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Zürich
Welcome to Zürich, Switzerland’s largest city. A global center for banking and finance set on the picturesque Lake Zürich and the Limmat River, this city offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan life and natural beauty. From luxury shopping on Bahnhofstrasse to the charming Old Town, this guide to the best luxury hotels in Zürich will ensure an unforgettable sensory experience.
Welcome to Zürich: A City of Alpine Beauty and Urban Sophistication
Welcome to Zürich, Switzerland’s largest and most dynamic city. A global center for banking and finance, perfectly set on the picturesque shores of Lake Zürich and the Limmat River against a backdrop of the snow-capped Alps, this city offers a unique and captivating blend of cosmopolitan life and breathtaking natural beauty. From the luxury shopping on the world-famous Bahnhofstrasse to the charming, medieval alleyways of the Old Town, our comprehensive guide to the best luxury hotels in Zürich is designed to help you have an unforgettable sensory experience in this magnificent Swiss metropolis.
1. The Dolder Grand
The Place: A fairytale-like castle hotel perched high above the city, The Dolder Grand offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the city, the lake, and the Alps. This historic landmark masterfully blends its original 1899 ‘curhaus’ with spectacular modern wings. It is celebrated for its incredible art collection and a world-class spa, a leader among luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The magnificent 4,000-square-meter spa is a true sanctuary of wellness, with its stunning design, indoor pool, and outdoor terraces with spectacular views.
1. The Dolder Grand: A Fairytale Castle Above the City
The Place: A truly iconic, fairytale-like castle hotel, The Dolder Grand is majestically perched high above the city on Adlisberg hill. It offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the city, the pristine lake, and the distant Alps. This historic landmark masterfully blends its original 1899 ‘curhaus’ with spectacular modern wings designed by Norman Foster. It is celebrated for its incredible, museum-quality art collection, a true leader among luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The magnificent 4,000-square-meter spa is a true sanctuary of wellness. Its stunning, futuristic design, large indoor pool with lake views, and outdoor terraces with whirlpools provide a spectacular and deeply rejuvenating experience.
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2. Baur au Lac
The Place: An iconic grand hotel that has been owned by the same family since it opened in 1844. The Baur au Lac is set in its own magnificent private park on the shores of Lake Zürich, offering a serene and exclusive escape. It is renowned for its timeless elegance, making it one of the most classic luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: Enjoying a drink or a meal in the beautiful and expansive private park during the summer is a truly unique and luxurious lakeside experience.
2. Baur au Lac: A Historic Oasis on the Lake
The Place: An iconic and legendary grand hotel, the Baur au Lac has been owned by the same family since it first opened its doors in 1844. The hotel is beautifully set in its own magnificent and expansive private park directly on the shores of Lake Zürich, offering a serene and incredibly exclusive escape just steps from the bustling Paradeplatz. It is renowned for its timeless elegance, and is one of the most classic luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: Enjoying a drink or a meal in the beautiful and expansive private park during the warm summer months is a truly unique and luxurious lakeside experience, making you feel as though you are at a private country estate.
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3. La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
The Place: A beautifully reimagined historic hotel on the shores of Lake Zürich, with spectacular interiors designed by the legendary Philippe Starck. The hotel masterfully blends its historic facade with a chic, contemporary design inspired by a yacht club. It offers a vibrant and stylish atmosphere, a standout among lakeside luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: La Muña, the stunning rooftop restaurant and terrace, offers incredible, panoramic 360-degree views of the lake, the city, and the majestic Alps beyond.
3. La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich: A Yacht Club Reimagined
The Place: A beautifully reimagined historic hotel, La Réserve Eden au Lac is located on the shores of Lake Zürich, with spectacular, unobstructed interiors designed by the legendary Philippe Starck. The hotel masterfully blends its historic 1909 facade with a chic, contemporary design that is playfully inspired by a yacht club. It offers a vibrant and incredibly stylish atmosphere with stunning, direct views of the lake, a standout among lakeside luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: La Muña, the stunning Peruvian-Japanese rooftop restaurant and terrace, is a true highlight. It offers incredible, panoramic 360-degree views of the lake, the city, and the majestic Alps beyond, making it a magical dining spot.
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4. Park Hyatt Zurich
The Place: A sophisticated and contemporary hotel located in the heart of the city’s financial district, just steps from the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse. The Park Hyatt is known for its modern, elegant design and its impressive collection of contemporary art. It offers a refined, understated experience that defines modern luxury hotels in Zürich for business and leisure.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s extensive collection of contemporary art, which is thoughtfully integrated throughout the public spaces, creates the feeling of staying in a private gallery.
