The Best Zurich Hotels with Old Town & Lake Views.
Search or scroll down to a list of Zurich’s luxury and boutique hotels with water and city views. Stay around the Old Town and Bahnhofstrasse areas, on the shores of Lake Zurich, and beyond.
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Exceptional Zurich Hotels, Independently Reviewed
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5-Star Hotel in Bahnhofstrasse/Old Town
♡ Scenic Riverside Dining & Private Dock
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As the legend goes, back in the 1300s, a pair of black storks nested on the roof of this riverside building, giving Storchen Zürich its name and starting a 650-year legacy that continues today. Ask for a table by the window at breakfast, and you'll see why they picked this spot – the views sweep across the Limmat River to Grossmünster's twin towers while Fraumünster's spire rises just around the corner. The location in Weinplatz puts you right in the middle of Old Town's action, though church bells mark the time so naturally you might forget you're in a modern city.
The rooms tell their own story of old and new Zurich. Those facing the river (especially on floors 4 and 5) catch the morning sun reflecting off the water. Corner rooms offer bonus views up and down the river, plus glimpses of Alpine peaks on clear days. The Storchen Suite takes the prize for views – its windows frame both the river's gentle bend and Old Town's sea of terracotta roofs. While the rooms keep their historic character, you'll find good beds, strong showers, and those essential features that matter after a long day of exploring.
La Rôtisserie restaurant makes the most of its riverside setting with floor-to-ceiling windows that open in summer, letting in both the breeze and buzz from Weinplatz below. The kitchen does Swiss classics proud, though regulars often head to Barchetta Piazza Bar for more casual meals. It's one of those rare hotel bars that draw a local crowd, especially during after-work hours. For cigar enthusiasts, the intimate Cigar Bar pairs fine smokes with river views and expert recommendations from the staff.
Beyond being the only hotel in Zurich with its own boat dock (yes, you can arrive by water taxi), Storchen Zürich sits at a sweet spot for exploring. The famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street starts practically at the door, while both Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches are less than five minutes away. Take time to find the wellness area upstairs – the views during a morning stretch or massage remind you why those storks chose this spot centuries ago. In winter, ask about the hotel's special fondue events, where traditional Swiss cheese meets million-dollar (or should we say Swiss francs?) views.
🔭 Hotel View: Limmat River, Peter's Church, Mountains, Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Old Town (Altstadt), Lake Zurich
Address: Weinplatz 2, 8001 Zürich
5-Star Hotel in Bahnhofstrasse/Old Town
♡ Lake View Balconies
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Behind wrought-iron gates in central Zurich, a half-acre private park surrounds one of Switzerland's most storied hotels. The Baur au Lac first opened its doors in 1844, and the same family still runs it today – now in their seventh generation. The property sits right where Lake Zurich opens up to those postcard-perfect Alpine views, though you'll never hear traffic from the nearby Bahnhofstrasse shopping street.
Kids in sailor suits once chased each other through these halls while their royal parents socialized in the gardens. Not much has changed, except now you might spot tech entrepreneurs alongside the old-money crowd, especially at Baur's brasserie, where Silicon Valley meets old Zurich over lunch. The real show-stopper, though, is Pavillon – picture a glass rotunda where the two-Michelin-starred kitchen sends out plates like parsley cream soup with Sauvignon Blanc and green apple. Their wine cellar holds 3,000 labels, and the sommeliers actually make choosing fun rather than intimidating.
The 119 rooms feel more like well-kept apartments than hotel quarters. Some face the Alps and lake; others look over the private park where the hotel keeps its own beehives. Each room mixes periods – you might find Art Deco next to Louis XVI – but it works because everything's either antique or custom-made. Modern touches like heated marble bathroom floors and smart TVs don't feel forced. A tip: corner rooms above the fourth floor have the best light and views.
For breakfast here, it is worth setting an alarm. The honey comes from those garden hives, and the pastry chef starts baking at 4 AM. By afternoon, locals crowd the lakeside terrace until midnight – it's one of those rare hotel spots that actually draws a real Zurich crowd. The chocolate at turndown is made just for the hotel, and yes, they'll give you extra if you ask nicely.
