Hotel St. Josef in Zürich

We had a lovely stay at the recently remodeled Hotel St. Josef (Hirschengraben 64/68, CH-8001 Zürich, SWITZERLAND; phone 044 250 57 57 or visit www.st-josef.ch) in November ’05.

The hotel is just a 5-minute walk uphill (remember this when you pack) from Zürich’s Hauptbahnhof. It was an easy commute from the train station, and unless you are lost or it is raining, there’s no need for a cab. Go to the St. Josef’s website for directions and a map.

Our cheerful room offered a desk and chair, a big bathroom with shower and a Swiss-style double bed (two twin beds with separate duvets pushed together). The windows opened for fresh air, and the radiators had individual controls.

For a 3-star hotel, there were a lot of amenities in my room: a safe, teapot, 12-channel TV, a refrigerator and a heated towel rack (perfect for drying socks overnight; just don’t tell the front desk staff).

Speaking of the folks at the desk, Tess and Sara were really friendly. When I stopped at the desk to borrow an iron, Sara walked me over to the pension next door to the ironing room. Tess was always smiling, even when I locked myself out of my room, twice.

Breakfast was really bountiful: a buffet with bread, rolls, cheeses, meats, hard-boiled eggs, croissants, yogurts, fruits and Birchermüesli (a Swiss invention of yogurt and dried fruit that resembles oatmeal). Fresh flowers sat on every table.

The restaurant was open for lunch and dinner, too. And although there was no bar, we bought beers nightly from the restaurant and they were served with icy cold steins; one beer cost CHF5.50, or about $4.20.

At CHF185 ($141) for a double room, with breakfast, taxes and VAT included, I honestly think that this hotel offers a great value for your travel money. Studios and apartments are also available, as are single rooms with shared bath.

If you go, be sure to say “Hello” for me to Tess and Sara at the front desk.

JENNIFER EISENLAU

Boulder, CO