Hotel California Zurich Exterior photoHotel California Zurich Nearby photoHotel California Zurich Food photo

Hotel California, Zurich

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From$151 /night
Check-in
01Aug
Check-out
02Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Schifflaende 18, Zurich, 8001
-
Close to the historic Old Town
Very good
7.9
8.0
/10
4.3
3.9
/5

3-star hotel in Zurich's historic Old Town

Location

Hotel California is centrally located in Zurich's historic Old Town on the Schifflände, just steps from Lake Zurich. The hotel offers easy access to the Limmat riverbank, adjacent shopping districts in Niederdörfli, and Central public transport hub. With numerous cultural landmarks around, such as the theater and opera, exploring Zurich is convenient for guests.

Rooms

The hotel comprises 19 rooms, accommodating 50 guests with options ranging from single rooms to spacious family rooms that can host up to four people. Each room includes essential amenities like a private bathroom equipped with a bathtub, a minibar with complimentary Arkina water, and a television. Family rooms are specifically designed for comfort, featuring a double bed and a pull-out sofa.

Dining

On the ground floor of Hotel California, Papa Joe's restaurant serves a diverse menu featuring American cuisine and a wide selection of cocktails. Guests can enjoy meals on the terrace, creating an enjoyable dining experience. This on-site restaurant makes it convenient for guests to have dining options without needing to leave the hotel.

Public Transport Access

Hotel California is situated within a five-minute walk from Stadelhofen train station, providing connections to various destinations. The tram station Helmhaus, located 200 meters from the hotel, allows easy travel to Zurich main station in just ten minutes. This strategic location makes accessing the city's transport network straightforward.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

The hotel offers family rooms designed to accommodate multiple guests comfortably, with options for up to four people. Baby cots are available free of charge for families traveling with infants. Parents can also enjoy the convenience of the laundry service for a worry-free holiday.

Highlights

Location: historic old town of Zurich

Rooms: family rooms with space for up to 4 people

Dining: Papa Joe's Restaurant

Public Transport Access: Stadelhofen train station

“Staying in the Old Town offers undeniable charm, and this hotel captures that Zurich essence. I appreciate its family-friendly focus; rooms accommodating up to four are a real find. Papa Joe's in-house dining adds welcome convenience after a day exploring Lake Zurich.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

Hotel California offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Superior Double or Twin Room
2 persons
15 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
Comfort Quadruple Room
2 persons
22 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Bathtub
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotel California offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • Limited time reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Concierge desk
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Cycling

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet

Room features

  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Hotel California, Papa Joe's offers a delightful American dining experience within a family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can savor a wide range of hearty dishes, from burgers to refreshing salads, all while enjoying the vibrant ambiance of the Zurich Old Town.
  • Papa Joe's

    American
    Ambiance
    A welcoming and relaxed setting with a terrace that invites guests to enjoy the sunshine alongside their meals, located on the ground floor of Hotel California.
    Key Offerings
    Indulge in juicy burgers, tender ribs, and colorful salads, along with a selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Enjoy signature cocktails at the Caribbean Cocktail Bar.
    Reservation
    No recommendations available.
    Open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Hotel California Location

Schifflaende 18, Zurich, 8001
Explore Zurich
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Grossmunster
4 minutes' walk
Iconic church with twin towers. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Zurich and explore its rich history.
Lake Zurich
5 minutes' walk
A picturesque spot for leisurely strolls or picnics. Enjoy beautiful views and opportunities for water activities.
Old Town
9 minutes' walk
Historic area with charming streets and shops. Experience local culture through its architecture and eateries.
Swiss National Museum
5 minutes' drive
Museum focusing on Swiss cultural history. Features fascinating exhibits and a stunning architecture.
Enge Swimming Area
15 minutes' walk
Relaxation spot with swimming facilities and sunbathing areas. Perfect for families in warmer months.
Bike Rentals at Lake Zurich
5 minutes' walk
Bike rentals available for exploring lakeside paths. Great for thrill-seekers and those wanting to explore.
Sternen Grill
3 minutes' walk
Local favorite for grilled sausages. Casual atmosphere with outdoor seating-great for a quick bite.
Joe & The Juice
1 minute' walk
Trendy spot for fresh juices and sandwiches. Ideal for a healthy snack in a vibrant environment.
Urania Observatory
11 minutes' walk
Offers public stargazing and educational tours. Family-friendly venue with exciting astronomy events.
Zurich Opera House
15 minutes' walk
Renowned for its performances and stunning architecture. Regularly hosts operas, ballets, and concerts.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Zurich 6 min  ·  1700 ft
  • Airports
    Kloten (ZRH) 19 min  ·  7.7 mi
    St. Gallen-Altenrhein (ACH) 160 min  ·  66.2 mi
  • Train
    Zürich Stadelhofen 5 min  ·  1400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs CHF 25.0 per person.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Polish, Croatian, Slovenian, Ukrainian
Number of rooms:
19