A five-minute walk takes you to the Fraumünster church with its Chagall windows or across the Limmat River to explore Old Town's jumble of lanes. The hotel sits where the medieval moat once flowed – now it's the romantic Schanzengraben canal, perfect for morning jogs. From the nearby lake promenade, paddlewheel boats depart for lake tours, and on clear days, you can see why Mark Twain called the view here "a vision of heaven."
🔭 Hotel View: Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: Talstrasse 1, City Centre, 8001 Zürich
5-Star Hotel in Bahnhofstrasse/Old Town
♡ 1838 Rooftop Vistas
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Zurich's first luxury hotel from 1838 just got a complete makeover to claim a spot as one of the best hotels in the city. The Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich reopened in 2023 with French designer Tristan Auer turning this Paradeplatz landmark into something that feels both timeless and surprisingly fresh. The location's still unbeatable – right where the prestigious Bahnhofstrasse begins, with big windows framing views of the Limmat River bending through Old Town and the Alps peeking through on clear days.
The rooms feel more like plush city apartments than hotel spaces, especially the 36 suites that rank among Zurich's largest. The smallest suite stretches to 484 square feet, while the top-floor Presidential Suite could fit five of those inside its 2,152 square feet. Landmarks like the Fraumünster can be spotted from certain accommodations, thus ensuring guests never lose track of time. Nice touches include wallpaper by French artist Florence Girette and those increasingly rare complimentary minibars. The Diptyque toiletries and Bose speakers are all part of a greater pampering experience.
ORSINI restaurant brings a bit of Milan to Zurich, with Antonio Guida (from Mandarin Oriental Milan) crafting Italian dishes that make you forget you're in Switzerland – until you glance at those river views. The Savoy Brasserie feels classically French with its blue banquettes and white tablecloths, perfect for people-watching over Paradeplatz. Come summer, everyone heads up to the rooftop bar 1838, where Asian bites complement some awe-inspiring Alpine views. With its real fireplace, the Mandarin Lounge makes a cozy spot for afternoon tea or evening drinks.
Step outside, and you're already on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich's answer to Fifth Avenue, only on a much smaller scale. Lake Zurich sits a short walk in one direction, Old Town in the other. The hotel can arrange proper Swiss experiences – think Alpine hikes with fondue stops or sessions with local watchmakers and chocolatiers. The gym has city views that might inspire you to use it, and the spa treatment rooms look over Zurich's rooftops.
🔭 Hotel View: Paradeplatz, Münsterhof, Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Alps
Address: 12 Poststrasse, 8001 Zürich
5-Star Hotel in Seefeld
♡ Lakefront Charm & Boutique Hospitality
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When Philippe Starck got his hands on this 1900s lakefront building in the upscale Utoquai neighborhood, he did something unexpected – he stripped away the fussy details to reveal the soul of a yacht club that never was. The result feels less like a typical Lake Zurich hotel and more like a creative captain's private quarters. You'll spot the nautical theme everywhere, from vintage photographs to brass telescope-inspired lamps, though it never crosses into theme-park territory.
Among the 40 rooms and suites, those ending in 04 (like 204 and 304) get the best lake views and morning light. The lake-facing Prestige Terrace rooms deliver exactly what they promise, while the Eden Suite adds a generous terrace that catches both sunset over the lake and the city's evening lights. Even the standard rooms facing the city side have their perks – they're quieter and catch glimpses of Zurich's historic rooflines. A tip: ask about the rooms with hidden fold-out balconies, a clever nod to the building's heritage.
Step outside, and you're in the heart of Zurich's summer playground. The Opera House sits just two blocks away (you can walk there in your formal wear), while the historic Utoquai swimming spot next door has been hosting lake dips since the 1890s. In summer, locals flock here for pre-work swims – join them if you want to experience real Zurich life. The lakeside promenade leads straight to Old Town's cobbled streets, passing plenty of spots where you can rent paddleboards or hop on a lake cruiser.
