Zurich | Experiencing The Living Circle

We recently heard about The Living Circle, a group of hand-picked hotels and restaurants in incomparably beautiful locations. On the shore of Lake Zurich, a newly renovated hotel was just added to the collective of first-class establishment. Are you eager to learn which one?

ALEX Lake Zurich

The idea to create a city & lake resort in Zurich is brilliant. While being a vibrant world-city, Zurich is also a place for people looking for a calm retreat. Hence, the offering of The Living Circle is great for both people who are on a business trip or for travelers spending a holiday in Switzerland.

Small luxury hotel

As latest addition to the collective, the hotel ALEX Lake Zurich joined. It is located on the Western shore of the iconic Swiss lake. Its unique position right on the water’s edge makes it one of the most stylish and elegant hotels in the Zurich area. Set across five floors and featuring a state-of-the-art stone and glass architectural design, Alex celebrated its opening in 2019.

As Zurich’s new luxury waterfront boutique hotel, it offers an elegant and modern style that incorporates harmonious colored, bespoke furniture with natural materials and textures. The interior design connects guests with the unspoiled scenery, clean air and waterside location. Made up by 42 modern studio suites and 2 penthouses, the property offers glorious lake views to its guests. Each studio offers a custom-made design kitchenette, dining and sitting area, master bedroom and en-suite bathroom. We particularly enjoy the direct lake view from both the private balcony. It is the perfect place to enjoy an espresso in the morning while getting mentally prepared for the day.

Widder by the lake

On the property of the ALEX Lake Zurich, the chefs of the pop-up restaurant Widder by the lake are spoiling guests with culinary highlights from the international cuisine of Tino Staub. In addition to his adored Widder signature dishes, Mediterranean creations can be enjoyed here. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that rice, vegetables, fruit and a whole array of exquisite products – including wine – is whisked fresh from The Living Circle's own farms directly to the guests' tables. In terms of location, the restaurant is situated in a very modern space with large windows. Guests get the impression to be sitting directly on the lake while dining. The simplistic interior design adds to an overall fantastic experience!

After a relaxing night, we get to enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the restaurant. We are surprised by the latte art skills of the breakfast team. It is truly rare to get served such a beautifully decorated cappuccino in a hotel. Next we indulge in freshly prepared eggs benedict while taking in the magnificent lake and mountain view. What a way to start into a new day!

Storchen & THE NEST

Right before noon, we leave the calm atmosphere of the ALEX Lake Zurich behind us and head for the city. We arrive at the 5-star Hotel Storchen, which is set in a unique location directly on the Limmat. The hotel has a very special relationship with the city of Zurich. A guest house stood here as long as 661 year ago. Today we are here to enjoy a wonderful lunch in the Barchetta Bar. Situated directly at the Limmat, we feel a bit like in Venice. Chef Fredi Nussbaum and his team prepare a wide variety of delicacies for the guests. We go for classics such as beef tartar and club sandwich but also for Italian-style gnocchi. With it, we pair a glass of champagne. Cheers!

A few floors higher, THE NEST Rooftop is situated. It truly embodies what the Storchen stands for: celebrating savoir vivre in all its wonderful forms – luxurious and unadulterated. From April to the end of October guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Zurich, the lake and the nearby Alps. It is surprising, that this incredible bar is still somewhat unknown. So make sure to visit next spring, before it gets too popular!

Widder Bar

In order to conclude our stay at The Living Circle in a proper way, we head to a place just off the world-renowned Bahnhofstrasse in the heart of Zurich’s historic old town. Here, we enter the Widder Hotel which is one of the most special and unusual boutique hotels in Zurich. We are here to have a drink at the iconic Widder Bar. It has been an institution of the Zurich bar scene for decades. Offering space and time for extended tea time in the afternoon, it becomes a nightlife hotspot later in the day.

As Zurich's cult bar it is especially well-known for its extensive range of whiskies. As aficionados, this is the perfect place for us. They even have their own Ascona Whisky and a special bottling from an Arran private cask. For gin-lovers, we recommend tasting the bar's very own Ascona Gin. Cheers!

Speaking of whisky, have you ever been to Scotland? Make sure to read this blogpost about the Scottish Highlands and its distilleries.