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This article is part of a guide to Zürich from FT Globetrotter
Zürich has a hotel problem: the problem is there are not enough hotels like the Bellerive.
Switzerland’s most populous city has a fine line in world-class palaces for the ultra-rich, and in backpacky hostels for ski-bums and students. But there is surprisingly little in between, if we are discounting the ubiquity of the Marriott.
The Ameron Zürich Bellerive au Lac, which opened in 2021, promises to fill that void. This is a well thought-out four-star hotel, excellently located, extremely well kitted out, but judiciously pared back enough in its services so as to not break the bank in this most expensive of cities.
The building dates back to 1928, and while the lobby itself isn’t exactly grand (a passage leads back from the street entrance thanks to ground-floor retail space), the decor shouts back to the glamour of that era. Sometimes a little too loudly: seating by reception — mirrored ceiling, houseplants, rattan, ergonomic stools — has a sort of Death on the Nile as shot by Stanley Kubrick vibe. The restaurant and bar — which benefits from huge ground-floor windows — looks similarly a little too set-like. But perhaps not unreasonably. The building has also been a TV and film studio, and last year the Zürich Film Festival moved its headquarters here.
Rooms
Most of the excellently appointed rooms have an unbeatable feature: a superb view of the lake. It’s worth paying the extra to make sure of it. Regardless, all are spacious and comfortable. Well-stocked minibars and high-spec touches like Marshall radios and speakers mark them out. The slightly steampunk-y 1920s styling continues, though it is dialled down and as a result is more successful than in the lobby area. Smart wood panelling in the premium rooms makes them feel especially luxurious. Bathrooms are relatively modestly sized, but larger ones come with full bath tubs.
Restaurant and bar
Styled around the glassed-in arcade at the front of the building, the restaurant space has the feel of a sunroom, even on a relatively gloomy winter day. The menu safely checks the standards of quality, if rather unimaginative, modern cuisine: venison fillet with truffle mash; the ubiquitous Alpine trout fillet and so on. But it is all very well executed. One has the feeling, in any case, that the clientele of this hotel will probably have done their research on which are the most modish restaurants in town to spend their francs in. The bar area is a marginally cosier, if still quite hard-edged place to sit for a nice digestif.
At a glance:
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Good for: Luxury on a budget
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Not so good for: Lounging around in
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FYI: The wonderful lake-bathing facilities at Utoquai are literally opposite the hotel’s entrance. A few minutes’ walk away you’ll also find two of the best cafés in Zürich: Mame and Monocle (and above it, the headquarters of the eponymous lifestyle magazine)
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Rooms: 56 rooms, five suites
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Spa and gym: No spa; 24/7 gym
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Rates: Double, from SFr315 ($358/£283) including breakfast
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Website; Directions
Sam Jones was a guest of Ameron Zürich Bellerive au Lac
Tell us about your favourite Zürich stays in the comments below. And follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter
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