The 5 best motels in Zurich for your next budget-friendly check-in
A family friend recently asked me about the best budget accommodations in Zurich for a vacation with his fiancée. He wanted something affordable but still comfortable—just like many travellers do.
Fortunately, he came to the right person—I’ve been a proud local for as long as I can remember. Without hesitation, I recommended motels over traditional hotels, explaining that they could save around 80 to 100 CHF per night.
And if you’re here, chances are you’re looking for the same—great stays at great prices. So, I’ve put together a list of the best motels in my beloved hometown.
| How much does it cost to stay in a motel in Zurich? Staying in a motel in Zurich for basic accommodations costs between 130 and 250 CHF. However, the actual price may vary based on factors such as the motel, room type, and additional amenities. You can often get lower rates by booking multi-day stay packages. |
1. Motel One Zurich
Address: Stockerstrasse 61, Enge, 8002
Contact Details: +41 44 226 77 00
The first thing that caught my eye about Motel One Zurich was its modern art gallery vibes. It had sleek decor, ornate lighting fixtures, and avant-garde themes.
The rooms are more functional than flashy. They’re simple but equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay—cosy beds, clean sheets, and fresh towels.
I particularly love Motel One because it’s near Bahnhofstrasse, one of Zurich’s premier shopping locations. Its location is ideal for early morning walks through a vibrant, safe neighbourhood.
However, despite these appealing aspects, the noise from nearby shopping centres can be a drawback. If you’re seeking a peaceful environment, you may want to consider other accommodations.
Nevertheless, Motel One’s warm, friendly staff make up for it. I appreciate that they respond quickly to guests’ needs. Plus, they’re always smiling, which is a nice touch.
Friendly and professional staff
“This hotel is your basic Motel One — a bit nicer than a budget hotel but nothing too fancy/special. All of the staff were friendly and professional. The room was very clean we had a small balcony — it’s too bad that it was too old to use! The rooms are on the smaller side compared to other rooms we had in Europe, but it was more than adequate and had everything we needed. The location is within walking distance to the Old Town section, but far enough way to not be loud or crowded. We would stay here again.”
– Summer G., TripAdvisor Review
Fantastic stay
“Before booking Motel One in Zurich, I had some doubts about my choice, despite reading numerous positive reviews about the hotel. I think the name “Motel One” made me hesitant. However, the housekeeping standard turned out to be excellent, even better than some branded hotels I’ve stayed in. They changed the bed sheets almost every day, and the room was consistently clean and tidy. The only drawbacks were the lack of an electric kettle and bedroom slippers. The location is fantastic too, within walking distance of the shopping area and Zurich HB.”
– Xylia T., TripAdvisor Review
2. Fred Hotels Zurich
Address: Konradstrasse 11, 8005
Contact Details: +41 44-446-5400
Fred Hotels Zurich may not be the most visually striking, but it offers a clean and minimalist design. Its facade is simple and flat-like. Meanwhile, the interior features off-white walls, a few plants, and a functional layout.
The rooms are thoughtfully designed and incredibly functional. Each room comes with all the essentials—a comfortable bed, a small desk, and even a coffee maker. They’re also well-maintained, which is a bonus for me.
The place is conveniently located. Being just a short walk from the main train station with easy access to transportation hubs makes it a five out of five in my book.
On the plus side, the staff are exceptionally accommodating. They genuinely go out of their way to assist guests. They’re also very friendly and truly invested in making every stay memorable.
However, the noise from the nearby train station can be frustrating if you’re trying to relax. A few guests noted that the soundproofing could be better, as they could hear passing trains at night.
Perfect place to stay
“This was a perfect place to stay for us. We got two rooms, one for the parents and one 3 bedroom for the 3 kids. The rooms were simple and clean. They were perfect for our stay and Tony was super helpful at check in. The location was perfect, so close to the train station and we could walk to old town and the shopping area with ease.”
– Kristin Rothrock, Google Review
Clean and self-serve
“This economy hotel is great for an overnight or single-night traveler who needs to be near the main station (Hauptbahnhof). It’s literally located around the corner (one block) from the train station. The room was clean and the basic furnishings included everything a traveler would typically require. The breakfast in the main hotel (one block away) was very good, with lots of food and drink choices. The hotel is meant to be “self-serve” (keyless check-in and entry using your mobile phone and/or their app), so our only interactions with staff were during breakfast, and they were great. It’s comfortable, with a decent self-serve coffee machine in the lobby. Good WiFi. All good!”
– Rudi Bester, Google Review
3. Hotel Olympia
Address: Badenerstrasse 324, 8004
Contact Details: +41 44 491 77 66
I keep coming back to Olympia Motel for its nostalgic charm and peaceful location away from the city centre. Staying here feels like a retreat.
The rooms are just the right size—not too big, not too small. They’re simple but spotlessly clean, with a comfy bed and basic furnishings. The large windows allow plenty of natural light, making it perfect for capturing beautiful photos.
