Enge / Paradeplatz

Motel One Zurich

★★★★★

Zurich is one of the most expensive cities in the world for hotels, and Motel One Zurich is the smart answer for travellers who want a central location, good design and a comfortable bed without paying luxury prices. The hotel, at Stockerstrasse 61 in the Enge and city-centre border area, is a few minutes' walk from the Paradeplatz, the Bahnhofstrasse and the lake, with trams and Zurich Enge station close by, so the Old Town, the FIFA Museum and the lake boats are all within easy reach. The concept is the one that has made Motel One a success across Europe: compact rooms with high-quality essentials, a stylish lounge instead of a restaurant, and prices kept low by skipping extras you may not need. Rooms come in several categories, from the standard One to rooms with a view, family rooms and a suite, and all have comfortable box-spring beds, rain showers, flat-screen televisions and free fast Wi-Fi. The design takes its inspiration from Switzerland and Zurich: the lobby features a silhouette of the Swiss Alps framed by loden curtains from the Swiss textile house Christian Fischbacher, the lounge displays images of Lake Zurich and a model of a classic Boesch wooden boat, and the bar is themed on chocolate, with chocolate drops seeming to rain from the ceiling and a golden wrapper design over the counter. The One Lounge serves as reception, breakfast room and bar, with a workbench for laptops and drinks and snacks around the clock. The healthy breakfast buffet, with organic products and Fairtrade coffee, is served from 6am to 10am on weekdays and from 7am to 11am at weekends and on holidays, and costs extra. Staff are young, helpful and multilingual. Rates are among the lowest you will find for a hotel of this quality in central Zurich, though still higher than Motel One prices in Germany.

What to expect: rooms are compact, with little storage space, so travel light or plan to live out of your suitcase. Everything is spotless, beds are excellent, and the rain showers are a pleasure after a day in the mountains. There is no restaurant, room service or spa, but the lounge is a pleasant place for a drink in the evening, and the neighbourhood has plenty of restaurants. Breakfast is good but optional, and the many bakeries and cafes nearby offer alternatives.

Location tips: the hotel is ideal for exploring Zurich on foot or by tram. Walk north to the Paradeplatz and the Bahnhofstrasse, east to the lake, and south along the lakeshore to the FIFA Museum. Zurich Enge station, nearby, has S-Bahn connections along the lake, including to Kilchberg for the Lindt Home of Chocolate, and many trains towards Lucerne and the mountains also stop there or at the main station, a short tram ride away.

Who it suits: budget-conscious couples, solo travellers, friends travelling together and small families who mainly need a comfortable, central place to sleep. It is especially good value for trips focused on day excursions, when you leave early and come back late. Book well ahead for busy periods such as trade fairs, summer weekends and the Christmas season, when Zurich hotels fill quickly and prices rise.