Up on the roof, La Muña restaurant serves Peruvian-Japanese fusion with a side of some of the best views in town – you can see all the way to the Alps on clear days. The real treat is catching the sunset here when the lake turns golden and the city lights start twinkling. Downstairs, Eden Kitchen & Bar does all-day dining with large windows framing the lake. While there's no full spa, the gym makes up for it with panoramic lake views that might actually inspire you to use it. Wellness treatments will be set up in your room, though most guests end up using that time to soak in their lake-view tubs instead.
🔭 Hotel View: Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: Utoquai 45, Seefeld, 8008 Zürich
5-Star Hotel in District 7
♡ Dreaming Above the Clouds
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From its perch on the Adlisberg hill, The Dolder Grand looks more like a fairy-tale castle than a hotel. The original 1899 building still turns heads, but it's the glass wings that architect Norman Foster added in 2008 that really get people talking. The spot where old meets new creates an interesting architectural kiss – worth finding on your walk around the property. Speaking of walks, the hotel sits surrounded by forest trails, with those pinch-yourself views of Lake Zurich, the Alps, and city rooftops stretching out below.
Room 314 might be the best-kept secret here. Like all superior rooms, it faces the quiet forest side, but its corner position catches extra light through its curved windows. The Junior Suites on the lakeside come with private balconies – a real treat for morning coffee or evening wine. For those wondering about the top-end Maestro Suite, its 400 square meters include a private spa and windows wrapping 250 degrees around the building. Even standard rooms come with deep whirlpool tubs and Nespresso machines that actually work (plus, they'll bring more pods if you run out).
Art lovers might recognize Andy Warhol's largest painting ever – that 11-meter canvas above reception. The hotel's art collection reads like a modern gallery catalog: there's Dalí in the hallways, Botero by the bar, and enough pieces scattered around to make getting lost a pleasure. Chef Heiko Nieder's two-Michelin-starred Restaurant lives up to the setting, though locals often prefer Saltz for lunch, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame those lake views. The wine list leans heavily Swiss, and the sommeliers know their stuff without being stuffy about it.
The 4,000-square-meter spa deserves its own chapter. Beyond the usual massage menu, you'll find a Japanese-style foot bath that's perfect after hiking the forest trails and an outdoor infinity pool that steams beautifully in winter. Getting to central Zurich takes 15 minutes – catch the private funicular down the hill (it runs until midnight) or borrow one of the hotel's BMWs for free. For something different, ask about the antique coach service – it's slower but makes for great photos.
Between May and October, the outdoor pool deck turns into the city's best-kept-secret sundowner spot. The bartenders remember regular guests' drinks, and on clear evenings, you can watch the sun set behind the Uetliberg mountain while the alpine glow turns the distant peaks pink. Just don't tell too many people about it.
🔭 Hotel View: Zurich Panoramas, Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: Kurhausstrasse 65, Zürichberg, 8032 Zürich
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4-Star Hotel in District 7
♡ Dramatic Views of the Alps & Lake Zurich
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That orange-and-cream striped building you spot high above Zurich? The Sorell Zürichberg sits pretty in Fluntern, where the city's bankers and professors make their homes. The Swiss chalet-meets-grand-hotel design might look a bit quirky from downtown, but it makes perfect sense once you're up here, where the air gets crisp, and the views stretch all the way to the Alps. On clear mornings, you can spot Lake Zurich sparkling below while paragliders float past your window.
Among the 66 rooms, the ones labeled "Lake View" earn their name – especially those facing south toward the lake; some add wrap-around balconies that catch sunrise and sunset, plus enough space to enjoy morning coffee outside. Even the standard rooms offer decent views of the city or the Zürichberg forest, and the top-floor rooms under those distinctive peaked roofs feel like private alpine chalets. Light sleepers take note: the forest side stays quieter, though you might hear early morning birdsong.
Restaurant Zürichberg makes the most of those floor-to-ceiling windows, and the kitchen knows better than to compete with the view – they stick to well-done Swiss classics with some Mediterranean options. The real treat is the outdoor romantic terrace, where locals come for Sunday brunch to watch the morning fog lift off the lake. By evening, the Lobby Bar fills with a mix of hotel guests and neighbors stopping in for drinks after walking their dogs in the nearby forest.
