Hotel Gregory

This hotel offers a practical and affordable stay, distinguished by its central location just a short walk from the main train station, making it highly convenient for transit. Its vibrant surroundings, characterized by numerous bars and a lively nightlife, are a signature feature that appeals to many. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's consistent cleanliness and the generally friendly staff as key positives. The comfortable beds are also often praised, contributing to a restful experience despite the energetic area. This establishment is particularly well-suited for younger guests, solo travelers, friends seeking an active urban experience, and budget-conscious travelers looking for value. For those prioritizing easy access to transportation, it also serves business travelers well. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to bring earplugs due to the surrounding activity and to clarify the specific bathroom arrangements for your room.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential facilities for a straightforward stay. Guests note the presence of a lift, though some describe it as small or "horrible," which can be a minor inconvenience, especially with luggage. Wi-Fi is generally available and reported to work well, ensuring guests can stay connected. However, several reviews indicate a lack of in-room amenities such as a kettle for hot beverages, free water, a refrigerator, or ice access, which some guests found inconvenient. While there is no air conditioning, a fan is typically provided in rooms to help mitigate heat, especially during warmer periods. It is also important to note that a hairdryer is not consistently available, despite some prior assurances. Some rooms feature a sink directly within the sleeping area, even when the main bathroom is located externally.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with many describing them as "immaculately clean" or "simple but clean." The beds are frequently praised for being comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep for most. However, some guests reported squeaky beds with old wooden frames. A significant recurring theme is noise; due to the hotel's lively location, guests often experience street noise, bar noise, and karaoke noise late into the night. While some rooms are noted for good soundproofing, others found the thin walls allowed noise from neighboring rooms or the street to penetrate, necessitating the use of earplugs for light sleepers. Room bathrooms vary, with many being external to the room but designated as private. Some reviews mention issues with shower heads being damaged or falling off, peeling paint in shower trays, or lights that cannot be turned off. Room sizes are described as basic or small, with some having a low roof over the shower area.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer traditional dining facilities such as a restaurant or breakfast service, meaning guests will need to seek these options elsewhere. There is no provision for in-house coffee or other meals directly provided by the hotel. Instead, the property is notably integrated with a vibrant bar and a karaoke bar located on the ground floor. These venues are a significant part of the hotel's character, contributing to a lively atmosphere and offering a distinct nightlife experience for guests. However, it is important to note that these are primarily entertainment-focused establishments and do not serve as conventional dining options. Guests are therefore encouraged to explore the numerous restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets in the immediate surrounding area for their meal needs, as the hotel itself focuses on providing accommodation rather than a comprehensive food and beverage service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly central location, positioned just a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main train station (Zurich HB), making it exceptionally convenient for arrivals and departures. Its proximity to various bus stops and tram lines ensures excellent public transportation access to explore the city. Situated in a vibrant downtown area, the hotel is surrounded by numerous bars and restaurants, contributing to a lively nightlife scene. However, this area is also described by some as a red light district or "seedy," with a busy street that can be noisy due to late-night activity and proximity to railway tracks. Guests should be aware that the hotel entrance can be somewhat difficult to find initially due to the surrounding establishments and one-way systems. Parking is available but limited to a few first-come, first-served spaces, and it is noted as being expensive and not always in a secure location.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is mixed, though many guests praise the friendly staff for being helpful, kind, and accommodating, particularly during check-in and with luggage storage. Some guests experienced a smooth and easy check-in process, even for late or after-hours arrivals, sometimes facilitated by a machine. However, a notable number of reviews highlight issues with staff availability, reporting that the reception desk is often unattended, leading to waiting times or difficulty finding assistance. Communication can also be a challenge, as some staff members are noted to have limited English proficiency, primarily speaking German. A few guests reported negative interactions, describing some staff as rude, unhelpful, or impolite, particularly concerning early arrivals or specific requests. Despite these inconsistencies, the willingness of staff to assist with mobility equipment and provide general guidance is appreciated by many.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a few specific details to enhance their stay. Regarding electrical needs, it is highly recommended to bring a UK-Swiss adapter if traveling from the UK, as the hotel may not have them readily available, despite prior inquiries, and some guests found their European adapters worked with hotel-provided converters. Another important point to note is that room cleaning service is not consistently provided during stays, which some guests found unexpected and inconvenient, particularly for longer visits. The hotel generally offers secure access with a clearly marked entrance and a gate, contributing to a sense of safety and privacy despite the lively surrounding area. While the hotel is situated near a vibrant nightlife scene, guests generally report feeling safe, even when walking back at night, though the immediate vicinity can be quite active.