Hotel California Zurich Exterior photoHotel California Zurich Nearby photoHotel California Zurich Food photo
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From151US$ /night
Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Schifflaende 18, Zurich, Switzerland, 8001
-
Close to the historic Old Town
Great
8.0
8.0
/10
4.3
3.9
/5

Location

Hotel California is strategically located at Schifflände, providing direct access to Lake Zurich and the Limmat riverbank. Guests can reach the opera, numerous museums, and vibrant shopping areas within a 10-minute walk. Stadelhofen train station is just a five-minute walk away, connecting travelers to various destinations in Zurich.

Rooms

The hotel accommodates up to 50 guests across 19 rooms, including six family rooms designed for up to four people. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, hairdryer, minibar, and cable TV. Guests also benefit from complimentary Arkina water in the minibar and coffee/tea facilities.

Dining

Hotel California hosts Papa Joe's Restaurant, offering a variety of American cuisine and cocktails, located conveniently on the ground floor. Breakfast is available in a buffet style, served in the restaurant from Monday to Sunday. Guests can enjoy meals in the comfort of their rooms or the restaurant's terrace.

Family Amenities

The hotel provides family rooms suitable for up to four guests, complete with a pull-out sofa bed. Baby cots are available free of charge upon request, facilitating comfortable stays for families. Additionally, the nearby playgrounds and parks provide outdoor activities for children.

Transportation and Services

Hotel California offers luggage storage at the reception for early arrivals or late departures, enhancing guest convenience. Additionally, cab services can be arranged by the reception staff for easy transportation. Guests can purchase tram tickets at nearby machines or directly from the hotel.

Highlights

Location: Close to Lake Zurich and major attractions

Rooms: Accommodations for up to 50 guests across 19 rooms

Dining: On-site Papa Joe's Restaurant with a diverse menu

Family Amenities: Family rooms and available baby cots

“Hotel California's location in Zurich's Old Town sets it apart; the area is charming, and key attractions are easily walkable. I noted the family rooms can accommodate up to four people, a real advantage for those travelling with children. The on-site Papa Joe's provides convenient American dining.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Superior Double or Twin Room
2 persons
165 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Comfort Quadruple Room
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Heating
Bathtub

Room rates & availability calendar

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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • Limited time reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Concierge desk
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots

Room features

  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite

At Hotel California, guests can indulge in a delightful culinary escape at Papa Joe's, where American fare is infused with Caribbean flair. The inviting atmosphere and diverse menu ensure a satisfying experience for every palate, making it an ideal spot for family meals or casual gatherings with friends.
Hotel California Zurich Restaurant photo
Hotel California Zurich Restaurant photo
Hotel California Zurich Restaurant photo

Papa Joe's

American with Caribbean influences
Ambiance
A family-friendly restaurant and cocktail bar situated on the terrace, providing a warm and welcoming space for dining and drinks.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include juicy burgers, tender ribs, flavorful baked potatoes, and fresh salads, complemented by a selection of refreshing cocktails at the Caribbean bar.
Reservation
No
Open daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Hotel California Location

