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This article is part of a guide to Zurich from FT Globetrotter
Rising majestically from the River Limmat, the five-star Hotel Storchen has been occupying the city's best spot since 1357. Next to Weinplatz and across the river from Grossmünster Church is this impressive medieval building, made of fir wood with a pink hue that resembles birds. Flamingos are more than flamingos. The Stork Hotel underwent a multi-million pound renovation between 2017 and 2021 and is now owned by Swiss hotel group The Living Circle.
Over the centuries, the hotel has welcomed some famous guests including Richard Wagner and Swiss writer Gottfried Keller. No one knows exactly where the hotel got its catchy name, although it probably became known as a place where storks once nested. It was turned into an inn shortly after the city's first bridge was built, right next to the hotel, over one of the narrowest areas of Limmat.
The hotel is ideally located for strolling around the old town shops (I dare you not to buy a classic Mondaine Swiss railway watch) and key sites – including the Fraumünster church with its Chagall windows, the opera house and the Tonhalle concert hall – and it's also close to some of the city's bathing platforms. For relaxation after all that culture. If you want a change of scenery, the hotel boat, docked outside, can whisk you down the river and across the lake to the group's other waterfront hotel, the Alex Hotel – a great place for a sunny weekend brunch.
Rooms
The hotel's interior is bright and modern – but the rooms are comfortable in size, with pale wood walls, stylish carpets and touches of teal and purple. Despite being very central and overlooking Weinplatz, our water view room was completely silent at night. In the morning, we opened the windows and stood with coffee in hand, enjoying the sounds of the early morning river activity before heading to breakfast.
Restaurant and bars
In terms of eating and drinking, this hotel has it all. At ground level and hovering above the water is Barchetta, a bar perfect for a business coffee or after-work drink.
On the top floor, La Rôtisserie's terrace is, in my opinion, the most romantic place to eat in the city. We ate while the moon shone on the Limmat River and two pairs of rowers slid back and forth. With the sound of bells coming from nearby Grossmünster, we momentarily imagined we were in Venice – until the number 4 tram sped by on the other side of the river. The restaurant has a Michelin star, and Stephane Jackel's cuisine is bold and bright, with a French flair with Asian influences. The highlight of this dish was the wonderful deconstructed fish soup with snails, scallops, red mullet, sea bass and lobster, accompanied by a large jug of fish stock to pour over, and a huge Atlantic sole with white asparagus.
At almost all times during our stay, there was a steady queue of punters outside the hotel, waiting to take the lift to The Nest, a cozy, Instagrammable rooftop bar open to the public between April and October (only when the weather is good), attracting a stylish crowd of Colorful cocktails.
Spa and gym
The hotel also has a small spa and gym for those who still feel the need to work out, even after a day spent on foot exploring the city.
In a glance:
Best for: Riverside elegance, feeling like you're in the middle of it all
Not so good for: shy conservatives. Like all five-star Swiss hotels, this one is expensive in terms of price
FYI: Boat trips down the lake on the hotel boat are free if you have a reservation at one of the restaurants
Rooms: 57 rooms, seven suites
Prices: Double, from 530 CHF ($600/£476)
website; directione
Rebecca Rose was a guest on The Living Circle
Tell us about your favorite stay in Zurich in the comments below. And follow the FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter
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