape, and business travelers due to its excellent transport links. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness and the friendly, helpful nature of its staff. While rooms can be compact, they are generally well-maintained and comfortable. To make the most of your stay, consider utilizing the efficient public transport system, as the hotel is conveniently located near tram stops, and be prepared for the possibility of some street noise, especially if your room faces the main thoroughfare.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a welcoming cafe and bar on the ground floor, which many guests appreciate for its good coffee, pastries, and pleasant atmosphere, serving as a convenient spot for quick bites or drinks. While the elevator is noted by some as being small, it provides access to upper floors, though guests should be aware of a few steps leading up to it from reception. In-room conveniences include a kettle for hot beverages and a minibar with reasonably priced selections. The hotel also employs a quirky and secure key system that guests find practical, particularly for late arrivals. Some rooms offer unique features such as a private rooftop deck or views of the city's iconic church spires, enhancing the overall experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be very clean and well-maintained, often described as spotless and tidy. Room sizes receive mixed feedback; while some are noted as compact or small, others are found to be spacious enough, especially for solo travelers or couples. The beds elicit varied opinions, with some guests praising them as comfortable, while others find them too soft, too hard, or note issues with flat pillows that offer insufficient support. Many bathrooms are described as small or somewhat dated, with some guests mentioning issues like a lack of a shower curtain or door, leading to the entire bathroom getting wet. Despite these points, the rooms are often characterized by a unique literary theme, featuring quotes and books, and are equipped with a fan for comfort, though it's important to note the absence of air conditioning. Noise levels can vary, with some guests experiencing street noise or construction noise outside, while others report quiet rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast service receives mixed reviews, with many guests describing it as good, correct, or even delicious and rich, offering a variety of options such as fruits, toast, yogurt, sliced meats, and cheese. The coffee and cappuccino are frequently praised. However, some guests find the breakfast to be basic, limited, or not offering enough choices, suggesting it might not always be worth the additional cost. The breakfast area itself is noted by some as being small, though it rarely feels overcrowded. The ground-floor cafe also serves snacks and pastries, providing additional dining options throughout the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in the Old Town is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous attractions including the Limmat River, Lake Zurich, Grossmünster church, Bahnhofstrasse, and various Christmas markets. It is exceptionally well-connected to public transport, with tram stops just a minute's walk away, providing convenient access to the main train station and the airport. While the hotel does not have on-site parking, it offers an agreement for discounted rates at a public car park located a 5 to 15-minute walk away. Guests should be aware that dropping off luggage directly in front of the hotel can be challenging due to the narrow streets and ongoing construction in the surrounding area.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend their willingness to go the extra mile, providing a warm welcome and assisting with various requests, from early check-ins and late check-outs to luggage storage. The check-in and check-out processes are described as smooth and efficient. Staff members are noted for their professionalism and kindness, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews highlight the staff's ability to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, making guests feel at home.

Additional Information
A distinctive feature of the hotel is its literary theme, with each room dedicated to a specific writer, adorned with quotes and a selection of their books, adding a unique and charming touch to the stay. Guests should be aware that the hotel does not have air conditioning, which can be a significant factor during warmer months, though a fan is provided in rooms. The hotel's status as a boutique hotel is often mentioned, implying a smaller, more intimate setting. Some rooms offer unique amenities like a private rooftop deck or scenic views of the city's landmarks, enhancing the overall experience.