Hotel California Zurich Exterior photoHotel California Zurich Nearby photoHotel California Zurich Food photo
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From151US$ /night
Check-in
18Apr2026Select date
Check-out
19Apr2026Select 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
7.9
8.0
/10
4.3
3.9
/5

Location

The Hotel California is situated on Schifflände, just steps away from the iconic Lake Zurich. Guests can explore cultural attractions such as the opera, theaters, and several museums within a short walking distance. The proximity to the Limmat riverbank and the vibrant Niederdörfli district further enhances the convenience of this location.

Rooms

The hotel offers 19 well-equipped rooms, catering to various accommodation needs. Six family rooms are available, accommodating up to four guests, complete with a double bed and a pull-out sofa. Each room includes a private bathroom, a safe, a minibar with complimentary Arkina water, and cable TV.

Dining

Hotel California features Papa Joe's Restaurant, located on the ground floor, offering a diverse menu with an American twist. Guests can enjoy classic dishes such as juicy burgers and ribs while relaxing on the terrace. An on-site Caribbean Bar is also available, providing a range of delicious cocktails.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Family rooms accommodate children with a pull-out sofa, providing extra space for families traveling together. Baby cots are available free of charge to cater to younger guests. The hotel's central location allows easy access to family-friendly attractions, ensuring an enjoyable stay for all.

Transportation and Accessibility

The hotel is conveniently located near Stadelhofen train station, just a five-minute walk away, providing easy access to public transport. Tram stop Helmhaus is only 200 meters from the hotel, connecting guests to various city attractions. For those arriving by car, taxis can be called directly to the hotel's entrance.

Highlights

Location: historic old town of Zurich

Rooms: 50 beds in 19 rooms

Dining: Papa Joe's Restaurant

Family-Friendly Amenities: Family rooms with space for up to 4 people

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
7.9/10Review 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

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 (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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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

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Hotel California enjoys a prime location, just a short walk from Limmatquai and Bahnhofstrasse, making it ideal for exploring the city. Guests often appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, some featuring a fridge, though a few guests have mentioned smaller rooms. Many find the Mexican restaurant conveniently located in the same building to be a plus, and the presence of an elevator adds to the convenience.
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Review score
Based on 525 verified reviews
7.8/10
Very good
80%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Staff
8.6/10
Breakfast
6.8/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.7/10
Pros
Great location
Comfortable rooms
Welcoming staff
Convenient elevator
Cons
Rude reception
Poor breakfast
Insufficient cooling
Guest reviews
based on 1174 reviews
7.9/10
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!

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room