Zurich, SwitzerlandLangstrasse
Boutique & Art Hotel Helvetia
Bohemian riverside townhouse
Langstrasse Zurich, Switzerland
Renovated
2017
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Bohemian riverside townhouse
The 19th-century riverfront townhouse runs like an informal salon. Rotating contemporary art fills the walls, and local regulars gather downstairs.
“The hotel, which occupies a circa 1900 apartment building, has fun living up to its tongue-in-cheek motto, ‘Home Sweet Helvetia,’ with a new take on Swiss cozy.”
What it’s good at
Notable
The historic ground-floor Helvti Bar draws locals and artists for late-evening drinks.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
This place positively drips with character, all without sacrificing the coziness and comfort that’s quintessentially Swiss.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The river Sihl runs right past the entrance, and the lively bars and eateries of Kreis 4 begin a block away.
The rooms
Bedrooms have striped wallpaper and handmade Hästens beds. Attic suites on the top floor add kitchenettes beneath the eaves.
Restaurant Helvetia
The first-floor dining room has fur-covered chairs beside large windows, serving market-fresh Swiss classics like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes.
At the table
Green barstools line the marble counter at Helvti Bar, where bartenders mix cocktails beneath cast-iron columns.
How it began
The ground-floor bar became a countercultural landmark in 1980, when journalists and protesters gathered here during the city's youth unrest.
Zurich
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.