Gasthaus 210

So snow had caused significant disruption to our travel plans and the night before we had to find a place for one night in Zurich. Onto Hotels.com and the prices ranged from CHF 90 to 688. Our budget was CHF 150 and so limited to a choice of 4. Two had shared bathrooms so excluded and little to differentiate in the reviews between the 90 and the one for 139. We nervously plumped for the cheapie. We need not have been nervous. Okay so reception is a shelf next to the counter in a convenience store but it was efficient and quick to register and pay. The key to the room was a swipe card and we were given a choice of a room on 1st or 4th floor. There is no elevator and with us being 'old farts' we chose the first floor. Entering the room it was clean and fresh and uncluttered. White walls and tiled floor but well maintained and had the things you would expect. Room 12 had three single beds, bathroom with shower (toilet seat cracked), kitchen area with kettle and microwave. Plenty of cupboard and storage space and a TV with box. There was even a large bowl of fruit and free standing fan. Now the beds were of the camp variety and so they thunked a bit when you sat on them and on the hard side but we both slept. Although on quite a busy road there was no traffic noise and the local area looked reasonable enough but we did not really go out except to McD's over the road. If on a budget then you could do a lot worse than this place and our only issue was the toilet seat.

Ok, for Americans this will seem odd: the hotel is basically the top couple of floors above a convenience store. I walked in the and guy behind the counter pretended to not understand me and played on my confusion for a second before laughing and checking us in. It was funny. After the initial strangeness of the setup, we came tonreally like it. Plus, my room was on the very top and had a large rooftop deck - we walked downstairs, bought a couple of beers and sat on the deck. It was really cool and convenient and the staff were all very helpful. I would not stay here if stairs are a problem, but otherwise, I highly recommend it and hope you enjoy the neighborhood.

Had to walk quite a bit from the main train station but it is located conveniently above a minimart. Can get quite noisy at night as it is by the road where ambulance pass by. Very quite once you close the windows.

The guest house is actually part of the store. This is not a hotel! Most services you find in hotels aren't available here. Having said that, given the cost of accommodation in Zürich, this place is a bargain. Location wise, it isn't the best neighborhood but convenient. A well known American fast food franchise is just across the street. There are wide varieties of affordable food to choose from within the store as well. A tram station is 5 minutes walk down the road serving multiple lines, allowing one to reach anywhere in downtown within 30 minutes. The main train station is within walkable distance of about 15 minutes. Some commenter complained about the heat. My visit is in the fall so it wasn't a problem at all. If you plan on visiting during summer, do consider your options.

Great find! Very clean, quiet, safe! Easy walk from Zurich main train station Good area, lots of food/eating choices Stayed for 5 days, no elevator, so what Great spot, small store on first level Not a noise problem at all Room was immaculately clean, every day Thank you gentleman! A great find!