Right

Right
in the heart of Zurich’s old town and a mere five-minute
stroll from the central train station, the exquisite Widder Hotel couldn’t be better
placed for a
weekend break in Switzerland’s most dynamic city. Comprising of
nine formerly distinct medieval townhouses dating back to the
1400s, the hotel is both an intriguing history lesson and an
architectural marvel, painstakingly restored and renovated by Swiss
architect Tilla Theus over a 10-year period. Converting alleyways
into corridors, overlaying centuries-old stone walls with glass and
chrome and creating gradual transitions where one house merges into
the next, the ambitious transformation has resulted in a designer
stay that successfully blends several chapters of history with
supremely modern architecture.

A wander through the hotel (if you can do it without getting
lost) will reveal uniquely curated spaces in every corner, from the
dimly lit library criss-crossed with weathered wooden beams to the
five distinct restaurants and bars. And once you’ve explored every
nook and cranny, Zurich‘s
winding laneways await just beyond the hotel doors.

Rooms

In keeping with the rest of the building, each of Widder Hotel’s
49 luxurious rooms is unique – and we don’t just mean the colour
scheme. You’ll want to spend a night in every one, from the
top-floor space-age loft suite, which spreads out over two levels
and will have you sleeping underneath a futuristic hanging
sculpture, to one of the more demure junior suites featuring aged
beams, leather couches and shaggy floor rugs. This doesn’t mean
they’ve sacrificed amenities for design – you’ll find a
complimentary mini bar, coffee machine, Bang & Olufsen stereo,
adjustable mattress and iPad in every suite. Meanwhile, the
bathrooms are an experience in themselves, with hydro massage
showers that will either lull you to sleep or pummel you into
wakefulness while you catch up on the news (yes, there’s a
television in the bathroom) – if you can figure out how to work the
high-tech control pad.

What’s for breakfast?

Head down to the AuGust brasserie for a full breakfast spread,
with a cold buffet and menu of classic morning dishes to choose
from. Blue skies outside? Nab a table on the patio and enjoy your
French toast in the sun – preferably with a mimosa on the side.

How about lunch and dinner?

Head to the Widder Bar & Kitchen for international flavours,
Al Fresco in the outdoor courtyard for grilled meats and fresh
salads, Wirtschaft Zur Schtund for cheesy tarte flambée or back to
AuGust for traditional Swiss dishes.

Is there a bar?

As well as the 39-page-strong list of wine, spirits and
cocktails you’ll find at Widder Bar & Kitchen, the hotel also
hosts a regular pop-up bar in Widder Garage – one that’s as popular
with Zurich’s hip party crowd as it is with the out-of-towners.
Styled with bookcases full of vinyl records, glittering disco balls
and retro furniture, it’s less like a hotel bar and more like the
cool hotspot everyone’s hanging out at back home.

Within a short distance you’ll find…

What won’t you find? The sights of Zurich’s old town are on the
doorstop, while there’s plenty of shopping, dining and drinking
options all within a five-minute walk.