Schifflaende 18, Zurich, Switzerland, 8001
Map view
Schifflaende 18, Zurich, Switzerland, 8001
Nearby
Church
Grossmunster
900 ft
Utoquai
Lake Zurich
1400 ft
Museum
Museum of Art
1700 ft
Church
Fraumunster Church
1300 ft
Square
Buerkliplatz
1900 ft
Church
St. Peter Church
1800 ft
Opera House
Zurich Opera House
1800 ft
Museum
Helmhaus
700 ft
Munsterbrucke
Monument to Hans Waldmann
800 ft
Muensterhof 20
Zunfthaus zur Meisen
900 ft
Square
Sechselautenplatz
1100 ft
Limmatquai
1400 ft
Right bank of Limmat river
Niederdorf
1200 ft
Public Building
Stadthaus
1300 ft
Limmat
900 ft
Restaurants
Sternen Grill
700 ft
Theaterstrasse 22 Bellevue
Vorderer Sternen
800 ft
Theaterstrasse 22 Bellevue
Joe & The Juice
300 ft
Schifflaende 26 Hechtplatz
Belcafe Pizza & Bar
700 ft
Bellevueplatz Tramhaltestelle
Sterne Foifi
800 ft
Theaterstrasse 22
ViCAFE Munsterhof
1100 ft
Muensterhof 20 Zunfthaus zur Meisen
Thai Bamboo
1100 ft
Schoffelgasse 3
Cabaret Voltaire
1400 ft
Spiegelgasse 1
Tasty
1600 ft
Poststrasse 12
Metzgerei Z'graggen
1700 ft
Stuessihofstatt 10
Explore Zurich
Explore Zurich
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Grossmünster
4 minutes' walk
Iconic twin-towered church known for its Romanesque architecture and historical significance.
Fraumünster Church
5 minutes' walk
Renowned for its stunning stained glass windows by Marc Chagall and fascinating history.
Lake Zurich
Lake Zurich
5 minutes' walk
Picturesque lake offering scenic views, walking paths, and recreational opportunities.
Old Town
Old Town
9 minutes' walk
Charming area filled with medieval buildings, shops, and cafes, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Urania Observatory
Urania Observatory
11 minutes' walk
Offers stargazing sessions and educational programs, perfect for astronomy enthusiasts.
Enge Swimming Area
12 minutes' walk
Relaxing lakefront area with swimming facilities and sunbathing spots, ideal for relaxation.
Sternen Grill
Sternen Grill
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery known for delicious sausages and traditional Swiss flavors.
Joe & The Juice
Joe & The Juice
1 minute' walk
Vibrant café offering fresh juices, smoothies, and light bites in a trendy atmosphere.
Belcafe Pizza & Bar
Belcafe Pizza & Bar
3 minutes' walk
Lively spot serving pizza and bar snacks, perfect for a relaxed dining experience.
Urania Observatory
Urania Observatory
11 minutes' walk
Hosts public star-gazing events and exhibitions, suitable for all ages.
Zürich Opera House
20 minutes' walk
World-class venue featuring opera, ballet, and concerts in a stunning setting.
Getting around town
City Centre
Zurich6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
Kloten (ZRH)19 min  ·  7.7 mi
St. Gallen-Altenrhein (ACH)160 min  ·  66.2 mi
Train
Zürich Stadelhofen5 min  ·  1400 ft
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs CHF 25 per person per day. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Croatian, Slovenian, Ukrainian
Number of rooms:
19

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Hotel California enjoys a superb location, just a short walk, about 3 to 7 minutes, from Limmatquai and Bahnhofstrasse, making it easy to explore the city. Guests often appreciate the good-sized, clean rooms, some of which are equipped with a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. While some guests have noted the absence of air conditioning can be an issue during hot weather, the hotel is generally considered a good value, especially given Zurich prices, and the convenience of an elevator is a plus.
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Review score
Based on 541 verified reviews
7.7/10
Very good
80%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
8.6/10
Breakfast
6.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Pros
Central location
Spacious rooms
Welcoming staff
Cons
Credit card copies
Hot air conditioning
Loud restaurant
Guest reviews
based on 541 reviews
7.7/10
based on 1184 reviews
8.0/10
Jack from United Kingdom
Family with children
Comfort Quadruple Room
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:January 13, 2026
7/10

