By Don Heimburger
Ah….walking along the wide pedestrian walkways on Lake Zurich’s east side in Zurich on a bright, sunny day, is worth at least one trip to your stress doctor. It’s a pleasant walk, and the view is great. Down the street called Utoqaui, right on the banks of the lake, is a first-class hotel called the Bellerive Au Lac, part of the Steigenberger Hotel Group.
Situated about a mile from the center of Zurich, you can take a local tram to get there if you come in from the main train station or the airport (about 7 miles from the airport). The Bellerive Au Lac is not well seen from the backside or the street the tram takes you down, so you may have to ask for directions. With 47 rooms and four suites, it’s not an exceptionally large hotel, but it does include two very fine restaurants and a bar, as well as a winter garden area. The food, and wine, is delectable in the restaurant, and the winter garden atmosphere is tops.
For meetings, the facility offers six conference rooms for up to 60 people and limo service on request. Fitness area, sauna, solarium and massage are part of the wellness offerings of the hotel.
TripAdvisor posted two reviews from people who stayed at the Bellerive:
“We had a nice stay in this hotel. Our room was updated, clean, and our room had a fantastic view of the lake and downtown Zurich. The hotel’s location is a 10- minute walk along the lake to central downtown Zurich. The hotel staff was very friendly and as helpful as you needed them to be. The breakfast buffet was more than acceptable as was the service. Zurich is a beautiful clean city and the views of the lake are spectacular. We will definitely stay in this hotel during our next trip to Zurich.”
And another review states: “Just back from my tenth or so stay at the Steigenberger. Once again, from the moment of check-in to the time of departure, the reception staff was magnificent. The room was spotless, as always, and stylishly comfortable. Views over the lake were amazing, especially with a summer thunderstorm rolling in. Breakfast hearty and comprehensive, interent access via wi-fi fast, though pricy. Looking forward to my next visit to Zurich, a trip always enhanced by staying at this great little hotel.”
Rates for one double bed, 1920s-style textiles and design furnishings, balcony, internet connection, air conditioning, satellite television, direct-dial phone, safe, minibar, complimentary fruit bowl, bathroom with hair dryer, bathrobes and toiletries, non-smoking room, was quoted as $415 U.S. dollars.
For further information, go to www.zuerich.steigenberger.ch or e-mail to bellerive@steigenberger.ch.
European Traveler 