The Storchen Zurich is a true piece of living history, with its origins as a guesthouse dating all the way back to 1357. Named after the legend of rare black storks that once nested on its roof—long considered a symbol of good luck—the hotel has hosted notable historical figures from composer Richard Wagner to the physician Paracelsus over its 660-year existence.
Set in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town, the Storchen is unique for being the only hotel in the city located directly on the banks of the Limmat River. Its prime position includes a private boat jetty, offering guests an exclusive way to explore the river and nearby lake. The property blends this medieval heritage with modern elegance, featuring a sophisticated interior design that maintains a classic yet contemporary feel.
Beyond the rooms, the hotel is a local culinary destination. The rooftop bar, “The Nest,” is particularly famous for its sweeping panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the iconic Grossmünster church. For a more formal affair, the Michelin-starred restaurant, La Rôtisserie, offers seasonal Swiss and French fine dining with beautiful river vistas.
The hotel’s location is perfect for sightseers, placing you within walking distance of the Lindenhof hilltop park and the famous stained-glass windows of the Fraumünster church. Whether you are wandering through the narrow, charming alleyways of the Old Town or browsing the high-end shops of the nearby Bahnhofstrasse, the Storchen serves as a quintessential, historic home base for experiencing Zurich.
Expert reviews
“Storchen Zurich has 64 luxury rooms, some overlooking the lake. Its location in the heart of the old town means it is within walking distance of much of the city center. “
“The central location of this airy 660-year-old structure—tucked between the Fraumünster and Kirche St. Peter on the gull-studded bank of the Limmat River—is stunning. Rebuilt in 1939 and renovated in 2016, the modern hotel is impeccable and intimately scaled.”
What guests liked
- Central location
- Friendly staff
- Comfortable beds
- Great views
- Delicious breakfast
Location
Recent guest reviews
8 July 2025
The best place in Zurich
The location, cleanliness and friendly attitude of the staff
The food of the room Service
4 July 2025
This was a splurge but so worth it!
The location was perfect. The staff was very helpful. Our room was very nice and the breakfast was amazing.
A bit pricey is the only negative but worth it!
28 May 2025
Would definitely recommend.
Staff were exceptional. Very friendly.
Great location. Nice rooms.
21 May 2025
The Storchen was the luxury stay I had hoped for
Loved the location, the service, the bed, doona and pillows.
The staff were excellent
Being above the loading dock with noise coming from the delivery vans early in the morning and the service lift
20 May 2025
I loved the historic hotel. Very Swiss and the view over the river was magical.
The location was perfect. So central.
6 April 2025
Everything is good except breakfast service and there was nothing much to eat
Location
At the breakfast time, I ordered omelette but the kitchen delayed my order for almost an hour and I had to leave because my tour will start soon. The next following morning the same delay took place again which made me upset and I left to eat somewhere else. I stayed in five star hotel, five star service should be given. Regardless of the reason of delaying the order by the kitchen, and I don’t care of the reason because I already paid money to stay in the hotel which makes me no difference than any others.
24 March 2025
Amazing and relaxing stay in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town
Very centrally located in a beautiful historic building but with modern and luxurious rooms. Service was superb and breakfast at the hotel was excellent.
Generally had no complaints about the property. Only issue during our stay was that the plaza that the hotel is facing was under construction.
19 February 2025
Heavenly stay in Zurich old town.
Gorgeous views. Luxurious in every way!
N/A
9 February 2025
FABULOUS PLACE DON'T MISS IT!
FABULOUS dinner and view!! Gluten free catered for.Amazing staff and room overlooking the river.
Slightly let down by the bar being full and there is no sitting room for guests. But ww will return.
5 January 2025
Great place to stay. Will always come back
Love the property
2 December 2024
Great location with good restaurants and staff
Excellent staffs, good location and you can easily roam around Zurich. Good breakfast and very accommodating restaurant, truly a Michelin star.
Bathroom is clean but not as good as the other hotel in Switzerland
29 November 2024
We loved our stay at Storchen
The hotel has a perfect location - in the city center, right on the river bank. The building is old and beautiful, but the rooms was modernized and comfortable.
The room was a bit small, but I guess that's part of the building's heritage - space is luxury :)
19 November 2024
Stay at Stornchen
Pwrfect place oerfect people
9 November 2024
Wonderful experience but next time we would prefer a king bed and not two separate singles!
Lovely breakfast environment
23 October 2024
Excellent location and staff, it totally worth the money and we had a great time in Zürich!
Great location, friendly staff, excellent breakfast and amazing concierges
The rooms could be larger
18 October 2024
Great location and unique archetichural design
Location and staff
The bed was not comfy
9 October 2024
Best location walk to EVERTHING
Perfect location
Loved everything about it
27 September 2024
We were treated like royalty from arrival to departure !
The staff was helpful and went above and beyond to accommodate every request. It was a great experience and were even granted late check out at no charge.
The limited room service menu
3 September 2024
Quiet luxury in the center of old Zurich
Everything- every detail was crafted to to make a stay very comfortable starting from the beautiful design and comfortable beds to the highest quality chocolate and sparkling wine awaiting us upon arrival, my kid got her own gifts, the staff at the front desk and beyond was attentive and accommodating, the breakfast was amazing.
26 August 2024
Will recommend to others
Location is perfect, staffs are friendly
26 August 2024
It was an extraordinary stay!
Many thanks to Sanjin, for the help and information provided!!!
11 August 2024
Worth every cent - perfect place to experience the best of Zurich.
Perfect location, wonderful staff, stunning view and fabulous food.
6 August 2024
I think the staff is very kind and is well trained
perfect
nothing
30 July 2024
One of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. The nightly turn down with chocolate and macaron cookies was lovely. Free
The staff was amazing. So attentive and super nice. Couldn’t want for anything.
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Allergy-free room
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
- - Pet basket
- - Pet bowls
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Fitness
- - Personal trainer
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
Parking
- - Parking garage
Transport
- - Public transport tickets (additional charge)
- - Airport pick up (additional charge)
- - Airport drop off (additional charge)
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

16 July 2025
Beautiful hotel in the perfect location but significantly over-priced for the room we had……I assume at least £600 a nigh