A bright, sunny morning in Zurich outside Widder Hotel.
140 Character Overview:
Boutique design hotel in the heart of Zurich with three fab restaurants reflecting the full spectrum of Swiss cuisine. Each room unique.
The Vibe:
The modern elevator banks set against a 700-year-old stone wall.
Hotel Widder’s lobby is a meticulous blend of modernism and antiquity with slick glass, chrome and steel elevator banks set against ancient stone walls, leather and high-gloss wood designer chairs in a library and one-0f-a-kind guest rooms, ranging from romantic to modern within nine medieval townhomes restored by architect Tilla Theus. The whole effect can feel slightly anachronistic and distinctly European or, perhaps more specifically, Swiss.
The penthouse suite not only boasts this sexy fireplace, but a private roof deck with panoramic views of the medieval city.
My room, pretty, bright with romantic Art Deco flourishes and fun pops of color.
Cozy little sitting area. I love the turquoise furniture.
Another view of the room with a modern, glass desk.
I loved how the accent pillows resembled candy wrappers.
The Location:
The view from my room at the quiet street below.
It’s a perfect location in the heart of the city, an easy walk to the Limmat River, Lake Zurich and all the shopping and historic attractions of this quaint and well-contained city. Zurich also boasts some of the most efficient public transportation in Europe allowing you to easily explore the outer stretches of the city.
F & B:
With three distinct restaurants ranging from fine dining, rustic chic and casual, you will get a true taste of Switzerland at Widder. At Wirtschaft Zur Schtund, a cozy “snuggery” overlooking the pedestrian street outside the hotel, I enjoyed an indulgent tart flambée Lorraine made with the pungent single cream curd cheese ubiquitous to Switzerland. It was like a ridiculously rich pizza on a thin, flaky crust sprinkled with crunchy lardon. Heaven.
The bomb-town tart flambée. Yes, I ate it all.
Widder Restaurant is a true luxury experience where white-gloved waiters find every opportunity to shave fresh truffles onto your four- five- or six-course tasting menu. We ended our meal here with Champagne inside their wine vault while sampling a variety of cheeses.
Fromage, fromage and more fromage! Or, in Zurich’s German: käse, käse and more käse.
August is like the trendy, rustic cousin of the trio of restaurants with a high-energy dining room of communal butcher block tables and a checkered tile floor. The menu consists of fancy meats and cheeses meant to be mixed, matched and shared.
They’ve also got an awesome little speakeasy-style bar lined in tufted red leather with moody lighting, live jazz music and a whimsically playful cocktail menu.
The Specs:
42 rooms and 7 suites
3 restaurants
1 bar
Gym
Free WiFi
Nightly rates from around $609
The Verdict:
A truly classy and comfortable stay in the heart of Zurich with stellar dining and hospitality. Even if you don’t splurge and stay here, come for a meal at one of Widder’s restaurants.
On a perch at the Lindenhof park near the Widder overlooking the river with my girl Michelle (right).
Shayne’s Checklist:
Bathrobe:Â Yes.
Conditioner:Â Yes.
Bed Comfort Level:Â 3 Stars (out of 5)