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hotel California from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Hotel California enjoys a superb location, placing guests within walking distance of Zurich's main attractions and just minutes from the train station. Many guests appreciate the spacious and very clean rooms, equipped with a fridge and electric kettle, some also feature a minibar and safe. Dining is convenient with an on-site restaurant, and while breakfast is generally considered decent, some guests would have liked a bit more variety. The hotel also offers luggage storage for added convenience.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 530 verified reviews
7.8 /10
Very good
80 %
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
8.7/10
Breakfast
6.1/10
Value for money
7.7/10
Pros
Modern design
Downtown location
Tasty food
Cons
Noisy bar
Thin pillow
Narrow room
Guest reviews
based on 530 reviews
7.8/10
based on 1205 reviews
7.9/10
Rebecca from United Kingdom
Single
Superior Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 25, 2026
9.0/10

Fantastic Location and Helpful Staff!

central location clean room helpful staff
The hotel is in a very central location! The room was very clean and modern. I really appreciated that. The staff were polite and helpful. I would recommend this hotel!
The elevator is only located near the reception so I had to carry my suitcase up the stairs.
Location
9/10
This hotel's location is excellent. It is just a few steps away from train and bus stops!!! There are also many places to eat nearby. The surroundings allowed me to explore the city by walking easily.
Service
10/10
The staff was very great. The front desk personnel were always ready to assist with any questions! The desk clerk patiently waited for us past the usual check-in time, which I really appreciated.
Dining
8/10
The hotel is located over a restaurant, I found this to be a quirky and fun detail. This arrangement made it easy to grab a bite without having to venture far. It is a really convenient setup!
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Mia from Germany
Family with children
Superior Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 13, 2026
7/10
convenient location friendly staff smooth luggage storage missing air conditioning cramped shower street noise
The location was really convenient. I found it easy to walk to many places. The staff downstairs was very friendly, I liked that. I stored my luggage without any issues before my room was ready.
My room lacked air conditioning , so it got quite warm. The shower space was very small , I felt cramped. There was also quite a bit of street noise in the early morning , it disturbed my sleep.
0 Helpful
Shane from Australia
Single
Superior Double or Twin Room
3 nights in December 2025
|
Reviewed: January 07, 2026
9/10
spacious room helpful staff great location
The superior double or twin room was so spacious! it had a kettle with tea and coffee. the location was awesome. It took me only a few minutes to reach the new year's eve celebrations and fireworks. the bed was comfy. I had a great sleep. the staff were super friendly and helpful. They gave me directions. i really had a blast!
The elevator was a little dirty. It didn't quite match the hotel's overall look.
0 Helpful
Mia from Germany
Family with children
Superior Double or Twin Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 18, 2025
6/10
old elevator street noise
the elevator seemed quite old. it also felt unclean, which i found unappealing. my room faced the street, resulting in considerable noise until midnight, then renewed disturbances around 6:00 am. sleeping was difficult as a result.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About Hotel California
What is the distance from the train station to the hotel?
12 March 2024
The train station is just a couple of minutes away on foot.
Can I store my luggage at the hotel after checking out?
5 April 2024
Absolutely, luggage can be stored at the reception for those looking to explore the city after check-out.
Is breakfast included during my stay?
20 April 2024
The hotel serves breakfast, but only in the morning. For heavy meals, a restaurant is available nearby.
Are mini fridges available in all guest rooms?
15 January 2025
Every guest room comes with a mini fridge for your convenience.
Are there parking facilities available near the hotel?
30 January 2025
Parking is not available on-site, but there is a public parking facility just a short five-minute walk away.
Is public transportation easily accessible from the hotel?
21 February 2025
Yes, the hotel is conveniently located near tram and bus stations that connect you to various parts of Zurich.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
3 February 2025
Check-in is typically from 15:00 until 22:00, while check-out is required by 11:00.
Is it safe to walk around this area as a solo traveler?
14 May 2024
The neighborhood is known for being quite safe; just take standard precautions as in any city.
What is the best way to get to the hotel from the main train station?
9 March 2024
A tram (number 4) from the main train station can take you directly to the nearest stop, which is about 200 meters away from the hotel.
Are there any dining options available at or near the hotel?
8 April 2025
There is a restaurant located on the ground floor offering a variety of dishes, as well as other dining options nearby.

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