Acceptable Stay

good locationhelpful staffcomfortable bedhigh stairsthin pillowcold floor
The location is good. The next tram stop is less than 200 m away. The staff was helpful. The family room had comfortable beds and clean bed sheets.
I had to carry suitcases up the stairs to reach reception. The elevator was only near reception, and the stairs were high. The pillow was too thin and uncomfortable. The floor was cold. There were no slippers in the room.
0 Helpful
David from United Kingdom
Couple
superior double or twin room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 12, 2026
8.7/10

convenient and clean

spacious roomcharging pointscomfortable bed
the room had tea, coffee, sugar, and a kettle. hand wash and shower gel were available. numerous charging points were conveniently located beside the bed. the room was clean, and the bed offered good comfort. it took only a few minutes to reach new year's eve celebrations and fireworks.
the elevator is only located near the reception, making it necessary to carry suitcases up some high stairs initially.
Service
9/10
the staff members were very friendly and cute to every guest. they were always available to answer questions and offer assistance. this created a positive and efficient environment for all guests.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel provides excellent proximity to the train station and city center. this makes it a very convenient option for transportation needs. the rooms are equipped with air conditioning ensuring a comfortable environment.
Dining
9/10
the hotel is connected to a restaurant serving tasty food. the presentation and portion sizes were substantial. the area is clean providing guests with a pleasant dining experience.
0 Helpful
|
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Daniel from United States
Couple
Superior Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 03, 2026
6/10

Acceptable Stay Downtown

helpful staffroom fridgeaccessible locationrude personpoor breakfastvegetable absence
The staff was helpful. The hotel provided a fridge in my room. I found the location accessible to local attractions. The beds were acceptably comfy.
The front desk person was rude. Early check-in was offered, but it wasn't possible. The breakfast selection was poor. No vegetables were available during breakfast.
0 Helpful
Marcus from Germany
Single
superior double or twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 25, 2025
9/10

excellent central stay

clean decorhelpful staff
the location was convenient near transport links. the room was exactly as pictured with clean decor. i was grateful for the helpful staff.
0 Helpful
Stewart from Australia
Family with children
Superior Double or Twin Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:October 26, 2025
8.8/10

central location AND FRIENDLY staff

central locationfriendly staffluggage storage
i REALLY liked the location. the staff was friendly and helpful. the breakfast was adequate. I had no problems storing my luggage after checkout for a few hours.
the elevator had a slight unpleasant odor.
Service
9/10
The staff were friendly and very helpful throughout my stay. They offered assistance with luggage and provided useful information about local attractions and transportation options. Their attentiveness really enhanced my experience.
Rooms
8/10
The room was clean with nice bed sheets. It also featured a refrigerator for keeping drinks cool. A kettle with tea and coffee was provided in the room, which i appreciated after a long day.
Dining
8/10
The breakfast included sufficient options. I could find enough to start my day. There were many restaurants and shops in the area, so there were diverse dining choices.
Location
10/10
The hotel location is perfect for exploring. It is within walking distance of main city attractions. Train and bus stops are just a few steps away.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel offered luggage storage. They allowed me to leave my luggage after checkout. This made my last day much more convenient, since I didn't have to carry bags around.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About Hotel California
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel California?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:30.
What dining options are available at Hotel California?
Papa Joe's American Restaurant & Caribbean Cocktail Bar is located on the ground floor and offers a variety of American dishes.
What is the distance from Hotel California to Lake Zurich?
Hotel California is 200 meters from Lake Zurich.
Which popular attractions are close to Hotel California?
Nearby attractions include Grossmünster Church (350 m), Zurich Opera House (350 m), and Helmhaus Gallery (400 m).
What amenities do the rooms at Hotel California feature?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a minibar, cable TV, and a hairdryer.
What languages do the staff at Hotel California speak?
The staff is multilingual, primarily speaking German and English.
What is the closest airport to Hotel California?
The hotel is 12 km from Zurich Airport, which takes approximately 15 minutes by car.
What is the breakfast policy at Hotel California?
A rich buffet breakfast is available for an additional charge of 25 CHF.
Is there a bar or lounge area at Hotel California?
Yes, there is a bar/lounge area available for guests.
What nearby restaurants can guests visit from Hotel California?
Restaurants within 0.5 km include Cedre Bellevue, Restaurant le Cedre Maurice, and Pizzeria Ristorante Molino.
Does Hotel California offer family rooms?
Yes, the hotel has family room options that can accommodate up to 4 guests.

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Check-in
02Jun2026Select date
Check-out
03Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room