Zürich Switzerland Luxury Hotels and Destination
Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Lake Zürich near the Limmat River, the beauty of Zürich, Switzerland will take your breath away. Zurich is the definition of true beauty with its historic charm, distant snow-capped mountains, and turn of the century mansions. A town full of such captivating beauty possesses some of the finest luxury boutiques imaginable. Although this town is still enthused by much tradition, Zürich booms with nightlife and cutting edge fashion, a prime destination for the luxury hotel visitor to enjoy the finer things in life. Zurich is filled with constant and spontaneous entertainment within short distance from your luxury boutique. Upon your elegant hotel stay, you may even see an elephant in the street when the circus comes to town. Zürich is a large metropolis area, without the usual pitfalls of big cities, which creates a fabulous setting for a luxury hotel escape. You can even drink the water from the charming Lake Zürich. Find an elegant luxury hotel to provide the pampering and sophistication you deserve as you embark on an exciting Zürich adventure.
Zürich Luxury Hotels
Zürich’s luxury hotels are located exactly where you need to be, minutes from the financial district, on the edge of beautiful Lake Zürich, or in the hills overlooking the city. The delightful boutique hotels provide superior amenities, fine dining atmospheres, and personable attentive service; all resulting in a memorable, relaxing luxury hotel experience. The architecture is breathtaking, the décor elegant, and the ambiance affirms you made the right choice by electing to stay at one of Zürich’s small luxury hotels.
Zürich History
The Romans initially established Zürich as a fortified customs post called Turicum in the first century BC. Legend has it that Felix and Regula, Roman Christians, and patron saints of Zürich, deserted their Roman legion and fled to the city. They were martyred by decapitation in the very spot Wasserkirche stands today; and shortly after, they carried their heads to the site they wished to be buried. Pilgrims came to pay respects to the saints, which led to the development of the eighth century tale of the horse falling to its knees at this very location, in deference to the buried saints. Charlemagne, the predecessor to the Grossmünster, built a church here. In the ninth century, relics of the saints were transferred to the Fraumünster, a newly built women’s convent forming a pilgrimage trail. Around the year 1220, the bridge known as the Münsterbrücke was constructed, linking the three sites. Traders of textiles, such as silk and wool created great wealth during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. By 1336, the merchant nobles were moved from power by the creation of workers’ guilds. The sixteenth century was the peak of Zürich’s power and prestige when it became the first Swiss city to embrace the reformation. However, after the adoption of Calvinism, fortunes declined. By the late nineteenth century, Zürich reinvented itself as the economic center of Switzerland. Its neutrality during World War I made Zürich a haven for dissidents. Lenin and James Joyce spent time here and the root of Dadaist art movement also traces back to this Swiss city. Zürich’s material complicity with the Nazis is still being uncovered, as the city became one of the world’s financial centers after World War II. Zurich is the fourth largest stock market, and the single most important market for gold and precious metals. Although Zürich has always had a reputation for being staid and stuffy, a recent relaxation of licensing laws has turned Zürich into a vibrant and trendy party town. Plan on residing at one of Zürich’s small luxury hotels and discover what makes this fabulous place tick.
Zürich Museums and Galleries
As you step out of the comfort of your luxury hotel, discover the many museums and galleries Zürich has to offer. There are many to choose from, one of the most famous being the Kunsthaus Zürich, where you will see classic Modern Art by artists such as Picasso, Braque and Munch. The Swiss National Museum exhibits Switzerland’s cultural history from prehistory to the present. The building itself is an architectural phenomenon, as it includes stylistic elements from various historical periods. Luxury hotel guests must not miss this ancient site. The Reitberg Museum is the only art museum for non-European cultures in Switzerland. The collection features Asian, African and Ancient American art. The Museum Buerhle, Museum of Design, and Jacob Coffee Museum are all very worthy of visitation and are located minutes away from your elegant hotel.
Zürich Attractions
The Zürich Zoo has recently added a taste of Madagascar; the Masoala Rainforest. This spectacular display of exotic animals is a sure sight to see, and luxury hotel travelers' cameras should be fully loaded for this experience. The zoo is a great change of pace from the luxury hotel setting, and you will find the amusing animals a more youthful entertainment than most museums.
The Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches must be seen not only for their beauty but also for the history that surrounds them. Enjoy the stained glass choir windows created by Marc Chagall that adorn the Fraumünster, Uetilberg. This popular hill is located just west of Zürich, and rises to an altitude of 813 meters, offering a spectacular view of the city. Luxury hotel visitors must also pay a visit to the Cabaret Voltaire where the Dada art movement was born.
There is plenty to see and do in Zürich. The luxury hotel concierge is your best resource if you are interested in taking a tour, or are in need of specific information regarding your itinerary.
Zürich Shopping
Zürich has several districts that are sure to please shoppers of all types. Step out of your luxury hotel onto the Bahnhofstrasse, Zürich’s most expensive and exclusive shopping destination featuring world famous designers such as Armani, Vuitton, Cartier, Chanel, and Dior, along with several department stores and high-end boutiques. Paradeplatz, a square at the Bahnhofstrasse, is where you will find Sprüngli Confiserie, a renowned chocolate shop and café that opened in 1859. This expensive piece of real estate is also headquarters to Switzerland’s two largest banks; USB and Credit Suisse Group. Zürich’s best boutiques are hidden along the narrow street between the Bahnhofstrasse and the Limmat River. These secret spots sell gorgeous antiques and collectibles that will provide every elegant hotel guest with the perfect souvenir to return home. Other areas where you will find excellent shopping are the Löwenstrasse, Niederdorf and Storchengasse. If you have something specific in mind, the luxury hotel concierge will gladly direct you to the best area for your purchase.
Zürich Nightlife
If you’re a night owl, Zürich has many venues that cater to every interest, an excellent source of entertainment when departing your elegant boutique for a Zurich evening out. You can enjoy Techno, Latin, Acid Jazz, live music, karaoke and clubs where DJ’s from all over the world spin the tunes. For a mellower atmosphere, luxury hotel guests should consider dropping into one of the open-air bars. The Niederdorf is Zürich’s nightlife district and the streets team with lively bar hoppers, a popular hangout location that luxury hotel visitors should check out. In the summertime, the places stay open until four in the morning. The luxury hotel concierge will be able to offer recommendations to suit your style and mood.
Zürich Dining
Zürich cuisine has traditionally been rich and hearty, making it a perfect fit with the leaded-glass and burnished-oak guildhalls that now serve as restaurants. Meat, mushrooms, potatoes, butter, and cream are the signature ingredients of a classic Zürich dish known as geschnetzeltes Kalbfleisch, a thick, milky, veal sautéed in butter topped with a rich cream sauce. Rösti potatoes (shredded and fried) are the perfect side to complete this delectable meal. Spaetzle, “little sparrows”, are a gnocchi style flour dough accompaniment that is often served. Bürli is a delicious treat that requires two hands upon consumption. In one hand, you will hold onto a sausage, with a roll in the other, alternating bites from each until devoured completely. Zürich’s newer and trendier restaurants lean toward lighter fair and innovation. The Blinde Kuh is a novel experience appealing to all luxury hotel guests, as diners eat in the dark and two thirds of the staff, with impaired vision, directs patrons through the evening meal. The idea and drive behind this singular restaurant is to gain insight into the world of the blind, as well as to savour your food in a unique manner. For trendy eateries such as this, consult your luxury hotel concierge. Cheese is also an intrinsic food item that you’ll see time after time on the menu. Whether it is raclette, or fondue there are a plethora of fine cheeses for the luxury hotel patron to enjoy and it is best enjoyed with a glass of wine. Without a doubt, Zürichers have a sweet tooth, proven by the countless pastry shops and cafés that serve exquisite truffles and delectable rich chocolate, appealing to every luxury hotel guest. Although reservations are necessary at some restaurants, the luxury hotel concierge can assist you with recommendations and bookings.
Zürich is a lovely destination getaway with first class elegant hotels that can be enjoyed anytime of the year you choose to visit. The attentive, sophisticated service, elegant guestrooms and suites that are available at Zürich’s luxury hotels make your Swedish getaway even more enjoyable. You are guaranteed to leave these high end Zurich luxury hotels, with complete satisfaction and unforgettable memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
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