One

One
of only two hotels perched on the shore of glittering Lake
Zurich, the Alex makes sure that
its surrounding nature is ever-present. Floor-to-ceiling windows,
minimalist interiors and bespoke furniture both by BradyWilliams
studio, and eco-friendly initiatives prove that the hotel embodies
Zurich’s modern outlook. Dine on Swiss cuisine at The Boat House
restaurant, sip on cocktails in the art-deco bar or kick back with
science-backed treatments at the PureGray Spa.

Rooms

The hotel’s decor is inspired by its neighbouring boat house.
Wander along corridors designed to feel like the inside of a cruise
ship (complete with nautical lanterns and wood-slat walls) to
arrive at your room. Inside, wooden flooring, gold-trimmed
furnishings and cloud-like double beds are subtly stylish, but all
attention is undeniably commanded by floor-to-ceiling windows with
views across Lake Zurich to the chocolate-box villages and
tree-covered hills that lie on the opposing shore. In the morning,
freshen up in your blue-tiled bathroom and step into fluffy
bathrobes before heading out onto the balcony to sip coffee and
soak up the view.

What’s for breakfast?

Head downstairs to The Boat House, a lakeside restaurant serving
Mediterranean dishes with a
Swiss twist. Stock up on yoghurt topped with fresh fruit, seeds or
nuts and drizzled with fresh honey, or opt for a platter of cold
meat and cheese for something more substantial. A hot menu
featuring eggs, meat and vegetarian dishes is available too.

How about lunch and dinner?

The Boat House doubles up as a romantic dinner spot. Softly lit
interiors place emphasis on the twinkling lights of towns across
the lake, while the menu offers dishes inspired by its waters.
Start with a light dish of salmon carpaccio or tuna tataki and
follow with more fish for main course – the lobster tagliatelle and
shellfish bouillabaisse steal the show.

Is there a bar?

The pistachio-green chairs and gold-trimmed barstools of the art
deco-themed bar provide the perfect setting for a pre- or post-meal
tipple. The menu doesn’t list any classic cocktails – talk to the
bartender to learn about Swiss liqueurs and try something new.
Prefer to be alone? Cuddle up by the fire in the pastel-pink
lounge, where you can nurse your cocktail in peace.

Amenities?

Designed to welcome both short- and long-stays, rooms come with
a fully equipped kitchen including a hob, fridge, microwave,
dishwasher and kettle. Rustle up some food to enjoy on your balcony
or retire after dinner to concoct a cocktail (rooms come with
shaker and short crystal glasses). Bathrooms benefit from
Swiss-made toiletries such as natural black-pine soap and Soeder*
products, and any clothes washing can be done in the laundry room
downstairs.

Things you should know

The hotel prides itself on its eco-friendly initiatives. Set in
a certified minimal energy building, Alex uses its lakeside locale
to its benefit, harnessing the temperature of the lake to cool and
heat the building. In a bid to reduce waste, the hotel uses glass
bottles, compostable bags, no straws and endeavours to minimise the
use of plastic. All products found in the PureGray Spa are locally
made, primarily with SWISSLINE by Dermalab.

Within a short walk you’ll find…

Not a lot bar views of snow-capped Alps, but you can ask at
reception for the hotel’s speedboat to drop you off at the city,
where you can spend the day exploring Zurich’s cobbled alleys and
feasting on fondue.