Marktgasse Hotel, Zürich, Switzerland
A Centuries-Old Inn Reimagined Through Contemporary Scandinavian Design
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● One of Zürich’s oldest inns has been carefully transformed into a refined boutique hotel that balances medieval architecture with contemporary design.
● Beautifully preserved heritage features are complemented by Scandinavian minimalism, bespoke furnishings, and exceptional craftsmanship.
● Michelin-starred dining and inviting communal spaces make the hotel feel as much a neighbourhood destination as a place to stay.
More Than Seven Centuries of History
Few hotels in Zürich possess a story quite like Marktgasse Hotel. Spread across two listed buildings dating back to 1291, the property has welcomed travellers for centuries before undergoing an ambitious restoration that carefully preserved its remarkable architectural heritage. Rather than recreating the past, the renovation allows medieval craftsmanship and contemporary design to exist comfortably alongside one another. The building has evolved. Without losing its identity.
A Quiet Approach to Design
The interiors embrace restraint rather than spectacle. Original stucco ceilings, timber beams, stone columns, and historic wall panelling are paired with Nordic minimalism, Japanese-inspired simplicity, and carefully selected furniture by Vitra, Cassina, and &Tradition. Flos lighting and bespoke details introduce warmth, while natural materials create an atmosphere that feels timeless rather than fashionable. History remains visible. Contemporary design simply complements it.
Rooms with Residential Character
The hotel’s 39 individually designed guestrooms continue this understated philosophy. Oak parquet floors, handcrafted furniture, soft colour palettes, Schramm mattresses, monochrome bathrooms, and Aesop amenities create spaces that feel calm and genuinely residential. No two rooms are identical, allowing the irregular architecture of the historic buildings to shape each individual experience. Every room feels personal. Rather than standardised.
A Place to Stay, Read and Gather
Public spaces have been designed with the comfort of a private residence. The welcoming lobby, library, and salon invite guests to linger among books on art, travel, and culture, while Michelin-starred IGNIV by Andreas Caminada offers its celebrated sharing concept in an intimate setting. Delish provides a more relaxed alternative throughout the day, attracting both locals and visitors with its fresh seasonal menu. The atmosphere feels social. Without ever becoming busy.
At the Heart of the Old Town
Located on one of Zürich’s oldest cobbled streets, Marktgasse Hotel places the city’s historic centre directly outside the front door. Churches, galleries, independent boutiques, cafés, the Limmat River, and Bahnhofstrasse are all within walking distance, allowing guests to experience Zürich at a leisurely pace. It is an address that feels deeply connected to the rhythm of the Old Town. The city unfolds naturally. One street at a time.
Why It Works
Marktgasse Hotel succeeds because it understands that heritage and contemporary design do not compete—they enrich one another. By preserving more than seven centuries of architectural history while introducing thoughtful Scandinavian simplicity, it creates a boutique hotel that feels authentic, elegant, and remarkably timeless. It is one of Zürich’s finest examples of understated design hospitality.
