Steigenberger Hotel Bellerive au Lac ★★★★

By the time I arrived at Steigenberger Bellerive au Lac, it was already approaching 10pm. I hadn’t eaten and was a little tired after having worked all day, but my mood was improved from my VeryChic automatic upgrade to a Double Super Lake View room. I found a very pleasantly spacious room that had contemporary art Deco, yet still welcoming, décor. I appreciated the clear attention to detail. Being able to choose from a pillow menu seems odd at first, until you realise pillow preference is a great human divider! I despise a flat cushion, as I want my head to feel like it’s floating on a plump, fluffy cloud, thank you very much. The best part of the room was, most certainly, the uninterrupted views I enjoyed of the lake from my own private balcony.

Time was ticking and I was yet to have dinner, so I quickly darted down to the restaurant, a little weary of being that burdensome person who orders five minutes before everybody was hoping to go home. The stylish and cosy restaurant, Vivus, serves rather innovative Swiss cuisine, a truly marvellous selection of wines and, luckily for me, dinner services runs from 7pm until 11pm. The staff were very accommodating towards my slightly tardy arrival, and there were still quite a few people dining around me so, phew, I was off the hook. After eating, the warm Vivus bar, with its richly deep toned décor, tempted me in for a quick nightcap before I retired for a good night’s sleep.

I awoke to a buffet breakfast, which I decided to enjoy, on the hotel terrace, with its panoramic view over the lake. I returned later that day, after a schedule of meetings, looking for some well-earned relaxation. I found it in the form of the spa and fitness centre, Spa World, which is a great place to unwind after a long day. Despite a small, equipped gym on offer, I opted for the sauna and steam room, instead.

Once work was out of the way, it was time to truly enjoy this attractive lakeside city. The Steigenberger Bellerive au Lac is located just a five-minute walk from Sechseläutenplatz and the opera house, and is only a 15 minute stroll from the main train station, meaning it can easily boast being in a prime location. The world-famous Zurich shopping mall, the Bahnhofstrasse, the business and financial centre surrounding Paradeplatz and the historical, old city centre can all be reached easily and comfortably on foot or, if you prefer, by tram.

Despite being known the world over as the hard working, wealthy financial sector of Switzerland, this artsy city is fast becoming one of the hippest destinations to head to in Europe.