Switzerland is chock full of jaw-dropping destinations (hello, Lucerne, Interlaken, Geneva, and St. Moritz). But beyond these bucolic European villages, there’s a whole other side to the country that lives up to its prosperous nickname, “The Land of Milk and Honey.” Zurich, the country’s largest metropolis, sits on the north end of Lake Zurich, with stunning views stretching along the Limmat River.
When it comes to staying in style, it doesn’t get much better than the majestic La Réserve Eden au Lac, perched right on the lakefront. Housed in an original Baroque-style building, its grand façade is a nod to Zurich’s architectural elegance and a symbol of the city’s wealth. Designer Philippe Starck worked his magic, transforming this century-old hotel into a luxurious hideaway with a vibe that’s equal parts high society and yacht club.
From the moment you check-in, the timeless elegance of the space hits you. A soaring fireplace, set high near the ceiling, adds a royal touch to the sleek, tiled floors and warm dark wood accents. As Starck himself put it, “Everything is traditional, yet resolutely unconventional. It’s like dancing rock and roll with the Queen of England.”
You’ll glide up to your room in a glass-enclosed elevator, where you get a 360-degree view of the interior art—check out the avant-garde stained glass installation adorning the staircase walls. Inside your room (one of the 37 rooms or three suites), Starck’s design channels the feel of a sailor’s cabin—rich wood accents, crisp white linens, and tan leather details create a sleek, nautical-inspired atmosphere. The private balconies offer stunning views of both the lake and the city, and soft light pours in, making everything feel like a serene escape. Outside your door, black-and-white framed photographs of sailboats continue the theme, which is a lovely little touch, if I do say so myself.
Like many major cities, Zurich boasts a vibrant foodie scene with numerous culinary gems—many of which have earned Michelin-Star recognition. One standout is the hotel’s ground-floor Eden Kitchen & Bar. In the warm summer months, expansive bayfront windows open to the street, inviting the buzzy atmosphere inside. The open kitchen, framed by a glossy emerald-green-tiled wall, allows diners to watch Italian and Mediterranean masterpieces come to life under the direction of acclaimed chef Marco Ortolani. The bar serves up inventive and classic libations, such as the Golden Negroni mixed with Tanqueray London Dry and Cocchi Americano Bianco, as well as cocktails like the Zurich With a View, stirring Campari and Swiss Mountain Spring alpine bitter aperitif. The extensive wine list highlights the vineyards from which each sourced vino hails, showcasing their impressive viticulture sensibility.
I indulged in the eatery’s “Lazy Sunday” menu, which offers brunch dishes inspired by Italy’s rich history when Venice was a hub for merchants and travelers. Everything is shareable, with standout plates like the Crunchy French Toast with caramelized banana tart and vanilla ice cream. However, I was in the mood for something savory and opted for dishes like the spicy tiger prawns, baby lettuce with yuzu-and-Caesar dressing, the “Best Burger in Town” with traditional Swiss Rösti fries, and warm saffron risotto served with braised oxtail and gremolata.
Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention the sixth-floor Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, La Muña. This laidback eatery, awarded 16 Gault-Millau Points, offers a refined attic-esque atmosphere, where panoramic views of Zurich greet you as you savor ceviches, bao buns, shrimp or chicken gyoza, Miso soup, and Peruvian stew.
When it comes to exploring Zurich, there’s no shortage of things to see and do from the hotel’s prime address. Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant arts scene, from the ornate Fine Arts Museum just around the corner to the 1,300-plus public artworks scattered across pedestrian walkways. Discover the birthplace of the Dada Movement, or wander through the historic Old Town (Altstadt), dating back 2,000 years to the Roman Empire.
Of course, if you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, you could always enjoy the view from your regal balcony at La Réserve Eden au Lac with an espresso in hand—just as delightful, if you ask me.
Top Takeaways
Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Rating: 5-Star
The vibe: A lakefront gem with regal exteriors and art-infused contemporary interiors that capture the dynamic spirit of Zurich with just a hint of edge—exactly as designer Philippe Starck envisioned.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The contrast between the regal, palace-like balconies overlooking the lake and the contemporary guest quarters made it feel like a modern mansion fit for the rich and famous.
Food + Drink: A perfect mix of high-end and relaxed options awaits guests at La Réserve Eden au Lac. From the sumptuous Eden Bar and Cigar Lounge, nestled next to the former Michelin-Star-awarded Eden Kitchen, to the Peruvian-Japanese fusion vibes at La Muña, and farm-fresh breakfasts—featuring omelets, homemade pancakes, porridge, and fruit platters—delivered straight to your room.
Amenities: Fitness center; Wellness offerings upon request; Room service; Free Wi-Fi; 24-hour front desk; 2 restaurants; Bar
What’s nearby? Lake Zurich; Bellevueplatz; Le Corbusier House; Blatterwiese; Bürkliplatz; Swiss National Museum
Any personal neighborhood recommendations? Take a post-dinner stroll to the Gelati Am See cart along the lakefront on a warm summer evening. It brings the essence of Italian beaches, Spanish promenades, and Southern French savoir-vivre to this sweet spot by the water in Zurich. During the winter months, stop by The Monocle Café for a morning espresso and some light reading, with hand-picked newspapers and magazines from the savvy printing house itself.
Rooms: 40
Pricing: Rates start at $699 per night.
Closest Airport: Zurich Airport
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