The Dolder Grand.
Switzerland’s largest city has more than its financial muscles to flex, in fact, this clean and prosperous city offers fantastic shopping, a lively nightlife and first-class dining. With the crystal clear Lake Zurich at your fingertips, cobblestone pedestrian streets filled with boutiques and cafes, plus the picture-perfect Alpine backdrop, whether its business or pleasure, Zurich is a delightful destination to explore. We’ve selected what we think are the best hotel’s to be found in this world-class city.
1. Best for Relaxation: The Dolder Grand
This 5-star luxury hotel is nothing short of stunning. Perched on a hill overlooking the hustle and bustle of the city, this 173-room city resort has plenty of history too. Opening its doors in 1899, the hotel temporarily closed in 2004 when it underwent a major renovation led by renowned architect Lord Norman Foster. Reopening to the public in 2008, the wait was well worthwhile. Now with two new wings, the rooms are modern and bright with floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious bathrooms and outfitted with the newest technologies. The main building still has its historic charm, but the interior has been fully modernized. Other highlights of the hotel include the 12,800 square-foot spa, which we detailed in a Spa We Love feature. Dining-wise, The Restaurant is the hotel’s jewel. With 17 GaultMillau points and 2 Michelin stars, it’s gourmet cuisine at its best.
Baur au Lac as seen from the Schanzengraben Canal.
2. Best for Traditionalists: Baur au Lac
Baur au Lac has been an institution in Zurich since 1844 and has played host to everyone from celebrities to dignitaries and royalty. Offering guests a quiet and luxurious place to retreat to after a long day in meetings or exploring, it’s perfectly located just minutes from the financial centre and Bahnhofstrasse, the high-end shopping district. With 120 guest rooms, all of the accommodations are uniquely decorated in different styles from Art Deco to English Regency. Modern amenities haven’t been forgotten, with technologies including Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV’s and iPod docking stations available in the rooms. When April hits, dining on the Rive Gauche Terrace is the place to unwind and sip a cocktail. With views of the Lake and the Alps, don’t be surprised if your lazy afternoon turns into the evening.
The lounge at The Widder Hotel.
3. Best for Design Lovers: The Widder Hotel
Unique is the best word to describe this downtown gem. Built from nine townhouses, each of the 42 guest rooms and 7 suites are all individually styled, including the restaurants and meeting rooms. There is also a long list of designer furniture from Le Corbusier to Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as antiques and works of art from renowned artists including Andy Warhol and Augusto Giacometti. Due to the hotel’s unique design, the hotel feels less like a hotel and more like a private residence, and is a wonderful retreat from the busy city life. Thankfully you don’t have to venture too far for good eats, with a bright and sunny Breakfast Pavilion that opens its roof in the summer, and the refined Widder Restaurant that servers both lunch and dinner, complete with an extensive wine cellar.
