Nine medieval houses from the 13th century sewn together behind a discreet façade, right in the heart of Zurich's old town.

Widder Hotel - Zurichs Luxury Hideaway

★9.2

From

1,161.663 €

“Nine historic buildings on Rennweg united by architect Tilla Theus, original stone staircases preserved.”

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The Widder Hotel occupies nine guild houses nestled against each other on Rennweg, a stone's throw from the Bahnhofstrasse. The façades date from the Middle Ages, the interiors were redesigned in the 1990s by the Zurich architect Tilla Theus. Exposed beams, original stone staircases, contemporary furniture that deliberately contrasts with the ancient walls. We stay here from 1 162 € a night, a rate that reflects the rarity of the place more than the size of the rooms, often modest given the original structure. The fitness centre and room service complete an offer designed for both business and tourist clientele. The airport shuttle simplifies arrival, a real plus in a city where taxis are expensive. The 286 Booking reviews converge on a score of 9.2/10, a sign that the historical/design contrast works more than it disturbs 😌.

Who is it for?

Who we recommend it to

We recommend the Widder to business travellers seeking a central address without opting for a soulless international chain. It is also a pertinent choice for architecture and Swiss history enthusiasts, less so for those seeking large modern suites. Families find suitable rooms, yet the overall atmosphere remains hushed and geared towards short stays.

The building

Architecture and interiors

The ensemble brings together nine medieval and Renaissance houses aligned on Rennweg, one of Zurich's oldest streets. The 1990s restoration, led by Tilla Theus, preserved the stone structures, original staircases and certain beams, while inserting contemporary design furniture. Volumes vary greatly from one room to another depending on the original building, with no uniformity of layout. The result is more of an assumed architectural patchwork than a classic palace with a single façade.

Highlights

Nine guild houses from the 13th century united in a single hotel
Renovation by Tilla Theus, contrast between ancient stone and contemporary furniture
Booking score 9.2/10 from 286 reviews
Airport shuttle included, rare in Zurich's historic centre
Pets admitted, family rooms available

Location & access

Where the hotel sits in Zurich

The Widder Hotel stands on Rennweg, in the heart of Zurich's old town, a few minutes' walk from the Bahnhofstrasse and its luxury shopfronts. Lake Zurich and the Limmat river are accessible on foot, as are the pedestrian quarters of Niederdorf. The neighbourhood is quiet in the evening, very commercial by day, with no public transport right at the door yet everything is walkable. The airport shuttle offered by the hotel avoids the taxi journey to Zurich Kloten.

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