During the Cold War, the piano bar of the Central Plaza was a notorious meeting place for spies. Today the hotel draws a young and less sinister crowd, thanks to its prime location on bustling Central Square, within easy walking distance of all the main sights and the popular nightlife areas of Niederdorf. The rooms are fully soundproofed, and many have views overlooking the River Limmat. It's worth paying extra for a "superior" room—they are more spacious and have all been more recently renovated.  All in all, it's excellent value for a central location, with special weekend rates sometimes available.