The Widder Hotel is one of the most distinctive hotels in Switzerland, and it is a matter of architecture first. It was created by joining nine medieval townhouses on the Rennweg, in the oldest part of Zurich, and the conversion, completed in 1995 after about a decade of work, was led by the Swiss architect Tilla Theus. Rather than hiding the history, she kept it: Gothic window lintels, hand-blown window panes and historic fireplaces survive, and the houses are linked by interconnecting passages that make the building feel more like a village than a hotel. The name refers to the Zum Widder butchers' guild, which has been based in nearby Widdergasse since 1401. Inside, the furniture mixes original Biedermeier pieces with modern classics by designers such as Le Corbusier and Charles and Ray Eames, and the art collection includes works by Andy Warhol, Alberto Giacometti and Sophie Taeuber-Arp, among them Warhol's Ram. The hotel offers thirteen room and suite categories, from design rooms to the Widder Historic Suite and a penthouse suite with a rooftop terrace, and it belongs to The Leading Hotels of the World. The setting is hard to beat: the Lindenhof is a minute away on foot, the Bahnhofstrasse and the Town Hall about two minutes, and the Paradeplatz five. It suits couples, design lovers and travellers who want a historic address with a contemporary edge, rather than a conventional grand hotel.
Choosing a room
The thirteen categories range from design rooms to historic suites, and the most characterful are those in the older houses, where beams, fireplaces and window details are part of the room. The Widder Historic Suite is the choice for a special occasion, and the penthouse suite with its rooftop terrace is for those who want a private view over the Old Town roofs. Because the hotel is a collection of houses, rooms differ in shape and size, so describe what you want when you book, whether that is quiet, light or a view, and ask for a room away from the lane if you are a light sleeper.
Eating and drinking
The hotel has several places to eat and drink, including the Widder Restaurant, the Boucherie AuGust, the Widder Bar, Soi 28 and the Widder Wonder Garden, where the outdoor dining in warmer months includes live music. The bar has a reputation for its selection of whiskies and is popular with locals as well as guests.
Breakfast is charged separately on many rates, so check what your rate includes. Other facilities include a gym, a library, spa treatments such as massage, free bicycle rental, a concierge and 24-hour room service. Parking is available for a daily charge, and the airport is about twenty-five minutes by car.
Location and who it suits
The hotel sits on the Rennweg, three minutes on foot from the Rennweg tram stop and five from Limmatquai station, which puts the Old Town, the Bahnhofstrasse, the Paradeplatz and the ETH within easy walking distance. It is a good base for couples, for design and art lovers and for visitors who want to walk everywhere.
Families are welcome, although the charm of an old-town building means narrow corridors and some stairs, so ask about accessibility if you need it. Prices are at the top of the market, so compare rates and look for packages. Pair a stay with a private tour of the Old Town, and keep an evening free for the bar.
Why stay here
- ✓Nine joined medieval townhouses
- ✓Design by architect Tilla Theus
- ✓Thirteen room and suite categories
- ✓Widder Restaurant and Boucherie AuGust
- ✓Widder Bar with whisky selection
- ✓Garden dining and terrace
- ✓Gym and spa treatments
- ✓Free bicycle rental
Good questions
What is the Widder Hotel built from?+
Nine medieval townhouses on the Rennweg, joined into one hotel in a conversion led by architect Tilla Theus and completed in 1995. Gothic lintels and historic fireplaces were kept.
How far is the Widder from the Bahnhofstrasse?+
About two minutes on foot. The Lindenhof is about a minute away, the Paradeplatz about five minutes and the Rennweg tram stop about three.
Does the hotel have a restaurant and bar?+
Yes. The Widder Restaurant, the Boucherie AuGust, the Widder Bar, Soi 28 and the Widder Wonder Garden. Check which are open on your dates when you book.
