These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) govern the legal relationship between the guest/customer/organizer, hereinafter referred to as the "Guest," and Hotel Central Plaza AG as the operator of the Central Plaza Hotel in Zurich, including its restaurants and seminar rooms, hereinafter referred to as the "Hotel."
For simplicity, these GTC refer to any relationship — regardless of the service concerned — as the "Contract."
Only the Hotel's terms and conditions valid at the time the contract is concluded shall apply. The Guest's general terms and conditions shall only apply if expressly agreed in writing prior to signing the contract.
Should individual provisions of these GTC be invalid or ineffective, the validity of the contract and the remaining provisions of the GTC shall not be affected. In all other respects, statutory provisions shall apply.
The place of jurisdiction for any disputes arising from this contract is the City of Zurich, Canton of Zurich.
Swiss law shall apply exclusively to all contractual, reservation, any supplementary agreements, and general terms. The place of performance and payment is the registered office of the Hotel.
Groups: Within the meaning of these GTC, groups are travel groups with a minimum of 10 booked rooms and 10 people in the seminar/banquet area.
Written confirmations: Fax and email messages are also considered written confirmations.
Contracting parties are the Guest and the Hotel.
The contract for the rental of rooms, seminar rooms, tables, spaces, and for the provision of other deliveries and services comes into effect with the Guest's written confirmation or through implied conduct, or, in the case of online bookings, with the automatic booking confirmation.
A reservation made on the day of arrival itself becomes binding at the moment it is accepted by the Hotel.
Contract amendments only become binding for the Hotel once confirmed (in writing) in return. Unilateral changes or additions to the contract by the Guest are invalid.
Subletting or further renting out of the rooms provided, as well as their use for purposes other than accommodation, require the Hotel's prior written consent.
The scope of services under the contract is determined by the Guest's individually made and confirmed reservation.
Subject to other contractual agreements, the Guest has no right to a specific room, seminar room, or table.
Should no rooms or seminar rooms be available at the Hotel despite a confirmed reservation, the Hotel must inform the Guest in good time and offer equivalent alternative accommodation in a hotel of comparable or higher category located nearby.
Any additional costs for the alternative accommodation shall be borne by the Hotel. If the Guest declines the alternative room, the Hotel must promptly refund any services already rendered by the Guest (e.g., deposits). The Guest has no further claims.
Unless otherwise agreed, the Guest is entitled to use the rented rooms from 3:00 p.m. on the agreed day of arrival until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the day of departure.
In the case of arrival after 4:00 p.m., the Hotel must have a guarantee in the form of a valid credit card or advance payment for the booking, otherwise the room will be released. Occupying the room until 7:00 p.m. counts as a full overnight stay.
If the Guest vacates the room late (after 2:00 p.m.), the Hotel may charge 50% of the full room rate (list price) for the overuse of the contractual period. This does not establish any contractual claim by the Guest to continued ordinary use of the premises; the assertion of damages remains reserved.
In the event of a late departure from the room, the Hotel reserves the right to remove the Guest's belongings from the room and store them, at the Guest's expense, in a suitable location within the Hotel.
Option dates are binding for both parties. After the option period has expired unused, the Hotel may dispose of the optioned rooms/spaces or services without further notice.
Confirmation must reach the Hotel by no later than the last day of the option period.
Prices communicated by the Hotel are in Swiss Francs (CHF) and include statutory VAT and service charges.
The Guest is obligated to pay the agreed or applicable Hotel prices for the provision of rooms and/or services used. This also applies to orders placed by the Guest's companions and visitors.
Any increase in statutory levies after the contract is concluded shall be borne by the Guest. Prices quoted in foreign currencies are indicative and will be charged at the daily exchange rate determined by the Hotel. The prices confirmed by the Hotel shall apply in each case.
The Hotel may change prices if the Guest subsequently causes changes to the number of rooms booked, the services provided by the Hotel, or the length of the guests' stay.
Depending on the agreement, or from a reservation amount of CHF 2,000 upward, the Hotel may require a deposit of at least 50% of the total booking amount. The deposit is to be understood as a partial payment toward the agreed fee.
An advance payment must be transferred within 7 days of receiving the reservation confirmation. If the reservation is made at shorter notice, the Hotel will require a credit card guarantee for the full booking amount.
If the deposit or credit card guarantee is not provided on time, the Hotel may withdraw from the contract (including all service commitments) immediately (without a reminder) and charge the cancellation fees set out under Section 10 of these GTC.
