Pros
- Family-run boutique hotel with 14th-century heritage
- Old Town setting overlooking River Limmat and near Bahnhofstrasse
- Sleek, contemporary rooms with polished oak floors and minibars
- Loaner iPads available through front desk
- Generous breakfast included in room rate
- Free and fast Wi-Fi throughout
Cons
- No on-site restaurant, bar, or room service
- No fitness center
- Small lobby and limited public areas
- Oak floors can be noisy
Bottom Line
The Hotel Helmhaus is a upper-middle-range, family-run boutique hotel set on a cobbled square overlooking the River Limmat in Zurich's Old Town. While the guesthouse has its roots in the 14th century, the 24 guest rooms are particularly sleek and contemporary, with polished oak floors, minibars, and satellite TV. On-site amenities are limited, though an extensive breakfast is served free of charge. However, rates are pretty high overall, especially considering the lack of a full restaurant or fitness facilities. A less expensive choice would be the Hotel Continental Zurich - MGallery Collection, though the property is not as sleek.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Internet
Scene
Friendly, family-run boutique hotel with 14th-century roots
Though you wouldn't guess it from the Helmhaus's relatively plain, white-washed facade, the property dates back to the 14th century. In fact, it qualifies as one of Zurich’s oldest guesthouses, with records going as far back as 1356. The hotel was bought in 1970 by the Weibel and Mengis families and renamed after the nearby Helmhaus Art Museum. It continues to be family owned and run to this day, which gives it a particularly friendly and familiar vibe. The reception area, however, is small, and there's very little in the way of public spaces besides a tiny lounge attached to the hotel's breakfast room. A small elevator services the property's five floors.
Location
On a pleasant cobbled square overlooking Lake Zurich in the Old Town
The hotel is located in Zurich's Old Town, just off a pleasant cobbled square that overlooks River Limmat. Lake Zurich, with its pleasant quayside promenade, is around five minutes away on foot while the famous Bahnhofstrasse -- one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping streets -- takes around the same amount of time to reach. The Stadelhofen railway station is an eight-minute walk away and connects to Zurich Airport in under 10 minutes -- alternatively it takes about the same time by cab (without traffic).
Rooms
Sleek, contemporary rooms with wooden floors, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi
The hotel has just 24 rooms, all of which are sleek, clean, and modern with polished oak flooring and chic contemporary furnishings. Rooms are air-conditioned and well soundproofed, and all have well-stocked minibars and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with wall-mounted hairdryers and decent toiletries. Most have walk-in showers and a few come with shower/tub combos. While some of the rooms have partial lake views, many just face neighboring buildings. The Design Rooms on the 5th floor are more swanky than units on lower floors, though sloping ceilings might be an issues for taller guests. Slippers are also provided and guests are encouraged to use them as wooden floors can result in some unwanted creaking noise. Wi-Fi is free in rooms, and throughout the hotel, and connections are fast.
Features
Limited amenities including a generous free breakfast
As the Helmhaus is a small boutique hotel, there's not a great deal in the way of on-site facilities. The free daily breakfast, however, is generous, and comes with a wide range of options, from homemade muesli and fresh fruit salads, to cooked-to-order eggs and even noodles. Early-bird continental breakfasts are also available. Reception offers iPads out to loan and can help organize tours, excursions, and restaurant bookings.
Related Hotels
Scene
Friendly, family-run boutique hotel with 14th-century roots
Though you wouldn't guess it from the Helmhaus's relatively plain, white-washed facade, the property dates back to the 14th century. In fact, it qualifies as one of Zurich’s oldest guesthouses, with records going as far back as 1356. The hotel was bought in 1970 by the Weibel and Mengis families and renamed after the nearby Helmhaus Art Museum. It continues to be family owned and run to this day, which gives it a particularly friendly and familiar vibe. The reception area, however, is small, and there's very little in the way of public spaces besides a tiny lounge attached to the hotel's breakfast room. A small elevator services the property's five floors.
Location
On a pleasant cobbled square overlooking Lake Zurich in the Old Town
The hotel is located in Zurich's Old Town, just off a pleasant cobbled square that overlooks River Limmat. Lake Zurich, with its pleasant quayside promenade, is around five minutes away on foot while the famous Bahnhofstrasse -- one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping streets -- takes around the same amount of time to reach. The Stadelhofen railway station is an eight-minute walk away and connects to Zurich Airport in under 10 minutes -- alternatively it takes about the same time by cab (without traffic).
Rooms
Sleek, contemporary rooms with wooden floors, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi
The hotel has just 24 rooms, all of which are sleek, clean, and modern with polished oak flooring and chic contemporary furnishings. Rooms are air-conditioned and well soundproofed, and all have well-stocked minibars and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms are sleek and modern, with wall-mounted hairdryers and decent toiletries. Most have walk-in showers and a few come with shower/tub combos. While some of the rooms have partial lake views, many just face neighboring buildings. The Design Rooms on the 5th floor are more swanky than units on lower floors, though sloping ceilings might be an issues for taller guests. Slippers are also provided and guests are encouraged to use them as wooden floors can result in some unwanted creaking noise. Wi-Fi is free in rooms, and throughout the hotel, and connections are fast.
Features
Limited amenities including a generous free breakfast
As the Helmhaus is a small boutique hotel, there's not a great deal in the way of on-site facilities. The free daily breakfast, however, is generous, and comes with a wide range of options, from homemade muesli and fresh fruit salads, to cooked-to-order eggs and even noodles. Early-bird continental breakfasts are also available. Reception offers iPads out to loan and can help organize tours, excursions, and restaurant bookings.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
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Air Conditioner
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Airport Transportation
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Babysitting Services
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Cabanas
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Cable
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Concierge
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Dry Cleaning
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Free Breakfast
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Internet
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Kids Allowed
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Laundry
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Mini Bar (with liquor)
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