You're right next to the Zürichberg woods, where hiking trails start literally at the door. The zoo sits five minutes away – you can sometimes hear the lions roar in the morning. Getting downtown takes 10 minutes via the charming Dolderbahn cogwheel train (it runs until midnight) or the regular tram service. In winter, this hill gets sun when the city center sits under fog, and in summer, you're above the worst of the heat. Bring good walking shoes, though – while the vistas are worth it, this is uphill living.
🔭 Hotel View: Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: Orellistrasse 21, Zürichberg, 8044 Zürich
4-Star Hotel in Enge
♡ Panoramic Infinity Pool
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They didn't tear down much when they turned this 1890s brewery into a hotel, and that's what makes B2 Hotel Zürich unique. The old Hürlimann brewing tanks still peek through glass floors, massive iron beams cross overhead, and some walls are thick enough to store beer at the perfect temperature – which they did for nearly a century. But the real showstopper sits up top: a rooftop thermal pool that stays warm year-round. On winter evenings, you can float in steaming water while watching snow fall over Lake Zurich and the Alps beyond.
The rooms feel bigger than their square footage suggests, thanks to ceilings high enough to stack three regular hotel rooms. Dark wood and exposed brick keep the industrial vibe going, though the beds are decidedly un-industrial – they're the kind you'll want to note down for your next mattress purchase. Corner rooms on the upper floors catch the best city views, especially when Old Town's spires light up at night. For light sleepers, the rooms facing the courtyard stay quieter, though you might catch the faint scent of hops from the craft brewery that still operates next door.
About that library everyone talks about – those 33,000 books aren't just for show. They line the walls of what used to be the brewery's malt house, now the main restaurant where you'll have breakfast among leather-bound volumes reaching three stories high. The morning spread focuses on local producers (try the cheese from the Küsnacht dairy), and you can grab that corner table by the window for the best people-watching. During the day, you'll spot locals using the space for meetings over coffee, proof that the hotel's managed to keep its neighborhood connections.
The location sits just far enough from downtown to feel peaceful, but a 15-minute walk or quick tram ride puts you on Bahnhofstrasse for shopping. Better yet, take the path along the old brewery tunnels down to the lake – it's a local secret that pops you out right by the best swimming spots. The coworking spaces in the old brewing halls attract Zurich's creative crowd, giving the place a buzz that most boutique hotels miss. If you're lucky, you might catch one of the small-batch beer tastings they run in the vaulted cellars, where they tell stories about the building's beer-making days.
🔭 Hotel View: Zurich Skyline, Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: Brandschenkenstrasse 152, Enge, 8002 Zürich
4-Star Hotel in Seefeld
♡ Art Deco & Lake Vistas
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That curved corner building you spot while walking along Lake Zurich? That's the AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac, which is still turning heads after nearly a century. Built in 1928 as one of Zurich's first Art Deco buildings, it got a fresh makeover in early 2021 that brought back its original glamour while adding the kind of modern touches that actually matter – like strong WiFi and proper soundproofing against those lovely but early-rising lake birds.
The rooms tell you everything about the thoughtful renovation – they kept the high ceilings and added details like Marshall speakers (that actually work with your phone) and walk-in closets big enough to unpack properly. Lake-facing rooms cost more, but morning coffee tastes better watching sailboats drift by. The top-floor Tower Suite Lake View, takes the prize with its wraparound terrace and private sauna. For value hunters: city-view rooms on higher floors catch partial lake views, and corner rooms feel especially spacious thanks to those Art Deco windows.
STUDIO BELLERIVE restaurant remembers its 1920s roots without overdoing it – think brass details and curved lines rather than full-on Gatsby. The morning light here is worth waking up for, especially when it hits the lake. While the kitchen does both Swiss and Mediterranean dishes, locals come for the weekend brunch and sunset drinks. The gym's not huge, but floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake might actually inspire you to use the treadmill. Better yet, grab one of the hotel's bikes and join the locals jogging and cycling along the waterfront.
