Rowena H.
Yelp
Basically, this was one of the best things that happened to me whilst in Zurich. That sounds like quite the declaration, considering there were lots of amazing things that happened during my stay, but this hotel is an absolute gem.
For starters, the location is excellent. Being within two minutes from the main station, you can get absolutely anywhere you need in moments. This saved so much hassle and time, especially since the public transport here is the best I've ever experienced. Truly, I wish trains and such ran like they do here back in the UK. But that's another political debate.
We booked two nights using the Hotel Tonight app, which I highly recommend checking out for good deals, so my experience was half the cost to their usual price. Granted, everything is expensive here for a visitor, but the discount was fabulous for what you get. If you're here on business or money isn't a factor, the value is still great at full price, in my humble opinion.
It's a truly boutique hotel, and I was wooed by the velvet filagree wallpaper at first sight. It only has 25 rooms, I believe, but this makes your stay all the more private and personal. The main lobby is a gorgeous wee lounge room, with one reception desk (and the most lovely ladies to welcome you in) with the balcony and honesty bar further back. It's decorated beautifully, with Victoriana bureaus, quirky paintings, and even a little Queen (Lizzie) statuette, complete with nodding-dog corgi.
The honesty bar system is a wonder. Any time of night or day you can grab a croissant/beer/packet of shortbread and simply write down on the booklet what you've taken. The prices seemed delectably reasonable considering a bottle of beer anywhere else would be about 5/6 francs, and here Heineken was just 3.50. There's also a liquor cabinet to make everything from Bloody Marys to Martinis, and the glassware to suit. As far as I could tell, no one appeared to flout the rules, which was lovely. I'd have been very upset if anyone had just helped themselves! Oh, and tea and coffee are free for the whole stay.
The room has Molten Brown products, they're wonderfully clean, and the bed was a delight. It was just so comfy! I could hear the neighbour through the wall, but that was just the once, and never felt like a 'party' hotel, so the sleep was sound. The vintage theme is continued in the room, with gorgeous wall paper, and bedding. TV, FREE WIFI (I'm sorry, that was FREE FLIPPIN' WIFI!) and even slippers come with the room. I can't stress enough the free internet - it's ridiculous that anywhere charge you for wifi.
All in all, it's been one of my favourite ever stays, ever. The staff made the trip wonderful, and I'll fondly look back to enjoying a cigarette on their balcony, with a fresh coffee, planning what exciting tram trip would come next. The balcony seats even had blankets to keep you warm.
It's like a massive hug, within a cosy little hide away. I almost didn't want to leave.