Wellenberg

Awesome Old European City

I planned an overnight lay over in Zurich on my way back to the US as this is one of my favorite European cities. I last stayed at the Wellenburg 6 years ago and was happy to be able to find the hotel on-line. The hotel is situated in the old part of Zurich where the streets are essentially closed to motorist and are very narrow and filled with entertainment. Getting to the hotel can be tricky as I have experienced some taxi’s having a difficult time but it is just a short walk from the main train station and over the river. Once you find the beginning of the old part of Zurich (look for the Starbucks) you simply walk 1/4 mile down a cobble stone road and you will see the Wellenburg in a square that often has activities. The hotel is clean but is not as comfortable as typical American hotels. There is no air conditioning in the rooms and the hotel always feels hot. Opening the windows is a must but can be loud as a result of all of the activies surrounding the hotel. Hopefully, you will be out having fun and not spending much time in the room. The hotel still has the old fashion keys with a 5 lb weight attached. The main door locks around 11. I was a bit embarrassed to ring the bell at 3am but was greeted warmly by the receptionist. I would recommend staying in this very old hotel and neighboorhood for a unique experience.

I highly recommend the Splendid American Piano Bar down the small alley next to the hotel. I have been there three times and am amazed on how much fun this place is and how easy it is to speak with the people in the bar. My last visit I was alone and still had a ball. It is a complete international crowd who knows every word of every classic American song. The last visit had a slightly older crowd but overall it is a well mixed crowd and by 11, I knew half of the bar (and I am not super social). Be careful - drinks are priced similar to Manhattan and even a bottle of water cost as much as a beer ~$12.

It’s the best we’ve every stayed in Zurich!

Excellent location, excellent service, comfortable room, comfortable chairs.

Would go back

The staff were very helpful. We arrived from the US, and though we could not check in early, they took our bags and they were in our room when we returned at 2PM. If you have a car it is restricted access to the hotel and parking is several blocks away. Beds were very comfortable. I don’t know if it’s air conditioned but we were there in September and there was a fan in the room and we were quite comfortable. Breakfast was great. The neighborhood has many nice restaurants and the public square outside is quite active. Just a short walk to the Limmat, Bahnhofstrasse, and public transportation.

Traveler's tip on dining

The Apfelkammer is a charming, old restaurant nearby. We always had something interesting offered for lunch or dinner.