I discovered early on that Olympia Motel is family-run, which explains its warm atmosphere. During my stay, I frequently noticed a personal touch in the service. The staff treat guests like family, warmly welcoming them and ensuring they feel at home.
While I love Olympia Motel’s location, its distance from the heart of Zurich may be a drawback for some. Getting around can be difficult, and there’s not much to do nearby.
Aside from that the thin walls can make it quite noisy, which might be disruptive.
Interesting interior design
“The location is good, near Albisriederplatz, is well connected to the public transport network. Just across the street there is a very convenient Coop supermarket. The Berlin – cold war interior design is interesting, but not shown at its best as they put some cheap decorations that have nothing to do at all.
Have ready your earplugs as the walls and ceilings in the room are paper thin and you can hear neighbour conversations or TV’S. The room and bathroom are clean. Furniture looks like it has been brought from different thrift stores.”
– Alex, Google Review
Convenient location
“Hotel Olympia Zurich is a budget-friendly, three-star hotel located in the Aussersihl district, approximately 1.6 miles from central Zurich. It offers basic accommodations with amenities like free WiFi, private parking (CHF 32 per day), and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms come with essentials such as flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, and some city views. The hotel is conveniently located near tram lines, making it easy to reach popular spots like Bahnhofstrasse and Letzigrund Stadium. Small room, thin walls, and those who travelers with bachelors can utilize as budget friendly who prioritize location and basic facilities.”
– Abdulsalam Palakkat, Google Review
4. Hotel Marta
Address: Zähringerstrasse 36, CH-8001
Contact Details: +41 44 269 95 95
While exploring Zurich’s Old Town, I stumbled upon Hotel Marta and was pleasantly surprised. The rooms are modest yet spacious enough, equipped with all the essentials. The bed, in particular, was exceptionally comfortable.
Beyond comfort, I was impressed by the hotel’s strong commitment to sustainability. They use biodegradable toiletries and follow eco-friendly practices wherever possible.
A standout feature is their vegetarian breakfast buffet, offered daily—perfect for vegetarians or anyone who enjoys fresh, plant-based options to start the day.
The hotel staff are equally commendable. Their warm hospitality always makes every stay smooth, problem-free, and memorable.
However, one drawback is the Wi-Fi, which can be slow at times. If you’re travelling for work and need a reliable connection, you may want to consider other options.
Polite and accommodating staff
“My experience at the hotel was amazing. Very polite staff and helped me when I needed it. The breakfast is great. The location of the hotel is incredible, close to everything, I was able to do all the itinerary I planned on foot. I loved my room, very cozy, and the architecture of the stairs is incredible, I fell in love. The service during the reservation was the best I have ever had in my life. I traveled alone, I came from Brazil, and I loved every moment, thank you very much.”
– Carolina, TripAdvisor Review
Perfect lodging spot
“Very nice hotel at an excellent location. Taking 1 star out just because of the breakfast which was really poor. But lodging wise is the perfect spot. Many restaurants around. Very easy to get to the hotel from the airport, just take the tram line 10 and it will leave you 200m from the hotel.”
– RosaMilano2312, TripAdvisor Review
5. Neufeld
Address: Friesenbergstrasse 15, 8055
Contact Details: +41 43 960 73 73
Located in the lively Wiedikon district, Neufeld offers top-notch amenities—without the steep prices or unnecessary luxury.
The rooms are spacious, impeccably clean, and fully functional. While they’re nothing fancy, they provide the essentials: comfort and safety.
However, the bathrooms are quite compact, and the water pressure can be weak. If you prefer a more spacious bathroom or a strong, consistent shower flow, this might be a drawback.
Regardless, the staff is knowledgeable and approachable. Several guests mentioned that the staff were always ready with great recommendations for nearby attractions and the best local restaurants—a definite plus in my book.
Another advantage is Neufeld’s convenient location near tram lines, making it easy and hassle-free to get around the city.
Clean and comfortable place
“In Zurich, I found this hotel in google in a very good price to be close to everything and I was really exception about how good, clean and comportable could be. I’m very happy to exceed by far all my expectations. The staff is very friendly and also speak all languages to make your experience easier in Zurich. The room super cleaned and more than enough for just me, bathroom clean with all the necessary. Laundry service more than affordable and swift. The restaurant offers breakfast at 6:00 wich is perfect if you want to enjoy Zurich from very early morning and it was a nice time for me rediscovering a city that my first impression was not so good. This time I have a great, fantastic, time here and this hotel made it even better. It is highly recommended”
– Camilo Consuegra, Google Review
Offers delicious breakfast
“It was quite close to the city center, you could either take a short bus trip or walk 20-25 minutes there. Breakfast was great, there were so many delicious choices. They had good tea and beverage selection. Everything was delicious and of good quality. The staff was helpful and polite. The room was extremely clean and spacious. They even let us use the patio of the restaurant below in the evening.
– Metin Catar, Google Review