Prices are high but that is Zurich. Combine that with it being the only Hilton in town and you have a recipe for being able to charge higher prices and charge for a shuttle. I think the shuttle situation was getting pretty full over the last few years and they had to make a choice, control access or increase frequency etc. They obviously chose to control access via charging. A lot of people (me being one) would stay at this property and just take the shuttle to the airport for train access to town and that creates a good deal of extra traffic over the typical arrivals and departure traffic. If I remember correctly you can walk down the hill and get a tram but that walk back may be a bit much for some.

I am not justifying but simply stating why I think they are doing it. I dont think it will hurt them much in the end to be honest. Some will not stay there because of it but I am guessing they have factored that in.