Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich has one of the best-placed addresses in the city for anyone arriving by train: it stands on the Bahnhofplatz, directly opposite Zurich Main Station and about 112 metres from it, which means that a train from the airport, from Lucerne or from the mountains puts you at the front door in minutes. The hotel has operated for almost 150 years and is a five-star property with some 95 rooms and suites, so it is small enough to feel personal and large enough to offer a full service. It has three places to eat and drink: La Soupiere, serving regional and French cuisine, the Cafe Gourmet, with light dishes and antipasti, and the Schweizerhof Bar for drinks. Lifts, indoor parking, free high-speed internet and pets are all part of the picture. The Bahnhofstrasse starts at the station square, so the shops, the Paradeplatz and the lake are a walk away down one of the most famous streets in Europe, and the Old Town is just across the river. The hotel suits travellers who want convenience and a classic hotel service, particularly those with early trains, onward trips to Lucerne or the mountains, or heavy luggage. It also suits business guests and couples who want a traditional grand-hotel atmosphere without the price of the lakeside palaces. It is a good base for day trips, because the train network is on the doorstep.
What the rooms are like
Expect traditional comfort in a classic hotel, with rooms ranging from standard to suites. The station location means that some rooms face busy streets and the tramlines, so ask for a quieter side and for a higher floor if you are a light sleeper. Air conditioning and the quality of soundproofing are worth checking when you book, and a hotel of this age has rooms of different sizes, so describe what you need. Because the hotel is family-run, staff can often help with special requests, restaurant bookings and tickets.
Eating and drinking
La Soupiere offers regional and French dishes in a classic dining room, the Cafe Gourmet is the place for a light lunch or an antipasti plate and the Schweizerhof Bar serves drinks in the evening. Breakfast arrangements depend on your rate, so check at booking. The Bahnhofstrasse and the Niederdorf offer many more restaurants within a short walk, and the station itself has food shops and cafes that open early, which is useful for early departures. Check the restaurant opening days for your dates, since some services are closed on certain days.
Location and who it suits
The hotel is across the road from the main station, with trams, trains and the airport link at the door. This is the best location in Zurich for day trips: the trains to Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken and the mountains leave from the station. The Swiss National Museum is next to the station, the Old Town is about ten minutes on foot and the lake about fifteen.
Pets are allowed and there is indoor parking, although the city centre makes a car unnecessary. If you want a lakeside setting, look at the hotels near the Buerkliplatz or Seefeld; if you want the convenience of the station and a traditional service, the Schweizerhof is a safe, well-located choice.
Why stay here
- ✓Opposite Zurich Main Station
- ✓Around 95 rooms and suites
- ✓La Soupiere restaurant
- ✓Cafe Gourmet
- ✓Schweizerhof Bar
- ✓Lifts
- ✓Indoor parking
- ✓Free high-speed internet
Good questions
How close is the Schweizerhof to the main station?+
It stands on the Bahnhofplatz directly opposite Zurich Main Station, about 112 metres away.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?+
Yes. La Soupiere serves regional and French cuisine, the Cafe Gourmet offers light dishes and the Schweizerhof Bar serves drinks. Check opening days when you book.
Is it a good base for day trips?+
Yes. Trains to Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken and the mountains leave from the station across the road, so it is one of the most convenient hotels in the city for excursions.
