Hotel California

3.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Hotel California

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

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)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

Comfort Double Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(21 reviews)
  • 161 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

You may also like

About the neighborhood

Zürich

Located in Old Town Zürich, Hotel California is next to Grossmuenster and Helmhaus. This 19-room, 3-star hotel has conveniences like a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and free in-room WiFi.

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
  • ‪Restaurant Le Cèdre - Bellevue - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Kronenhalle - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bauschänzli - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Odeon - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Hotel California

Hotel California features free WiFi in public areas, express check-out, and free newspapers. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, concierge services, and dry cleaning/laundry. This hotel also has laundry facilities.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other amenities include minibars, electric kettles, and ceiling fans.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • Elevator

More

  • 5 floors
  • Renovated entire property - March 2022
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • TV with satellite channels

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • One child 11 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these 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.

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve cribs/infant beds.
  • This property accepts credit cards and cash.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Are free cancellation options available at Hotel California?

Hotel California offers free cancellation on select room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel California?

As of Mar 5, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hotel California on Mar 8, 2026 start from $217, 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.

What is there to do close to Hotel California?

This hotel is situated in Old Town Zürich, just steps from Grossmuenster and Bellevue Square, and within a short walk of Bahnhofstrasse. You'll also find Letzigrund Stadium and Zoo Zurich within a short drive.

Is parking available on site at Hotel California?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Does Hotel California have a casino at the property?

No, Hotel California doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Hotel California?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Hotel California?

Couples staying at this hotel will appreciate amenities like a minibar as well as a restaurant and a bar/lounge.

Does Hotel California have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Hotel California feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Hotel California serves buffet breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Does Hotel California allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Hotel California.

Does Hotel California have connecting rooms available?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to Hotel California?

The closest major airport to Hotel California is Zurich Airport (ZRH), which is 8.2 mi away (33 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Hotel California?

No, you won't find guestrooms with balconies at Hotel California.

Hotel California Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 150 out of 372 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 141 out of 372 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 49 out of 372 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 18 out of 372 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 372 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

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

4/10 Poor

Richard

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is boutique style. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. The bed was comfortable. There were some hairs in the towels and the shower on the 4th floor has a arch ceiling which isnt fitting for a tall person. The biggest issue is the lack of air-conditioning. The reservation requested exyra charge for a drink upon arrival and breakfast. There was no drink upon arrival and I would recommend just going to get breakfast out in town. Without air conditioning, I wouldn't choose this property again. However, if that issue was corrected, I would choose it and do it without the addition of breakfast.
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

William

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

10/10 Excellent

Tina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel central located.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Alicia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I didn’t like that they didn’t charge us until we began staying. I wish they’d let us prepay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Enrique, Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
AWESOME PLAC!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025