The Hotel is entitled to invoice or issue interim invoices for its services to the Guest at any time.
The final invoice comprises the agreed price plus any additional amounts arising from additional services provided by the Hotel to the Guest and/or accompanying persons. Unless otherwise agreed, the final invoice is due at the latest upon check-out on the day of departure, payable in Swiss Francs in cash or by an accepted credit card.
The Hotel may charge a reminder fee of CHF 50.00 for each payment reminder.
Set-off against the Hotel's claims is excluded.
Up to and including 21 days before the Guest's agreed arrival date, the Hotel may withdraw from the contract without cost consequences.
Furthermore, the Hotel is entitled to withdraw from the contract extraordinarily and with immediate effect at any time for objectively justified reasons, by immediate unilateral written declaration:
Objectively justified reasons include, for example:
- an agreed advance payment or security is not provided within the deadline set by the Hotel;
- force majeure or other circumstances beyond the Hotel's control that make performance of the contract objectively impossible;
- rooms or spaces booked or used under misleading or false information, e.g., regarding the identity of the Guest or the purpose of use or stay;
- the Hotel has reasonable grounds to believe that use of the agreed services could impair the smooth operation of the business, the safety of other hotel guests, or the Hotel's reputation;
- the Guest has become insolvent (bankruptcy or a fruitless attachment) or has ceased payments;
- the purpose or occasion of the stay is unlawful.
If the Hotel withdraws for the aforementioned reasons, the Guest has no claim to damages, and compensation for the booked services generally remains owed.
Cancellation of a reservation requires the Hotel's written consent. If this is not obtained, the agreed price must still be paid even if the Guest does not make use of the contractual services. In the event of a no-show, 100% of the booked services, excluding VAT, will be invoiced.
The decisive factor for calculating the cancellation fee is the date on which the Guest's written cancellation is received by the Hotel. This applies to letters as well as fax and email messages.
If the Guest withdraws from the contract without an approved cancellation, or if changes or cancellations are made to specific reserved services, the Hotel may charge the cancellation fees set out below.
Individual reservations
The Guest may withdraw from the contract without cost consequences up to and including 48 hours before the agreed arrival date. For special events, this period may be extended to up to 7 days.
Group reservations
The cancellation fees below apply when more than 50% of the booked services are cancelled.
- Up to and including 14 days before the agreed arrival date, the group reservation may be cancelled without cost consequences.
- Written cancellation of the stay 7 days before the confirmed arrival date: 50% of the amount per the reservation confirmation.
- Written cancellation of the stay less than 7 days before the confirmed arrival date: 100% of the amount per the reservation confirmation.
For both cancelled individual and group reservations, the Hotel will make efforts to re-let the unused services elsewhere. If the Hotel is able to provide the cancelled services to third parties within the agreed period, the Guest's cancellation fee is reduced by the amount paid by those third parties for the cancelled service.
If, as a result of force majeure (flooding, avalanche, earthquake, etc.), the Guest is unable to arrive, or unable to arrive on time, the Guest is not obligated to pay the agreed fee for the missed days.
The Guest must prove the impossibility of arrival.
The obligation to pay for the booked stay resumes from the moment arrival becomes possible again.
If the Guest departs early, the Hotel is entitled to invoice 100% of the total booked services.
In the event of an early departure, the Hotel will make efforts to re-let the unused services elsewhere. If the Hotel is able to provide the unused services to third parties within the agreed period, the Guest's invoice amount is reduced by the amount paid by those third parties for the cancelled service.
The hotel room is reserved exclusively for the registered Guest. Handing the room over to a third party or use by an additional person requires the Hotel's (written) approval.
By concluding a contract, the Guest acquires the right to the customary use of the rented rooms and Hotel facilities for all booked persons, to the extent such facilities are generally and unconditionally accessible to guests, as well as to the customary level of service.
The room key card issued by the Hotel remains the Hotel's property. The loss of the card must be reported to reception immediately.
To access the internet, the Guest must obtain login details from reception. This service is free of charge for all guests. The Guest is liable for any misuse or illegal conduct in connection with internet use. Use of the Hotel's Wi-Fi is at the user's own risk. The Hotel disclaims all liability.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the Hotel, except in rooms designated as "smoking rooms," on balconies, and in outdoor areas. A violation of this ban will result in a charge of CHF 150 for additional cleaning costs. Should this additionally trigger a fire alarm via the smoke detectors installed in the rooms, the cost of the fire department's response (approx. CHF 3,000) will be charged to the Guest.
