This is one of Zurich’s best five-star hotels that has been in the hands of the same family since it was established more than 150 years ago. The location, close to the lake, is excellent and the hotel combines this with a spectacular interior and a highly personal service. Whether you can justify the cost will depend on your personal circumstances.

The hotel’s front rooms overlook the lake, the canal and the lawns of its private park. All rooms and bathrooms are generous in size and the décor is elegant and classy. There is an attention to detail that provides a very comfortable and relaxing ambiance. The signature classic décor gleams with rich fabrics and fine furniture. The bathrooms are marble all round and there are elegant fittings due to the recent refurbishment of most rooms.

Rooms are air-conditioned and have a mini-bar, safe, satellite/cable TV, pay TV showing the latest movies, two telephone lines, wireless internet access, a modem/fax connection and a full-size work desk. International newspapers are provided free of charge. The standard of service was above the ordinary, as it should be for these prices.

The spacious hotel lobby has plenty of class and elegance. This is a place to meet business contacts for an aperitif or a nightcap. There are a choice of restaurants depending on the time of the year. Between February and October light, finely balanced meals are served in the glassed-in Le Pavillion in the park along the canal. From October to April haute cuisine is served in the glowing Restaurant Francais. The Rive Gauche Restaurant and Bar is open all year, but not on a Sunday. This is an informal downtown restaurant featuring traditional and classical dishes presented in a trendy manner. I like its elegant bar. Here appetizers are CHF28, soups CHF13, mains CHF28-49 and desserts CHF17. My recommendation is the lemon tart at CHF9.50. On Sunday, La Terrasse has a Sunday brunch from April to September and cool drinks and snacks during the day.

The hotel has a fitness club on the top floor with nice views to the lake and city. You can book a massage or relax in the solarium. There is a barber/beauty salon and a dance club called the Diagonal in the basement. A limousine service is available from the railway station or the airport.