Hotel Florhof offers tranquility in the heart of Zürich (Closed 2022)

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Finding a hotel is always a top priority when you are in a new city. With countless reviews on Tripadvisor and an array of alternatives available, one is definitely spoiled for choice – and can get terribly confused in the process.

In major European cities where soulless chain hotels with strong loyalty programs are a dime a dozen, competition is stiff. And as a smaller hotel, it can be difficult to stand out.

I am constantly on the lookout for great hotels for out of town visitors that I am unable to accommodate in my tiny apartment, so I was really glad when Dimitri introduced Hotel Florhof to me. This little gem sits on the fringe of Zürich’s bustling old town and is easily accessible from the main station.

Old World Charm at Hotel Florhof

Due to the hotel's proximity to the University of Zürich, the Kunsthaus Museum and the Schauspielhaus, I learned that the Florhof is already a favorite with many performers, academics and even Nobel Peace Prize winners.

It is a hotel that has been family-run for three generations since 1907. Old but not old, because in the summer of 2014, it underwent extensive renovations, though many of its original features have been carefully preserved. Step through the doors and you cannot help but be impressed by its stylish interior, yet be swept away by an elegant Old World charm.

Regardless of whether you are a guest of the hotel, its tastefully decorated lounge area is worth checking out – especially on a cold and rainy day. Having had a coffee there, I felt as if I was visiting the home of a friend with impeccable taste, rather than being in just another hotel's lobby.

With sleek and modern designer furniture cleverly juxtaposed with old school items, the space gives you the overall vibe that much thought and care went into the décor.

This old school telephone switchboard was unearthed during the hotel's recent renovations:

The feeling of being in a friend’s house was also reinforced by the team at Hotel Florhof. Headed by the very charming Isabelle Zeyssolff, her genuinely warm and welcoming attitude was mirrored by each and every staff member I have met during my stay.

Isabelle graciously gave me a tour of the hotel, and the detail-oriented creature in me ooh-ed and aah-ed.

My favorite part of the tour was down in the hotel’s historic wine cellar.

It is well stocked with carefully selected wines from Spain, Italy and Switzerland to complement the hotel restaurant’s seasonal menus, created by the very talented chef, Patrick Leuenberger.

If you are looking for a private space to host a dinner, complete with gorgeous mood lighting and attentive service, group bookings are available. Pillaging the wines whilst you are down there, however, is not.

Maxi Comfort in the Guest Rooms

All the guestrooms have been overhauled with gorgeous wood from Solothurn. Hotel Florhof has various room categories catering to singles, couples and families.

I stayed in one of the Maxi rooms on the third floor for the night. The clean (and I mean, Swiss clean!) and decently sized room’s harmonious color scheme and comfortable bed should please any weary traveller.

I am a light sleeper, yet I slept like a baby that night. If you value peace and quiet like I do - away from the noise of the restaurants and bars of the old town but want to be close enough for action, this is the place.

Dog owners will be pleased to know that this hotel is pet friendly. My canine companion enjoyed being fussed and petted during our stay. Not to mention the comfortable blanket provided by the hotel, which he seemed extremely reluctant to leave behind upon check-out...

Thumbs up to Isabelle and her capable team for arranging this stay and delivering a great experience. This picky traveler who likes her comforts thinks that Hotel Florhof deserves more stars than the current three!