Zurich is a top destination in Switzerland, known for its beautiful architecture, renowned shopping, Michelin starred restaurants as well as alluring chocolate shops and boutiques. The city is intertwined with its natural surroundings, with a central river, beautiful lake and mountain backdrop. Many of the waterfront hotels in our roundup exude the charm of yesteryear while still offering an array of modern amenities and are also within walking distance to the city’s major points of interest.
Zurich Marriott Hotel
Right on River Limmat, Zurich Marriott is proximal to downtown—it’s a quite walkable location to Zurich’s top attractions. Peering down to the lake, views from the rooms offer glimpses of bridges and other structures that dot around the water. A great mix of a pleasantly predictable chain hotel and Swiss charm, this is a solid choice for your holiday in Zurich. Rooms have been upgraded, the Thai restaurant is an unexpected gem and there’s a serene walking trail right outside.
Storchen Zurich
Striking from the moment you lay eyes on Storchen Zurich, the allure continues into the elegance of the interior. Located within Old Town, shopping and restaurants are all close by. Details elevate the hotel, with a breakfast picnics available to go being among its biggest perks. But if you can enjoy breakfast from the riverside dining area, it’s truly a treat—with an assortment of delicious hot and cold dishes served each morning. If the weather is nice, the terrace is the place to enjoy a meal or drink.
Baur al Lac
The rooms and suites at Baur al Lac are adorned with lavish detail and dramatic drapes for a royalty like stay. Of course, that means that dining spaces and exterior lounging have upped their game, as the entire property is set within its own park with the water serving as a backdrop. Stunning, extravagant, remarkably detailed—so many big words don’t do the place justice.
Widder Hotel
Widder Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Zurich. Setting back a bit from the river, terrace space from the top lets guests glimpse over traditional architecture, while water views drape around the cityscape. Interiors are adorned with warm, rustic accents of wood and stone. Chef prepared cuisine has heavy Swiss influence and should certainly be tried at least once during your stay. Widder Hotel is also in the Old Town.
Central Plaza Hotel
Bahnhofstrasse dominates the shopping scene in all of Switzerland, and it’s steps from Central Plaza Hotel. Rooms are simple yet accommodating, with all the necessities in a home-like atmosphere—guests will also find coffee machines to use. Marble bathrooms with sleek fixtures add a nice touch of luxury consistent with the old world style through the dining areas and exteriors. The overall location is stellar, as it’s close to entertainment, the railway, and the very center of all the action.
Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich
With refined early 1900s style, the boutique hotel’s location in downtown was once part of a castle. While the very best views of Lake Zurich are from the rooftop terrace retreat, many rooms offer glimpses from private balconies. Like other hotels located in Zurich’s center, guests will be close to the Opera House, shopping and all the lake has to offer. Off the hotel lobby is one of the higher ranked restaurants in the city, appropriately named Restaurant Opera.
Alden Suite Hotel Splugenschloss
Beautifully ornate on the outside, inside suites have polished bathrooms with soaking tubs and double vanities. Alden Suites Hotel Splugenschloss Zurich is in the midst of the same convenient bustling area as other selections. Colorful gardens enhance the exterior, picturesquely complimenting the lake, which can be seen from the rooftop terrace—some suites off private terraces. Or you could get really up close by walking to the shores and hopping aboard a boat.
Marktgasse Hotel
Marktgasse Hotel is refreshingly modern with light wood floors and airy colors accented by bold patterns. Rooms feature plush beds and bathrooms with walk-in showers and huge tubs. Cobblestone streets are right outside, dotted with little eateries and shops, but the on-site restaurants are pretty stellar, with a breakfast of poached eggs and salmon wowing guests. The river opens up into Lake Zurich, and both are proximal to this lovely establishment.
Romantik Hotel Europe
Each room offers its own style, all of which are reminiscent of something you’d see in a sophisticated, upscale residence in the 1920s. Everything is modernized in terms of functionality, while it holds true to the age-old charm. Breakfast includes a delicious spread of meats, cheeses, pastries and fruit, a welcomed treat to start your day. Facing directly toward the lake, water views are front and center, with most rooms having unobstructed glimpses.
Steigenberger Bellerive au Lac
Steigenberger Bellerive is undoubtably one of the top hotels in Zurich to soak in water views. Pressed right against the lake, Art Deco rooms fill the hotel. VIVUS Restaurant and Bar is positioned parallel to Lake Zurich, so you can dine in the visually stunning environment while peering out toward the blue waters and boats. Gourmet French cuisine is the menu focus, with artistically prepared dishes and wonderful food pairings.
Le Bijou
Enjoy private patios with couches, fire pits and Jacuzzis with Swiss designed interiors featuring sleek wood accents and an overall ambient, lustrous appeal. This epitomizes Le Bijou, located in the downtown Zurich. Meant to capture the best aspects of luxury apartment and hotel living, the accommodations allow guests to live like their celebrities, whether for just a night or longer.
