Im looking for a nice hotel in Zurich (dont really want to spend more than $250/night)...any ideas?

Designhotel Plattenhof. i've stayed here 3 times already and would not hesitate staying with them again next time i'm in zurich. it's a modern/zen/chic-type boutique hotel, with low-set platform beds, hardwood floors, high ceiling, contemporary & minimalist furniture. the people who work there are also some of the best i've encountered in switzerland; they're pleasant and friendly, and it's easy to engage in conversation (other swiss hoteliers i've met have tended to be more stoic). you can take a look at their website: www.plattenhof.ch

to get there, take Tram 6 (heading toward the Zoo) to the stop Platte, the hotel is within a block of the stop. it's about 4 or 5 stops from the Hauptbahnhof (though the actual tram stop is on the Bahnhofstrasse), or about 10min. personally, i like being a little bit away from the city center, because i enjoy the quiet. it's certainly still in a central location (it's close enough to walk to the HB if you really want).

you can book through their own website, myswitzerland.com, or (i believe) at zuerich.com. btw, i've encountered very few hotels in switzerland that required prepaying for your room. there usually is a charge for late cancellation, which may range from 24hr prior (in big cities like Zurich) to 1 wk prior (in resort places like Zermatt).

go to Exedia.com ! Good luck Zurich is great!

You can go to Orbitz they have hotels and itz really fast!

Swissotel Zurich Hotel International

It's 146.19 a night on Expedia

Very nice hotel

Well I stayed at the ETAP hotel it is a hotel chain in Europe like Motel 6 and l payed about 50 dollars a night

If you are weary about prepaying for your room I would strongly suggest checking out webites such as www.starwood.com
Starwood is the controlling arm for Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, St. Regis Luxury Collection and Ceasar's.
Simply enter in the criteria that you want and see what is available from ALL brands. That is really the only way to avoid paying for your room prior to arrival.
Good luck and have a great trip!

i've got no idea which is a nice hotel in Zurich. however if you are going there for free & easy sight-seeing, I suggest a visit to their Tourist Information. They will be able to help plan your trip, to the extend of helping you print the train itinerary as per their suggestion (like in each city, how much time do you need or want to spend). They are able to help you make hotel reservation.