Reserve directly with us
Up to 10% cheaper
than with Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From151US$ /night
Check-in
24Feb2026Select date
Check-out
25Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Schifflaende 18, Zurich, Switzerland, 8001
-
Close to the historic Old Town
Very good
7.8
7.9
/10
3.8
/5

Location

The Hotel California is situated on Schifflände, within Zurich's historic old town and just a short walk from Lake Zurich. Nearby attractions include the opera, theaters, and several museums, providing easy access to cultural experiences. Public transport options, including tram stops, are within 200 meters of the hotel, facilitating connections throughout the city.

Rooms

With 19 rooms, the hotel accommodates a variety of travelers, including singles and families. Six family rooms are available, providing space for up to four guests with a pull-out sofa. All rooms come equipped with a private bathroom, TV, minibar featuring free Arkina water, and safe.

Dining

On-site dining is available at Papa Joe's restaurant, which features a menu of American cuisine. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes such as ribs and burgers in a relaxed setting. Additional dining options in the area include the Oliver Twist Pub, known for traditional English fare.

Family-Friendly Amenities

The hotel offers accommodations for families with up to four guests in designated family rooms. Baby cots are available at no extra charge, enhancing the stay for those traveling with young children. The central location allows for easy exploration of child-friendly attractions and activities.

Accessibility and Services

The first-floor reception is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm for seamless guest assistance. The hotel provides luggage storage to accommodate early arrivals and late departures, allowing guests to fully enjoy their stay. A secure night check service and easy communication with local transport add to the convenience of the experience.

Highlights

Location: Close to Lake Zurich and historic theaters

Rooms: 19 rooms including family accommodations

Dining: On-site Papa Joe's restaurant with American cuisine

Accessibility: Easy access to public transport and luggage storage

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll along Lake Zurich's promenade for stunning views and peace.
  • Visit the Swiss National Museum for a deep dive into Swiss culture.
  • Indulge in a classic Zürcher Geschnetzeltes at Restaurant Swiss Chuchi.
  • Explore the vibrant Bürkliplatz Market on Saturdays for local goodies.
  • Discover street art in the trendy Zürich West district for unique finds.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive 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

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Very good
7.7/10Review 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
Show more

Dining Onsite

Papa Joe's invites guests to indulge in a delightful array of American cuisine, perfect for family gatherings or relaxed evenings. Nestled within the vibrant Zurich Old Town City Centre, this eatery offers a cozy setting complemented by a touch of Caribbean flair from its cocktail bar.
Hotel California Zurich Restaurant photo
Hotel California Zurich Restaurant photo
Hotel California Zurich Restaurant photo