Unless otherwise agreed, the Guest has no right to an extension of their stay.
If the Guest is unable to leave the Hotel on the day of departure because unforeseeable extraordinary circumstances / force majeure (e.g., extreme snowfall, flooding, etc.) render all departure routes closed or unusable, the contract is extended for the duration of the impossibility of departure.
Group rates apply only by prior agreement and written confirmation from the Hotel.
For a group with fewer than 10 rooms, individual traveler rates apply.
The Hotel must be notified in writing of a group's joint arrival and/or departure 7 days before arrival.
Only a single consolidated invoice will be issued to the group leader, who is fully liable for this amount.
The final number of rooms for the group (including a name list) must be communicated to the Hotel no later than 7 calendar days before the group's arrival.
If the group is smaller than originally registered, the missing rooms will be invoiced at 70% of the proportionally booked services. Additional persons — subject to availability — will be counted and billed as individual travelers.
In the event of cancellation of a group reservation, the cancellation fees set out under Section 10 apply.
An event may include room rental, catering, technical equipment, accommodation, and other services.
The Guest undertakes to inform the Hotel in writing of the binding number of participants for an event no later than 24 hours before the event date.
If the number of participants communicated by the Guest differs from the final number of participants, the following applies:
- Actual number of participants up to 5% lower: billed according to the actual number of participants.
- Actual number of participants more than 5% lower: the shortfall will be taken into account up to a maximum of 5%.
- If the number of participants is reduced by more than 10%, the Hotel is entitled to reasonably increase the agreed prices and to exchange the confirmed rooms.
- If the actual number of participants later increases, billing — subject to feasibility — will be based on the actual number of participants.
See Section 9 of these GTC.
Cancellation of a reservation requires the Hotel's written consent. If this is not obtained, the agreed price must still be paid even if the Guest does not make use of the contractual services.
The decisive factor for calculating the cancellation fee due is the date on which the Guest's written cancellation is received by the Hotel.
If the Guest withdraws from the contract without an approved cancellation, or if changes or cancellations are made to specific reserved services, the Hotel may charge the following cancellation fees.
If an event cannot take place for reasons not attributable to the Hotel and for which the Hotel is not responsible, the Hotel retains the right to payment for the agreed services as per the order confirmation, based on the receipt of the written cancellation, as follows:
The Guest may withdraw from the contract without cost consequences, by unilateral written declaration, up to no later than 14 days before the agreed event date.
- Cancellation of the event 0–6 days before the arrival date: 100% per the order confirmation.
- Cancellation of the event 7–13 days before the arrival date: 50% per the order confirmation.
If the agreed start or end times of the event are shifted without the Hotel's prior written consent, the Hotel may charge additional costs for the provision of staff and equipment, unless the Hotel itself is responsible for the shift.
The Hotel has the right to remove event participants from the premises after the expiry of any extension permission.
All food and beverages must be sourced exclusively from the Hotel.
In special cases (specialties, etc.), a separate written agreement may be made regarding this. In such a case, the Hotel is entitled to charge a service fee or corkage fee (see separate schedule).
Where the Hotel procures technical or other equipment from third parties on the Guest's instructions, it does so for the Guest's account.
The Guest is liable for the careful handling and proper return of the equipment. The Hotel shall be held harmless by the Guest from all third-party claims arising from the provision of this equipment.
The use of the Guest's own electrical systems and devices using the Hotel's power supply requires the Hotel's prior written approval. Any disruptions or damage to the Hotel's technical systems caused by the use of such devices and systems shall be borne by the Guest, unless the Hotel is itself responsible. The Hotel may charge, as a flat fee, the electricity costs arising from the use of such electrical systems and devices.
With the Hotel's consent, the Guest is entitled to use their own telephone, fax, and data transmission equipment. The Hotel may charge connection and usage fees for this (see separate schedule).
Disruptions to technical or other facilities provided by the Hotel will be remedied as quickly as possible upon notification by the Guest. Insofar as the Hotel is not responsible for such disruptions, they shall neither reduce claims to services nor establish liability.
The Guest must obtain, at their own expense, any official permits necessary for holding the event. The Guest is responsible for compliance with such permits as well as all other public-law regulations related to the event. Any fines resulting from a violation of the permits shall be paid by the Guest.
The Guest is responsible for independently handling the formalities and settlements required in connection with musical performances and sound reproduction with the relevant institutions (e.g., SUISA).
