The Best Luxury Hotels in Zurich

There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Zurich, and each one is unique. Some showcase Switzerland’s long history with traditional décor and cuisine, while others are geared towards business travelers looking for convenience. But no matter which hotel you check into, you can be assured of exceptional service and top-notch amenities. 

The Dolder Grand

This stunning hotel is perched high above the city on Adlisberg Mountain, overlooking the historic downtown and the Alps in the distance. The Dolder Grand perfectly encapsulates the balance of tradition and modernity found in Switzerland today. It is split into two wings: one a historic building from 1899 that looks straight out of a fairytale, the other a contemporary glass structure designed by British architects Foster and Partners. 

While many European city hotels are small, The Dolder Grand is more like a resort within the city thanks to its many restaurants, 175 spacious rooms and suites, and location amongst the woods of Adlisberg Mountain. The Restaurant boasts two Michelin stars and offers inspired fine dining, while Saltz offers a more casual dining experience. The Lobby Bar is perfect for afternoon coffee or cocktails. In winter, the hotel opens an après-ski-inspired spot, Dolder Lodge. The art collection throughout the hotel is superb, featuring more than 100 works from some of the most important artists of the 20th century, including Dalí. 

Perhaps the most impressive amenity at The Dolder Grand is the spa. It spans over 43,000 square feet and includes an incredible water area with a swimming pool, sanarium (a sauna with humidity), outdoor whirlpool with gorgeous views, steam bath, sauna, a snow room, as well as Japanese-style sunaburo beds (beds of warm pebbles). The Dolder Grand Spa offers a complete menu with specialized treatments from top brands including La Prairie, Dr. Burgener, and Amala. All of these amenities combine to make The Dolder Grand one of the best — if not the best — luxury hotels in Zurich. 

Baur au Lac

Baur au Lac is one of the city’s most historic hotels — it opened in 1844 on a prime spot next to Lake Zurich. It has its own landscaped park, a perfect spot for a cocktail while watching the sunset or enjoying a relaxing picnic on a sunny afternoon. The 119 rooms and suites mix traditional and contemporary design elements. Each is adorned with custom furniture, sumptuous finishes, and art. 

Baur au Lac has a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurant Pavillon; a classic brasserie and bistro, Baur’s; and an elegant bar, Le Hall. During the summer, the Baur au Lac Terrace makes the most of its idyllic surroundings in the hotel’s park with views of the lake. 

La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich

Eden au Lac opened in 1909 and has remained one of Zurich’s grande-dame hotels ever since. It occupies a stunning Belle Époque building that could be straight out of a Wes Anderson movie on the shores of Lake Zurich. La Réserve Group recently purchased the hotel and renovated and re-envisioned it by the legendary designer Philippe Starck. The result is a sumptuous décor that blends a refined contemporary style with classic designs. As typical of a historic European hotel, the rooms can be small, but the views, elegant décor, and sumptuous materials more than make up for cozy quarters. 

There are two dining options at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich. Eden Kitchen & Bar offers a European-inspired menu, with dishes ranging from Zurich-style veal with potato rosti to steak tartare. On the sixth floor, La Muña specializes in Peruvian fusion cuisine. It also serves a fabulous selection of ceviches alongside sushi and other Japanese entrées.  

Widder Hotel

If you want to stay in Zurich’s charming downtown, Widder Hotel is the best choice for luxury accommodations. This unique structure is a combination of nine medieval houses dating back 700 years, and joining them together took nearly a decade. The result is an exceptional five-star experience. There are 49 rooms and suites that showcase the buildings’ storied history. They feature painted wooden-beamed ceilings, antique furniture, and old stone walls. Modern design elements and artworks from famous names such as Le Corbusier and Andy Warhol nicely contrast with the historic elements. 

There are many dining options on the property, but the star is Widder Restaurant, from acclaimed chef Stefan Heilemann. Here, he offers a four-to-six-course tasting menu with innovative dishes that showcase his signature acidity and sense of gastronomic experimentation. 

Widder Hotel is also associated with two other luxury hotels in the area — Storchen Zurich and Hotel Alex Lake in Thalwil. Together, the three hotels comprise the new City & Lake Resort, which offers several packages that allow you to experience both the city and lake during your stay in Zurich. 

Park Hyatt Zurich 

Business travelers flock to Park Hyatt Zurich thanks to its convenient location in the financial district. The cubist glass building cuts a striking silhouette, and the design also allows light to flood the hotel and guest rooms. Each room has a functional yet spacious design, a desk, and a large bathroom. They are also decorated with a sophisticated, contemporary design and have views of the city. The hotel boasts a rather impressive contemporary art collection, including a piece from Sol LeWitt. There’s also a small spa with treatment rooms, a fitness area, and sauna and steam rooms. The restaurant, parkhuus, showcases modern Swiss cuisine from its open kitchen, while the Lobby Lounge and Onyx Bar both offer cozy spots for an after-work drink. 

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