Hotel Helmhaus in Zurich

We were given several recommendations as to where to stay in Zurich but all of the 5 star hotels were in the $700 – $800 night during the week we would be here. I was staying for two nights by myself then Oyen and my niece Kim would be arriving from the US to join me. Instead of staying in two separate rooms, we would all be staying in a bigger room, a triple, for four more nights. Oyen presented to me a list of hotels to make my decision-making process easier because we were nearing our trip and we still haven’t booked our accommodations. She made a tabulation based on the size of the room, the proximity to the shopping area vis-a-vis where our meeting would be held, and the total cost for 6 nights stay. With breakfast or no breakfast was not a consideration. I picked a smaller hotel named Hotel Helmhaus in the old Zurich, a much nicer area. I chose based on the walkability to where tourists normally congregate, the shops / restaurants, near Zurich Lake.

We were glad we picked the right hotel.

I didn’t like the first room that was reserved for me when I arrived at Hotel Helmhaus. I found the room too small and I could see the neighboring building, too close for comfort. I could hear the people talking, they could see me, I could see them. I could almost touch their wall if I have long arms. The aircon was also not working. It was off. When I complained to the receptionist she told me to open the window. I was very tired, I came from a flight, my shoulder was hurting, I was not in my best mood. I told her that their website indicated that they have airconditioning and this was one of the primary considerations in choosing this hotel. I asked to be transferred to a better room, and she kindly looked for another room.

This is a 700 years old building that was renovated and modernized.
This was the smallest elevator I have ever seen in my whole life. My luggage could fit, without me. The size is perfect for honeymooners.

To give them credit, she agreed to move me to room 45 which was bigger and with very nice bathroom, and the best part was the airconditioning. It was working perfectly.

I was happy, this room was much bigger than the first one she showed me.

I asked for a view and she happily told me my room is located in the front with the street view.
This was the view.

I stayed in room #45 for two nights while waiting for my daughter and my niece to arrive from the United States. I felt very comfortable. The room was spacious most especially that I was by myself. The wifi was also reliable and fast. I’ve also made friends with the room cleaners and the hotel’s staff were all accommodating, nice, and friendly.

When Oyen and Kimberly arrived, we moved to an even bigger room called family or triple room. We each have our own single bed and we all enjoyed our stay. We were all jetlagged and were able to sleep wall in all the nights we were there.

Update:
We were in Zurich for one whole week. We fell in love with the city and planned on going back but our schedules haven’t permitted so far. The three of us were in unison that when we go back, we would most likely stay again at this hotel. The location is perfect. It’s right in the center of the city. We could walk to the nice shops, tourist spots, and restaurants. It’s very safe around the hotel even at night. The accommodation and service were also good. We enjoyed our one week stay. Viva Zurich!