Hotel Alexander Review

Choosing the Hotel Alexander was based on price and a location close to the station. The hotel is about eight minutes from the Zurich main station; just cross the river, turn right and head up into the old town.

Closer is Central Station that is connected to Zurich Airport by the suburban train and will save three minutes’ walk. The nearest tram is number 4 and the stop is called Rudolf Brun Brucke. Arriving at night and walking along Niederdorfstrasse, we came to the realisation that the Hotel Alexander is in the red light district! However, this was not a great worry as all was very tame and safe in Zurich.

The good news on the walk was the large number of street cafés, restaurants and bars, which were all busy and many were quite lively. Hotel check-in at the small reception was easy and the staff very friendly. This is not a large hotel, having only 41 rooms in total, and it is situated on a small block. Up we went in the lift to a small room at the back. Apparently, this was a good choice as the area can be noisy at night, so if you want peace and quiet, just ask for the top and back of the hotel. The only drawback with this is that there was only a small window with no view.

The room was comfortable and had television, bath and a comfortable bed. This room had no air-conditioning but many have. The free wi-fi worked well in the room. Outside the Alexander hotel is a pedestrian area where many restaurants can be found, including a MacDonald’s. A few minutes further will take you to the River Limmat and all the attractions of central Zurich, which is a perfect city to amble around. Within walking distance is Zurich Lake which, if the weather is good as it was when we visited, is a place to linger and sunbathe.

Attached to the hotel is a guesthouse that offers much cheaper accommodation. Breakfast is taken in the main hotel next door. Breakfast is served in a breakfast room, with all the normal cheeses, meats, yoghurts, bread and coffee or tea. This was very enjoyable and the staff were friendly and helpful. Again, this was not in a huge space, so one could imagine at times it would be crowded, but no issue when we stayed. If you fancy cycling around Zurich, which is not a bad idea as there are many cycle paths, walk over the Moina Station and there are free bikes available.

Also at main station is the principal tourist office where tours can be booked. Overall, the Alexander Hotel is a functional place to stay. There are no additional facilities, so no gym, no lobby and not an hotel to linger in. Like most Zurich hotels, it is busy and so do book ahead. However, being run by the owner ensured that everything worked well and the staff were helpful, friendly and good at their jobs.

Images of Hotel Alexander