Oldtown Hostel Otter reviews: #1 vibe in Zurich | HostelPunk
Oldtown Hostel Otter

Zurich · Switzerland

Oldtown Hostel Otter

Punk Score
57% SHIT
High confidence 3,057 reviews
Could still be good with enough luck and social skills, but not inherently social
Best in Zurich

HostelPunk native reviews

First-party field notes

Leave a review

No first-party HostelPunk reviews yet. Be the first signal.

Vibe Analysis

Oldtown Hostel Otter is a central Zurich crash pad with real social voltage: old town outside, a pub downstairs, and the lake, trams, churches, bars, shops, and food all close enough to handle on foot. It works best for travelers who want location and a bit of meet-people energy more than polished comfort. The practical stuff is better than the building first suggests. Free basic breakfast usually means toast, cereal, coffee, and tea. Towels may be included, luggage storage is available around check-in and checkout, and the lockers can be genuinely useful: large, lockable, sometimes with outlets, and big enough for serious backpack cargo. Rooms are simple and can feel packed, warm, and dated. Bed curtains, sinks, mini fridges, or microwaves appear in some rooms, but the setup changes by room and floor. Staff can be friendly and helpful, though service is uneven when problems need fixing fast. Book it for a cheap-by-Zurich base in the old town, a downstairs bar, and basic hostel mechanics. Do not book it expecting a sleek modern dorm, a restful night, or spa-level bathrooms.

Signals to check

  • Rooms can be cramped, hot, and noisy, especially near the pub or street. 3 mentions Last mentioned Nov 9, 2025
  • Beds can be shaky, loud, thin, or worn, and you may need to make and strip your own bed. 3 mentions Last mentioned Dec 17, 2025
  • Bathrooms are limited on each floor and cleanliness can be inconsistent, with drain smells appearing at times. 3 mentions Last mentioned May 8, 2026
  • The kitchen is basic, with limited cooking gear and little space for food prep or eating. 3 mentions Last mentioned May 15, 2026
  • Security and late-night support have been uneven in serious situations, including key-card and room-access problems. 3 mentions Last mentioned Jun 18, 2026
Book here: Hostelworld from ≈$58 Booking.com HW prices from today

Tags

Facilities

🍳 COOKER 📋 Meeting Room 🍺 Bar ☕ Cafe
Other facilities (28)
Adaptors Luggage Storage Housekeeping Reception (Limited Hours) Internet Access Book Exchange Wi-Fi Linen Included Towels Included Reading Light Hair Dryers Charging Plugs Vending Machines Tea & Coffee Making Facilities Security Lockers Key Card Access Fire Extinguishers Smoke Alarms Smoke Detector Common Room Elevator Free City Maps Free WiFi Free Internet Access Free Security Lockers Free Luggage Storage Hot Showers Recycling Bins