Hotel California

3.0 star property
3-star hotel near Bahnhofstrasse

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel California

Bar (on property)
Staircase
Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes
Exterior
Comfort Double Room | Minibar, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a map
Schifflaende 18, Zürich, 8001
  • Place, Grossmuenster
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Zürich Opera House
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Bahnhofstrasse
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Zürich (ZRH)
    ‪13 min drive‬

Room options

Comfort Double Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(22 reviews)
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

Comfort Quadruple Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(13 reviews)
  • 237 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

Zürich

Heart of Zürich.With a stay at this Old Town Zürich hotel, you'll be steps from Grossmuenster and Helmhaus. Charles Tower and Bellevue Square are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Grossmuenster - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Zürich Opera House - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Kunsthaus Zurich - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Bahnhofstrasse - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Zurich Town Hall - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Helmhaus Tram Stop - 2 min walk
  • Zürich Limmatquai Station - 6 min walk
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sternen Grill - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Kronenhalle - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Restaurant Le Cèdre - Bellevue - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bauschänzli - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Joe & The Juice - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Hotel California

3-star hotel near Bahnhofstrasse
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Public spaces have free WiFi. Hotel California also features tour/ticket assistance, concierge services, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. A complete renovation of Hotel California was completed in March 2022.

This 3-star Zürich hotel is smoke free.

  • 19 guestrooms or units
  • 5 levels
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Hotel California offers 19 accommodations with minibars and safes. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs, and phones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available for a fee: CHF 25 for adults and CHF 15 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Art gallery
  • Designer stores

Accessibility

  • Elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Room service

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Portable fan
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Late check-in fee for check-in between 11:30 PM and 7:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

The following facilities or services will be unavailable from June 10 2026 to June 11 2026 (dates subject to change):
  • Daily housekeeping
The property will be renovating from June 10 2026 to June 11 2026 (completion date subject to change). The following areas are affected:
  • Select guestrooms
Renovation work will only be conducted during business hours. Every effort will be made to minimize noise and disturbance.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! One child 11 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • A tax is imposed by the city: CHF 3.50 per person, per night. This tax does not apply to children under 12 years of age.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately CHF 25 for adults and CHF 15 for children
  • Late check-in fee for check-in between 11:30 PM and 7:00 AM
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Union Pay, and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • One child 11 years old or younger stays free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.

National rating

Hotelstars Union assigns an official star rating for properties in Switzerland. This property is rated 3 stars.

Property is also known as

Hotel California Zurich
California Zurich
Hotel California Zürich
California Zürich
Hotel California Hotel
Hotel California Zürich
Hotel California Hotel Zürich

Frequently asked questions

How close is Hotel California to the airport?

Hotel California is 8.2 mi (33-min drive) away from the Zurich Airport (ZRH) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel California?

As of May 22, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel California on May 31, 2026 start from $215, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Hotel California have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Hotel California.

How close is Hotel California to the beach?

This hotel is 1.2 mi (11-min drive) from Mythenquai Beach.

Does Hotel California offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Hotel California, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of CHF 25 for adults and CHF 15 for children.

Is there a casino at Hotel California?

No, there is no casino at this hotel, but Swiss Casinos Zurich (14-min walk) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Hotel California?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Hotel California?

Free parking is not available at this hotel.

Does Hotel California have a pool?

Hotel California does not have a pool.

Does Hotel California have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Hotel California have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is Hotel California to downtown Zürich?

Hotel California is 0.6 mi away from Zürich.

Hotel California Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 158 out of 383 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 143 out of 383 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 50 out of 383 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 383 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 383 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Umesh

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good stay
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026

8/10 Good

Alma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The ubication is so good and the room has a good size and it was clean
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice room, nice beds, nice shower. Good restaurant below with 10% discount for hotel guests. Great location in Old Town, parking nearby.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Perry

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Krishan

very friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeannine

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location. Helpful staff. Nice room. Great mattress.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kay

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Husband and I stayed here five nights recently. We were very pleased with the location in old town, and easy access to transportation and the Christmas markets. The room was very clean and comfortable. We booked the superior room, which had more space than the standard room. We prepurchased the breakfast and found that to be a good decision, with a buffet spread, delicious coffee, and also eggs and bacon. I am gluten free and each morning they brought me a basket of fresh gluten free bread, much appreciated. The only thing that I would suggest is to not be on the second floor. While that location was super convenient, it is above the restaurant/bar. In the morning I (who am a light sleeper) could hear chairs being moved around. Nobody was intentionally being loud, they were just doing their job preparing for the day. Other than that, the staff was very kind and accomodating. Highly recommend Hotel California!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025

6/10 Okay

Iddo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The hotel is ok if your expectations aren't high, which means I wouldn't rule out staying there as it is well located However it has some quirkiness which may not appeal to everyone The reception is on the first floor and at first sight it seems that you need to walk up a flight of stairs to reach it. Fortunately, a staff member noticed our hesitation before we started carrying our suitcases up and told us to enter the adjacent Papa John's restaurant and use the elevator there. The elevator and the restaurant in act one will return in act two... We reserved the bigger room so had no problem with the spacious room (I read some reviews which complained about the room size) The hotel has a strange system of different keys to access the elevator and the room which means you always have to go through reception to change keys. It is important to remember because the elevator key also has the chip with which you can enter the hotel after 10pm (there's a 150 CHF fine if you forget to take it and need to call someone to let you in...) The breakfast is served at Papa John's... when we came down for it the place was deserted and only after a while a staff member came down to ask if we wanted some eggs. The breakfast buffet can be a serious contender for the Guinness Book of Records for the smallest buffet... If the above don't bother you, I wouldn't rule out staying there
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

helen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location with attentive staff. Problem with tv dealt with and thou not fixed was offered compensation. Near old town, trams, lake and shops.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Keith, Houma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Hotel was cute but very small. Couldn't access the elevator except through the restaurant and that was not obvious at first
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Isobel

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very accommodating when we arrived late. Helpful staff. The restaurant below, Papa Joes, were also friendly and took pity on us when we arrived as the kitchen was closing. Good location but worth a ride from the station. Trams go close.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was quirky, which we expected. Rooms were clean and staff were helpful. The hotel was situated close to lots of dining and shopping and everything was walkable. Breakfast could have been better but otherwise everything was great.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erica

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Julie, SOUTHPORT

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service
In general we liked the hotel, as a convenient location and good price. The rooms are adequate for sleeping and the shower/bath was fairly large. The beds are a little hard for my taste and the pillows completely flat. No AC, but there was a fan which died by the final day. Rooms were clean, but the cleaning staff left the damp/dirty towels from all the rooms that had been cleaned on the stairs between the floors. They were there for 2 days. It was okay for what it is.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Monica

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Air conditioning will be a nice to have
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sanghui

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
At first appearance it looked like a very basic hotel but the room was very nice, newly renovated. We had a very comfortable stay for 3 nights.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Colin

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The location in Altstadt Zurich is wonderful…close to everything. And the hotel is fun… not fancy … more than adequate … exactly as expected … and the price was good for this area. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Isabelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josefa

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I like the proximity of the hotel to everything.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rodrigo

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Juan carlos

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jianshen

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025