It may be known primarily for its business, banking and finance, but the Swiss city of Zurich is a delightful place to visit as a tourist, especially if you prefer to explore on foot. The compact city centre has a charming old town made up of both medieval and Renaissance architecture. A river running through the centre and a lake, provide picturesque focal points and alternative transport options for sightseeing the city. But Zurich is also ideal partnered with a country stay. Visit in winter en route to a skiing holiday, or in the summertime before a stay in the Black Forest.
FIVE Zurich
FIVE Zurich is a luxurious lifestyle hotel located in the city’s Wiedikon district, perched on a hill overlooking the city centre. The contemporary hotel comprises 45 luxurious suites and 42 suite-sized lifestyle rooms each of which presents either a superb city skyline or majestic mountain and swimming pool view. More than just a hotel, FIVE Zurich has been dubbed the new dining and nightlife place to be in Zurich offering seven international award-winning restaurants, ranging from sophisticated Chinese dining at Maiden Shanghai Zurich to street-food-inspired Asian bites at Soul Street Zurich, there is something for every occasion. The rooftop nightclub ‘The Penthouse Zurich’ offers spectacular views across the city with weekend DJs and dancing going on into the morning. The hotel offers an indoor pool and its famous ReFIVE spa providing a luxurious place to relax and refresh, as well as a heated outdoor pool for a beautiful mountain-side swim.
Neues Schloss Privat Hotel Zurich, Autograph Collection
It may have opened its doors in November 2021, but this hotel close to Lake Zurich dates back to the 1930s. 57 guest rooms are spread across the art deco building’s five floors and come with soundproofing and blackout curtains. The decor pays homage to this era via a contemporary lens and vintage-inspired touches are found throughout. The restaurant, Castellan’s, is open morning through till night, serving Mediterranean cuisine. The Neues Schloss Privat Hotel offers guests bicycle rental, electric vehicle charging points, children’s TV channels and the venue welcomes pets.
Baur au Lac
With a heritage spanning 175 years, Baur au Lac Its Restaurant Pavillon has two Michelin stars and the Head Sommelier Marc Almert, was named Best Sommelier of the World. Baur’s brasserie and bar, has a classy, vintage feel, while Le Hall lobby bar features an enormous glittering chandelier beneath its domed glass ceiling, along with an open fire and oil paintings. Come the summertime, guests can dine beside the manicured lawn with alpine views at Baur au Lac Terrace. The decor here takes on an Art Deco meets Louis XVI style, with contemporary touches in its 119 colourful bedrooms.
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
The interiors at this La Réserve’s Swiss property have been designed by Philippe Starck, inspired by its lakeside setting and forming a yachting theme. Its gastronomy takes an eclectic approach, combining Peruvian and Japanese cooking at La Muña restaurant, where wooden canoes hang from the ceiling, following the on-water vibe. The Eden Kitchen is located on the ground floor and also has an Asian influence, alongside Mediterranean dishes. Bedrooms at Eden au Lac include enormous bathrooms, with the brand’s own bath products and a maxi bar, filled with an unusual range of tipples.
Savoy Baur en Ville
Encapsulating the spirit of the Savoy region, this 19th-century premise was the city’s first Grande Dame. A smart bellhop greets visitors at the door, escorting them onwards, to rooms designed with five-star European flair. The materials used in the decor have been handpicked from across the globe, creating an international, sophisticated feel. Found in the city’s shopping district, it’s in a buzzing area, but with soundproofed windows, you’d never know you were staying in such a central location. 104 rooms (some with balconies) are spread across the five floors, with two restaurants — French and Italian, a bar and a deli.
Ruby Mimi Hotel Zurich
Housed in what was once one of Zurich’s first cinemas, Ruby Mimi is a celebration of the early days of Hollywood and such glamour and style flows throughout the hotel. Located close to the River Limmat, Zurich’s old town and the city’s top shopping streets, this luxe hotel is the perfect place to call home whilst visiting Switzerland’s largest city. Adopting a ‘lean luxury’ ethos guest can enjoy laid-back comfort in characterful surroundings, right in the heart of the city – without the expensive extras – and can choose from four differently styled room options. The hotel is home to a 24-hour bar where coffee and cocktails are served in equal measure and rich hue fabrics and high gloss tiles bring an extra touch of glamour. This hotel is simple, stylish and fun.
Widder Hotel
Multiple townhouses dating back to the 1400s have been renovated to house the 49 bedrooms of this old town hotel, whose name means ‘ram’. It’s a unique mix — original medieval features, heavy beams and wood panelling somehow blend seamlessly with the glitzy modern furnishings. Bibliophiles will enjoy whiling away an hour or two browsing the library’s hardbacks in an easy chair and those with carnivorous tendencies will love the two restaurants: Widder and AuGust. After a satisfying dinner, guests can relax with one of a range of 1000 spirits from the bar, accompanied by the sounds of nightly live music.
Storchen Zürich
Found in the beating heart of the old town, this lifestyle boutique hotel has 64 designer rooms. Modern and cosy, each has crisp white bedding, calming artworks above the bed, accents of muted colours, pale wood wall coverings, a Nespresso coffee machine, fresh fruit (replenished daily) and 40” LED HD flat-screen TVs with Airplay. Storchen’s La Rôtisserie restaurant has recently gained a Michelin star under Chef Stefan Jäckel and during the summer months, its cuisine is also served on the enchanting riverside terrace. Guests can continue their riverside experience at the Barchetta Bar, or imbibe in the Cigar Bar or at The Nest, Storchen’s rooftop establishment.