4. Park Hyatt Zurich: Contemporary Sophistication in the City Center
The Place: A sophisticated and contemporary hotel perfectly located in the heart of the city’s financial district, just steps from the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse shopping street and the picturesque Lake Zürich. The Park Hyatt is known for its modern, elegant design by the acclaimed Ed Tuttle, its spacious and technologically advanced rooms, and its impressive, museum-quality collection of contemporary art. It offers a refined, understated luxury experience and is a leader among modern luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s extensive and thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary art, which is seamlessly integrated throughout the public spaces and even into the guest rooms, creates the elevated and culturally rich feeling of staying in a private gallery.
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5. Widder Hotel
The Place: A truly unique and fascinating hotel masterfully created from nine beautifully restored and interconnected medieval townhouses in the heart of the Old Town. The Widder Hotel is a stunning blend of protected historic architecture and innovative modern design. Each room is completely unique, offering an individual and culturally rich experience for those seeking distinctive luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The Widder Bar is a legendary institution, famous for its incredible ‘library’ of over 1,000 spirits and its sophisticated, live jazz performances.
5. Widder Hotel: A Masterpiece of Medieval Modernity
The Place: A truly unique and fascinating hotel, the Widder is masterfully created from nine beautifully restored and intricately interconnected medieval townhouses in the heart of the charming Old Town. This hotel is a stunning and seamless blend of protected historic architecture with innovative, cutting-edge modern design. Each room is completely unique, offering a deeply individual and culturally rich experience for those seeking distinctive luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The Widder Bar is a legendary Zürich institution. It is famous for its incredible ‘library’ of over 1,000 different spirits, particularly whiskies, and its sophisticated, live jazz performances, making it a beloved spot for connoisseurs.
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6. Storchen Zürich
The Place: The only hotel located directly on the banks of the River Limmat in the very heart of the Old Town. The Storchen has a history stretching back over 650 years and offers unparalleled, picturesque views. It is celebrated for its classic elegance and warm hospitality, an iconic choice among historic luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The beautiful rooftop bar, The Nest, offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the river, Lake Zürich, and the historic rooftops of the Old Town.
6. Storchen Zürich: A Riverside Icon in the Old Town
The Place: As the only hotel located directly on the banks of the beautiful River Limmat, in the very heart of the historic Old Town, the Storchen is a true Zürich icon. With a history stretching back over 650 years, it offers unparalleled, picturesque views of the river and the Grossmünster church. It is celebrated for its classic elegance and warm hospitality, an iconic choice among historic luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The beautiful rooftop bar, The Nest, offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the river as it meets Lake Zürich, as well as the historic rooftops of the entire Old Town, making it a perfect spot for sunset.
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7. Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich
The Place: A beautifully reborn city landmark, this is Zürich’s oldest grand hotel, located on the famous Paradeplatz in the heart of the city. Following a complete and meticulous renovation, the Mandarin Oriental Savoy blends timeless elegance with a sophisticated, contemporary design. It offers a new era of refinement for luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The spectacular new 1838 Rooftop Bar offers incredible, panoramic views of the city’s key landmarks and the picturesque lake in the near distance.
7. Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich: A Reborn Grand Dame
The Place: A beautifully reborn city landmark, this is Zürich’s oldest and most historic grand hotel, with an unbeatable location on the famous Paradeplatz in the heart of the city’s financial and shopping district. Following a complete and meticulous multi-million-dollar renovation, the new Mandarin Oriental Savoy blends the building’s timeless elegance with a sophisticated, light-filled, and contemporary design. It offers a new era of refinement for luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The spectacular new 1838 Rooftop Bar is a true highlight. It offers incredible, panoramic, and previously unseen views of the city’s key landmarks, the Old Town, and the picturesque lake in the near distance.
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8. FIVE Zurich
The Place: A vibrant and energetic lifestyle hotel located on the city’s edge, with stunning views of the downtown skyline. The FIVE Zurich is a true entertainment destination, known for its lively social scene, multiple award-winning restaurants, and its own nightclub. It offers a playful and high-energy experience unlike other luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The spectacular social pool is the heart of the hotel’s vibrant outdoor scene, featuring live DJs and a lively atmosphere throughout the summer months.
8. FIVE Zurich: A Hub of Entertainment and Energy
The Place: A vibrant and energetic lifestyle hotel located on the city’s edge at the foot of the Uetliberg mountain, offering stunning views of the downtown skyline. The FIVE Zurich is a true entertainment destination, known for its lively, see-and-be-seen social scene, its multiple award-winning restaurants, and its own nightclub. It offers a playful, high-energy experience unlike other luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The spectacular social pool is the vibrant heart of the hotel’s outdoor scene. It features live DJs, a lively party atmosphere throughout the summer months, and serves as a glamorous hub for locals and hotel guests alike.