Papa Joe's

American with Caribbean influences
Ambiance
Family-friendly atmosphere with an inviting terrace on the ground floor, perfect for enjoying meals al fresco.
Key Offerings
Feast on hearty American classics like juicy burgers, tender ribs, and flavorful chicken wings, alongside savory baked potatoes and crisp salads. The cocktail bar serves refreshing drinks to elevate the dining experience.
Reservation
Not needed
Monday - Sunday, 11:30 AM - 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
Local Highlights Near Hotel California
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Grossmunster
4 minutes' walk
Iconic Protestant church with twin towers, renowned for its history and stunning views from the tower.
Fraumunster Church
5 minutes' walk
Famous for its stunning stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall, this church offers insight into Zurich's ecclesiastical history.
Museum of Art
6 minutes' walk
Home to an impressive collection of Swiss and international art, this museum features notable works from the Middle Ages to contemporary.
Bahnhofstrasse
9 minutes' walk
One of the world's most exclusive shopping streets, offering luxury brands alongside charming cafés and boutiques.
Enge Swimming Area
15 minutes' walk
A popular lakeside spot for swimming and sunbathing, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the warm Zurich weather.
Zoo Zurich
30 minutes' walk
Award-winning zoo features a diverse range of animals and an immersive Masoala Rainforest habitat, great for families.
Urania Observatory
11 minutes' walk
Offers a unique chance to gaze at the stars through its telescope, enhancing the experience with educational programs.
Bike Rentals
5 minutes' walk
Bike rental services nearby provide an adventurous way to explore Zurich's scenic routes along the lake and city parks.
Sternen Grill
3 minutes' walk
Casual eatery famous for its grilled sausages and Swiss specialties, offering outdoor seating and a lively atmosphere.
Belcafe Pizza & Bar
3 minutes' walk
Charming pizzeria with a range of delicious pizzas and pastas, known for its cozy interior and welcoming service.
Vorderer Sternen
3 minutes' walk
Traditional Swiss cuisine served in a rustic setting, offering fondue and raclette, ideal for a hearty, cultural experience.
Joe & The Juice
1 minute' walk
Trendy juice bar known for fresh smoothies and health-focused snacks, perfect for a quick, energizing bite.
Urania Observatory
11 minutes' walk
The observatory hosts public star-gazing events, perfect for a romantic evening or a fun family outing.
Club Zentrale
5 minutes' walk
Popular nightlife venue featuring live DJ performances and themed nights, appealing to a youthful crowd seeking fun.
Theater Zurich
15 minutes' walk
Offering a variety of performances, from opera to contemporary plays, this theater is a cultural hub in the heart of Zurich.
Zurich Jazz School
10 minutes' walk
Venue hosting live jazz performances, creating a cozy ambiance for music lovers of all ages to enjoy local talent.
Getting around
City Centre
Zurich6 min  ·  1700 ft
Airports
Kloten Airport (ZRH)19 min  ·  7.7 mi
St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport (ACH)160 min  ·  66.2 mi
Train
Zürich Stadelhofen5 min  ·  1400 ft
Unlock Early-Bird Deals
Grab Exclusive Rates Instantly
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, Croatian, Slovenian
Number of rooms:
19

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review score
Based on 494 verified reviews
7.8/10
Very good
79%
Recommend
Breakfast
6.9/10
Cleanliness
8.2/10
Comfort
8.3/10
Facilities
7.7/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Staff
8.4/10
Value for money
7.4/10
Pros
Great location
Comfortable rooms
Welcoming staff
Convenient elevator
Cons
Rude reception
Poor breakfast
Insufficient cooling
Guest reviews
based on 1152 reviews
7.8/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About Hotel California
What is the distance from the hotel to the nearest train station?
02 February 2024
The train station is just a couple of minutes away from the hotel.
Can luggage be stored at the hotel after checking out?
12 March 2024
Yes, guests can leave their bags at the reception after checkout to continue exploring the city.
Is there a restaurant nearby where I can have breakfast or lunch?
22 April 2024
The hotel offers breakfast only. However, there is a restaurant on the ground floor open from 10:00 for lunch and dinner.
Are all rooms equipped with a mini fridge?
18 May 2024
Yes, every room in the hotel comes equipped with a mini fridge for guest convenience.
Is it possible to check in before 3 PM?
30 June 2024
Early check-in is possible if the room is available. If not, luggage can be stored at the reception.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
15 July 2024
Check-in is from 15:00 to 22:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How can I get to the hotel from the main train station?
25 August 2024
Tram number 4 can be taken from 'Zürich, Bahnhofquai/HB' station to 'Helmhaus', which is just a 200-meter walk from the hotel.
Is there public transportation available near the hotel?
06 September 2024
Yes, the tram stop 'Helmhaus' is located approximately 200 meters away, providing easy access to various parts of the city.
Are there activities and places to visit close to the hotel?
20 October 2024
The hotel is centrally located, with many attractions such as Lake Zurich, museums, and shops just a short walk away.
Is the hotel located in a safe area for solo travelers?
10 November 2024
The neighborhood is considered safe, although it is always advisable to exercise standard precautions while traveling!

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
24Feb2026Select date
Check-out
25Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Need more options?
Check Top hotels near Hotel California
Boutique Hotel Helmhaus Zuerich Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Boutique Hotel Helmhaus Zuerich

8.9
Great527 reviews
63m from property
USD 207USD 186
per night
Hotel Roessli Zurich Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Hotel Roessli Zurich

8.4
Great1475 reviews
67m from property
USD 164USD 147
per night
Hechtplatz Hotel Zurich Exterior photo
Mobile-only price

Hechtplatz Hotel Zurich

7.0
Very good1348 reviews
79m from property
USD 95USD 85
per night