Hotel Central

Enter an ordinary office building (next to an expensive men’s clothier in Old Town), take the elevator to the fifth floor and you’ll be surprised to find the family-run Hotel Central. Spread over two floors, this two-star charmer is, as its name promisess, a centrally located gem.

Though the building has been around for more than 90 years, a 2010 renovation updated most of the hotel’s interior. A few unrenovated rooms still have carpet, but most of the Central’s 26 tight rooms feature clean hardwood floors that match the simple wooden beds and dressers. Some rooms that are frequented by visiting student groups have bunk beds, but this is a far cry from a hostel. All rooms are equipped with a television and every room boasts a small balcony that overlooks the Old Town—though this also means that you’ll get some noise from street revelers.

Every room has a private shower, although some rooms have bizarre configurations that make guests walk through their shower upon entering the room. All but four rooms are equipped with private toilets, while the cheapest four guestrooms share two hallway toilets between them.

The Central also offers six furnished apartments, although they can hardly be considered “budget.” The five-person suite goes for CHF280 and has two bathrooms—“perfect for the group of girlfriends traveling together,” as the cheerful receptionist noted.

The Gangsted family, who runs the hotel, offers perky service and homespun hospitality that make this compact property a unique find in a business-minded city.

A small continental breakfast, included in the room rate and consisting of three different kinds of bread, is delivered to guestrooms every morning (there’s no dining room). Note that, as the Hotel Central is often completely booked, you’d be wise to reserve ahead.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.