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9. B2 Hotel Zürich
The Place: A unique and stylish boutique hotel housed in the former Hürlimann brewery, a magnificent industrial brick building. The B2 Hotel masterfully blends its industrial heritage with a sophisticated, contemporary design. It is most famous for its direct access to the spectacular Thermalbad & Spa, a unique feature for luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The stunning Wine Library, with its soaring 33-foot-high ceilings and walls lined with 33,000 books, is a spectacular and atmospheric place for a drink.
9. B2 Hotel Zürich: Industrial Chic Meets Thermal Wellness
The Place: A unique and incredibly stylish boutique hotel housed in the magnificent former Hürlimann brewery, a protected industrial brick building from the 19th century. The B2 Hotel masterfully blends its rich industrial heritage with a sophisticated, warm, and contemporary design. It is most famous for its direct, private access to the spectacular Thermalbad & Spa, a unique feature for luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The stunning Wine Library, with its soaring 33-foot-high ceilings and walls lined with 33,000 antique books, is a spectacular and atmospheric place to enjoy a drink. The chandeliers are uniquely crafted from original Hürlimann beer bottles.
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10. Alex Lake Zürich
The Place: A chic and contemporary boutique hotel located directly on the western shore of Lake Zürich in the nearby town of Thalwil. The Alex offers a serene, modern, and residential-style experience with its own private marina. Every studio and suite features a kitchenette and a beautiful terrace with direct lake views, the ultimate lakeside choice among luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s private boat, which can shuttle guests directly to the city center, offers a unique and incredibly scenic way to travel and arrive.
10. Alex Lake Zürich: A Modern Lakeside Retreat
The Place: A chic and contemporary boutique hotel located directly on the serene western shore of Lake Zürich in the nearby town of Thalwil. The Alex offers a serene, modern, and deeply residential-style experience with its own private marina. Every studio and suite features a kitchenette and a beautiful private terrace with direct lake views, the ultimate choice among lakeside luxury hotels in Zürich.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s private boat, which can shuttle guests directly to the city center, offers a unique and incredibly scenic way to travel and arrive in style, avoiding all the traffic on the roads.
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Bonus: Kameha Grand Zurich, Autograph Collection
A vibrant and playful design hotel located outside the city center, near the airport. It is known for its extravagant, surrealist interiors by designer Marcel Wanders, including themed suites like the ‘Poker Face Suite.’ This property offers a unique and imaginative experience that sets it apart from the more traditional luxury hotels in Zürich, perfect for design lovers.
Bonus: Kameha Grand Zurich, Autograph Collection
The Place: A vibrant and playful design hotel located outside the city center, near the airport. It is known for its extravagant, surrealist interiors by designer Marcel Wanders, including themed suites like the ‘Poker Face Suite.’ This property offers a unique and imaginative experience that sets it apart from the more traditional luxury hotels in Zürich, perfect for those seeking a whimsical escape and a different perspective on Swiss design.
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Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Zürich for your trip:
- For iconic, grand hotel luxury: The Dolder Grand with its fairytale castle feel or the classic lakeside elegance of Baur au Lac are unparalleled.
- For a unique, historic setting: The medieval townhouses of the Widder Hotel or the former brewery setting of B2 Hotel offer truly unique experiences.
- For the best lake views: La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich offers a chic, modern perspective right on the water’s edge.
- For a vibrant, social scene: The new FIVE Zurich is a true entertainment destination for those seeking a lively atmosphere.
Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Zürich for your trip:
- For iconic, grand hotel luxury: The Dolder Grand with its fairytale castle feel or the classic lakeside elegance of Baur au Lac are unparalleled.
- For a unique, historic setting: The medieval townhouses of the Widder Hotel or the former brewery setting of B2 Hotel offer truly unique experiences.
- For the best lake views: La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich offers a chic, modern perspective right on the water’s edge.
- For a vibrant, social scene: The new FIVE Zurich is a true entertainment destination for those seeking a lively atmosphere.
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Travel Guides: Zürich, Switzerland
A stay at a luxury hotel is just the beginning of your Zürich adventure. To make the most of your trip, here is a travel guide that complements the article on luxury hotels in Zürich.