Exhibition items or other, including personal, items brought in are at the Guest's own risk while in the event rooms or on the hotel premises. The Hotel assumes no duty of supervision or safekeeping. The Hotel accepts no liability for the loss, destruction, or damage of items brought in, except in cases of gross negligence or intent on the part of the Hotel. Insurance of items brought in is the Guest's responsibility.
Decorative materials brought in must comply with fire safety requirements. The Hotel is entitled to request official proof of this. Due to the risk of damage, the placement and installation of items must be agreed with the Hotel in advance.
Exhibition or other items brought in must be removed immediately after the event ends. The Hotel may remove and/or store any items left behind at the Guest's expense. If removal would involve disproportionately high effort, the Hotel may leave the items in the event room and charge the Guest the usual room rental for the duration they remain there.
Packaging material (cardboard, crates, plastic, etc.) arising in connection with deliveries for the event by the Guest or third parties must be disposed of by the Guest. Should the Guest leave packaging material at the Hotel, the Hotel is entitled to dispose of it at the Guest's expense.
The Hotel excludes liability toward the Guest, to the extent legally possible, for slight and moderate negligence, and is liable only for damage caused intentionally or through gross negligence.
Should disruptions or defects occur in the Hotel's services, the Hotel will arrange for remedy upon the Guest's immediate notification. If the Guest fails to notify the Hotel of a defect in a timely manner, there is no claim to a reduction of the contractually agreed fee.
The Hotel is liable for guests' belongings kept in the room safe up to an amount of CHF 1,000. The Hotel is not liable for slight or moderate negligence. If valuables (jewelry, etc.), cash, or securities are not handed over to the Hotel for safekeeping, the Hotel's liability is excluded to the extent legally possible. The Hotel recommends that money and valuables generally be kept in the safe at reception. In this case, the Hotel is liable up to an amount of CHF 5,000.
If damage is not reported to the Hotel immediately upon discovery, the Guest's claims lapse.
The Hotel is not liable, under any legal basis, for services that it has merely arranged for the Guest.
The Hotel disclaims all liability for theft of or damage to material brought in by third parties.
Use of the underground parking garage is at the user's own risk. The Hotel disclaims all liability for damage. The driver of the vehicle is liable for any damage they cause, or, in the case of damage caused by another party, that party is liable. If the party responsible cannot be identified, the Hotel is not liable for the damage caused.
The Guest is liable to the Hotel for all damage, losses, and excessive wear caused by the Guest, companions, or their assistants or event participants, without the Hotel needing to prove fault on the Guest's part.
The Guest is responsible for the correct use and proper return of all technical aids/equipment provided by the Hotel or procured through third parties on the Hotel's instructions, and is liable for any damage or loss.
The Guest is liable to the Hotel for services and expenses incurred with third parties at the Guest's instigation.
If a third party makes the booking on the Guest's behalf, that party is liable to the Hotel, jointly and severally with the Guest, as the party placing the order, for all obligations arising from the contract. Independently of this, every party placing an order is obligated to forward all booking-relevant information, in particular these General Terms and Conditions, to the Guest.
If a Guest falls ill during their stay at the Hotel, the Hotel will, at the Guest's request, notify a doctor. If the Guest is no longer able to act and the Hotel is aware of the illness, the Hotel will arrange the notification itself.
Medical care is provided in all cases at the Guest's expense. The contract with the Hotel ends upon the death of the Guest.
Animals may only be brought into the Hotel with the Hotel's prior consent.
A Guest who brings an animal into the Hotel is obligated to properly care for and supervise the animal during their stay, or to arrange, at their own expense, for suitable third parties to keep or supervise it.
The Guest must have appropriate pet liability insurance for their animal. Proof of such insurance must be presented to the Hotel upon request. The owner is liable for any damage caused by the animal.
Lost property will, at the Guest's request, be forwarded where ownership is clear and the residential/business address is known. The costs and risk of onward shipment are borne by the Guest. After a retention period of 6 months, items will be disposed of.
If the Guest requests services that are not provided by the Hotel itself, the Hotel acts merely as an intermediary.
Statutory limitation periods apply. To the extent these can be modified, an absolute limitation period of 6 months after departure applies to the Guest's claims for damages.
Advertisements in media (such as newspapers, radio, television, the internet) referring to events at the Hotel, whether or not using the unaltered company logo, require the Hotel's prior written consent.
Anyone who stays in a municipality for a specific purpose, without the intention of permanent residence, for at least three consecutive months, or for three months within one year, is subject to a duty to register in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on the Registration of Residents (MERG).