You're just far enough from Old Town to escape the tourist crowds but close enough to walk everywhere that matters. The Opera House is literally 400 meters away – you can hear the bells signal the start of performances. Walk ten minutes along the lake to reach Sechseläutenplatz, Zurich's largest town square, or follow the promenade to where locals swim in summer. If you're here in winter, the lakeside Christmas market is set up right outside. Just remember – this stretch of the lake catches strong winds, so pack accordingly if you're planning on waterfront walks.
🔭 Hotel View: Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: 47 Utoquai, Seefeld, 8008 Zürich
4-Star Hotel in District 6
♡ High-Floor Panoramic Rooms
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That tall tower you spot when leaving Zurich HB, the city's main station? That's the Zurich Marriott Hotel, standing 19 stories above the Limmat River. The location works better than it might seem at first – you're just 500 meters from the station (helpful with luggage), but the riverside setting keeps you away from the station's bustle. Plus, you're close enough to Old Town to walk but far enough to escape the tourist crowds.
Being the tallest hotel around has its perks – the views get dramatically better as you go up. Executive Rooms start on the higher floors, where you can spot the twin spires of Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches poking above Old Town's rooftops. The Presidential Suite up top comes with the kind of wraparound views that make you wish you'd packed binoculars. A tip: even standard rooms on floors 15 and above catch glimpses of the Alps on clear days, and river-facing rooms stay quieter than those overlooking the station.
The eCHo restaurant specializes in Swiss gastronomy - think trout fillets and cheese fondue among the menu's delicacies; the on-site cable car cabin makes the joy of the little ones. The gym feels less cramped than usual hotel fitness centers, probably because those city views make you forget you're exercising indoors. In summer, join the locals swimming in the river – there are several entry points nearby, and the hotel can point you to the safest spots. One last tip: skip the hotel taxis and take tram 11 or 14 from right outside – they'll get you to Old Town faster and with better views along the way.
🔭 Hotel View: Limmat River, Fraumünster, Grossmünster, Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: Neumühlequai 42, Unterstrass, 8006 Zürich
4-Star Hotel in Uetliberg Mountain
♡ Jaw-Dropping Zurich Vistas From Above
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Ever noticed that mountain that rises behind Zurich? That's Uetliberg, and right at its 871-meter summit sits Hotel UTO KULM, just next to the Uetliberg TV-Tower. No cars up here – you'll need to take the mountain train that winds up through the forest, though the 20-minute ride from Zurich HB station is half the fun. On clear days, the views stretch from Lake Zurich to the snow-capped Alps, and at night, you're literally above the city lights.
The 45 rooms and 9 suites make the most of their mountaintop position. Panorama Rooms do deliver what they suggest: windows framing either the city lights, lake or the Alps – ask for a high floor in the main building for the best views. The Tower Suite gives you a bird's-eye view of Zurich life unfolding below, and if you're traveling as a group, the Triple Rooms with the Alps and Lake View let everyone wake up to that mountain scenery. They've used lots of wood and natural materials in the rooms, which feels right for a mountain hotel.
The restaurant's terrace might be the highest dining spot in Zurich – definitely book ahead for sunset dinners in summer when locals come up just for dinner and the view. The Winter Garden works better in colder months, and there's this cozy alpine hut called Maiensäss that's perfect for fondue nights. The wellness area feels like a proper mountain spa, complete with a steam bath and this fantastic sauna where you can watch the city lights twinkle through panoramic windows. That tropical rainfall shower hits the spot after a hike.
Speaking of hiking, trails start right at the door – grab a map from reception and head into the forest. Mountain biking is popular too, and the hotel can arrange guided tours if you want local knowledge. Despite feeling remote, you're never cut off – trains run regularly until late, making it easy to pop down for dinner in the city. Just check the return schedule, especially in winter. One tip: even in the warmer months, bring an extra layer – you're nearly 900 meters up, and mountain weather can change quickly.
🔭 Hotel View: Zurich Panoramas, Lake Zurich, Alps
Address: Top of Zürich, Uetliberg, 8143 Zürich