1. Best Time to Visit Zürich
- Summer (June-August): This is the best time to visit, with warm, pleasant weather perfect for swimming in the clean waters of the lake, taking boat trips, and enjoying the numerous outdoor cafes and ‘badis’ (lakeside pools).
- Spring (April-May): A beautiful season with blooming flowers and pleasant, mild weather for exploring the city’s sights and walking along the lakefront before the main summer crowds arrive.
- Autumn (September-October): The weather is often crisp and cool, with beautiful fall colors, making it a great time for hiking on the nearby Uetliberg mountain for panoramic views.
- Winter (November-December): The city becomes magical with its charming and traditional Christmas markets, festive lights, and the opportunity for fondue and other cozy Swiss culinary experiences.
1. When to Go?
- Summer (June-August): The best time to visit, with warm, pleasant weather perfect for swimming in the lake, boat trips, and enjoying outdoor cafes.
- Spring (April-May): A beautiful season with blooming flowers and pleasant weather for exploring the city before the summer crowds arrive.
- Autumn (September-October): The weather is crisp and cool, with beautiful fall colors, making it a great time for hiking on the nearby Uetliberg mountain.
- Winter (November-December): The city is magical with its charming Christmas markets, festive lights, and the opportunity for nearby skiing.
2. Getting Around Zürich
- Public Transport (ZVV): Zürich boasts one of the world’s best, most punctual, and efficient public transport systems, with an incredibly dense network of trams, buses, and trains. A day pass offers great value.
- Walking: The city’s charming and largely pedestrianized Old Town (Altstadt) and the areas along the lake and the Limmat River are very compact and best explored on foot.
- Boats: Regular public boat services on Lake Zürich are part of the ZVV network and offer a scenic and relaxing way to travel and see the city from a different perspective.
2. Getting Around Zürich
- Public Transport (ZVV): Zürich has one of the world’s best public transport systems, with an incredibly efficient network of trams, buses, and trains. A day pass is a great option.
- Walking: The city’s charming Old Town (Altstadt) and the areas along the lake and river are very compact and best explored on foot.
- Boats: Regular boat services on Lake Zürich offer a scenic way to travel and see the city from a different perspective.
3. Must-See Sights in Zürich
- Lake Zürich: The pristine heart of the city. Take a boat trip, go for a swim in one of the designated and historic bathing areas (‘badis’), or simply enjoy a stroll along the beautiful promenade.
- Old Town (Altstadt): Wander through the medieval cobblestone streets and alleyways on both sides of the Limmat River, discovering charming boutiques, cafes, and historic guild houses.
- Kunsthaus Zürich: Explore one of Switzerland’s most important art museums, featuring a vast and impressive collection from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, housed in a stunning building by David Chipperfield.
- Uetliberg Mountain: Take a short and scenic train ride to the top of Zürich’s local mountain for spectacular, panoramic views of the city, the entire lake, and the distant Alps.
3. Must-See Sights
- Lake Zürich: Take a boat trip, go for a swim in one of the designated bathing areas (‘badis’), or simply enjoy a stroll along the beautiful promenade.
- Old Town (Altstadt): Wander through the medieval cobblestone streets and alleyways, discovering charming boutiques, cafes, and historic guild houses.
- Kunsthaus Zürich: Explore one of Switzerland’s most important art museums, featuring a vast collection from the Middle Ages to contemporary art.
- Uetliberg Mountain: Take a short train ride to the top of Zürich’s local mountain for spectacular, panoramic views of the city, the lake, and the Alps.
4. Unique Experiences in Zürich
- Thermalbad & Spa Zürich: Relax in the thermal baths of the former Hürlimann brewery, a unique experience that culminates in a spectacular rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of the city.
- Lindt Home of Chocolate: Immerse yourself in the world of Swiss chocolate at this incredible interactive museum, complete with a spectacular 9-meter-tall chocolate fountain and unlimited tastings at the end.
- Bahnhofstrasse: Stroll down one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping streets, from the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) right down to the lake.
- Grossmünster Church: Climb the tower of this iconic twin-towered, Romanesque-style church, the city’s most recognizable landmark, for fantastic views over the Old Town and the Limmat River.
4. Unique Experiences
- Thermalbad & Spa Zürich: Relax in the thermal baths of a former brewery, culminating in a spectacular rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city.
- Lindt Home of Chocolate: Immerse yourself in the world of Swiss chocolate at this interactive museum, complete with a spectacular chocolate fountain and unlimited tastings.
- Bahnhofstrasse: Stroll down one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping streets, from the main train station down to the lake.
- Grossmünster Church: Climb the tower of this iconic twin-towered, Romanesque-style church for fantastic views over the Old Town and the Limmat River.
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