Falkenstrasse 6, Zurich, Switzerland | (618) 248-8274
Housed in elegant
neo-Baroque building
Opposite Opera
House and one block from Lake Zurich
Outstanding
restaurant with superb mural on the wall
Remote-control
adjustable beds and pillow menu
Rooftop terrace
with lake and Alp views
Free and fast
Wi-Fi throughout
24-hour room service
Some rooms are small
Breakfast not included
No spa services or fitness center
The Ambassador à
l’Opéra is an upscale, boutique property across the street from the Opera House and just a block from Lake Zurich. The vibe and
general decor is traditional and elegant, if a bit staid (especially in the rooms, which can be small). In-room amenities are ample, with luxury touches including adjustable
beds and a pillow menu. The on-site restaurant is also outstanding and views from
the rooftop terrace are lovely. This all comes at
a premium price tag, unsurprising for one of the city's best upscale hotels -- the Hotel Glaernischhof is often cheaper but more corporate in style. Those who want more features, such as a spa and fitness center, may prefer the similarly priced Zurich Marriott Hotel.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Deluxe neo-baroque boutique hotel with opera-inspired art
Housed in what was formerly the Uto Castle, the Ambassador à l’Opéra's
neo-Baroque architecture -- complete with wrought-iron balconies, ornate
gables, and carved stonework -- still
very much exudes an aristocratic air. Built in 1898, this
privately managed boutique hotel retains a strong sense of tradition -- the ambience can even feel a little formal -- while interiors have been largely
brought up to date in a smart palette of black and gold. References to opera music
are dotted around the walls, while the hotel's pièce de résistance appears in the restaurant: a wonderful
freehand mural depicting various
operatic scenes. A single elevator services the hotel's five floors and also
carries guests to a rooftop terrace with views over the lake and the Alps beyond.
Location
Across from the Opera House and a block from Lake Zurich
The hotel is
located in Zurich's Seefeld quarter, across from the city's Opera House. Lake
Zurich -- with its pleasant quayside promenade -- is just a block away, while the
picturesque Old Town and famous Bahnhofstrasse -- one of the world's most
expensive and exclusive shopping streets -- is about 10 minutes away on foot or
two tram stops. There are plenty of tram connections in the immediate
surrounds, and the Stadelhofen station is a five-minute walk away. From here, guests can get to the Zurich Airport in under 10 minutes; it takes about
the same amount of time by cab (traffic permitting).
Rooms
Traditionally styled and oftentimes small rooms with Nespresso machines, some with balconies
The hotel has 45
rooms, each of which is traditionally decorated with tasseled floral-print drapes, old-fashioned etchings, and mostly antique-style
furnishings that neutral-tone striped wallpaper. Beds have wrought-iron
frames and are adjustable with a remote control, while a menu pillow with seven
different options is available to guests. Amenities include Nespresso coffeemakers, free fast Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with over
100 channels. All rooms also come with robes and slippers and a free bottle
of Swiss mineral water that's replaced daily. While some of the cheaper rooms are
on the small side, others are spacious and open up to small balconies. Turndown service is provided.
Features
Outstanding restaurant and panoramic rooftop terrace
Because the Ambassador is a smaller property, there's not a great deal in the way of on-site amenities. However, the
hotel's restaurant certainty stands out. Guests can start the day with a hearty
Swiss breakfast comprising bread, seasonal jams, fresh eggs, Swiss cheeses
and even Zurich's own sparkling wine (but note that breakfast isn't included in
standard rates). The restaurant is also known as one of the city's best seafood spots and
certainly features some of the most interesting art you'll find while dining around town. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace that's open during warmer weather with lounge chairs and lovely
panoramic views. There's also a parking lot next door and valet service (both for a fee). Fast Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
