Zurich hotels

I’m a huge fan of the Ameron Zurich Bellerive au Lac. Its location is incredible, right on the waters of Lake Zurich and opposite Seebad Utoquai, arguably the finest of the city’s waterfront baths, where you can swim, lounge on the deck and eat a leisurely summer lunch. It's also just a short walk from the Zurich Opera House.

I recommend the waterfront rooms with striking Art Deco touches and huge, comfortable beds. The spacious balconies are the perfect place to start your day over coffee before heading out to explore. Whether from the handy streetcar stop right outside or by bike, which can be rented using the citywide Zuri Velo scheme.

From here you can ride to other swimming spots on the far side of the lake, or explore river baths on the Limmat.

The Widder Hotel in Zurich’s Old Town is a luxury 5-star spot. I adore this hotel for the simple reason that it leans into its individuality. None of the 49 rooms are decorated the same, meaning you may find yourself sleeping beneath restored oak beams high in the ceiling or surrounded by moody murals.

The attention to detail is outstanding—think adjustable beds for maximum comfort, a pillow menu and clever movement-sensitive lighting to guide you from your bed to the bathroom after dark. AuGust is the in-house brasserie, the perfect place to eat after a trip out on the lake.

The Ambassador is a stylish hotel in a Neo-Baroque building where the River Limmat and Lake Zurich meet. I love how easily you can step outside and explore the city’s top attractions with little effort.

The iconic Bahnhofstrasse is right there if you love to shop, as is the Kunsthaus Museum—where you’ll find artworks ranging from old masters and 20th-century icons such as Jackson Pollock and Picasso. The Tonhalle is nearby too for spectacular classical concerts.

The hotel’s fine-dining Silk Restaurant is a must-visit for foodies, with an emphasis on the finest local, seasonal ingredients.

This riverside gem is one of the best boutique hotels in Zurich, with a great central location. Its 64 rooms are divided between the city and river-facing sides of the property. Whichever you go for you’ll have an incredible view.

While these luxurious rooms are among Zurich’s pricier offerings, the service you get is well worth it. For me, the biggest draw is the Storchen’s Alex boat which is available to take you lake to the small town of Thalwil. Here you can swim, sip on a spritz and marvel at the distant Alps.

Recently redesigned by renowned French designer and architect Philippe Starck, La Reserve Eden Au Lac has been one of the best hotels in Zurich for 100 years. The striped blue and white awnings which adorn its balconies and windows are its calling card.

Inside, the 40 rooms and suites are remarkable. From the Lake View rooms with beds that face directly across the water to the sleek, simple Courtyard Rooms, with mid-century furniture and sharp lines.

For me, though, it’s the Eden Kitchen and Bar that makes La Reserve so special. This eating and drinking space has been designed to feel like a yacht club, making it a welcoming place to unwind.

With its own library featuring 33,000 books, a rooftop pool with sweeping city views and a subterranean thermal spa, B2 Boutique Hotel and Spa is one of the best hotels in Zurich. I love how the B2 has taken what was once a large brewery building and turned it into something new.

B2 have created a hotel that never feels stark, despite its heritage. I can’t get enough of the glass-sided bathroom cubicles and the white-washed walls, along with the aesthetically pleasing wooden finishes. The fact it’s slightly away from the city center lends the B2 a relaxed feel perfect for a calming stay.

The sheer opulence of the Baur Au Lac is no secret. This is one of the best-known fancy hotels in Zurich—and for good reason. It’s been in its waterfront location since 1844 and remains in the Baur family, with the seventh generation now in charge.

The attention to detail here is superb. For me, it’s all about the gardens surrounding the property, which bring the countryside to its city center location. The rooms are, of course, spectacular, very much in keeping with the 19th-century style for which the hotel first became legendary.

I’m also a big fan of the afternoon tea, which is taken in the striking Le Hall restaurant. This most British of traditions includes tea mixed in Switzerland.

This outpost of the beloved Park Hyatt chain is one of the best hotels in Zurich. Access to Bahnhofstrasse makes it a haven for shopping fans, while culture and history lovers will appreciate the fact you can quickly walk into the Old Town.

I’m particularly taken with the Club Olympus spa on the Park Hyatt Zurich’s mezzanine floor. Thoughtfully designed, it’s a great place to relax. The Classic Massage here is a must. Meanwhile, the rooms are furnished with polished wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and sharp modern art adorning the walls.

With the twin towers of the Grossmunster just outside the front door, the Marktgasse Hotel is one of the best hotels in Zurich if you want to be in the heart of the action.

The hotel restaurant, Igniv Zurich by Andreas Caminada, is one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the city. Caminada has previously won two Michelin stars and the four-course sharing experience is something to behold.

There’s a pleasing simplicity to the stripped-back rooms, all the better for those wanting to max out their time in Zurich and leave the hotel for sleeping.

The Meininger Hotel is found in Zurich’s Greencity, a new development designed to be the city’s first zero-carbon district. Here you’ll find affordable double and family rooms with bunk beds.

The design is simple but bright, and there is a shared kitchen to help keep eating out costs down too. For travelers with pets, note that dogs are allowed for a small additional fee.

My favorite thing is the location on the western flank of Zurich, in the Sihl Valley. From here you can hit the best walking trails and enjoy a natural break whenever the urban vibe gets too much.