Swissotel Zurich

First opened in 1972 as the Hotel International Zurich, this towering 32-story property became the Swissotel Zurich in 1980 and remains the tallest hotel in Zurich (and at 347 rooms it also qualifies as the fourth-largest hotel in Switzerland). Despite its 1970s heritage, the property has aged well and a 2014 renovation of the lobby transformed it into a hip and stylish space with funky furnishings, minimalist natural-wood check-in desks, and a general air of contemporary chic. A huge metallic lump of Swiss cheese adds a playful tone, while open-plan lounges provide a feeling of spaciousness. There's also direct access from the lobby into a few shops -- including a Starbucks -- and there's a pair of elevators that transport guests all the way up to the top-floor spa, which features stunning panoramic views of Zurich and beyond. 

The hotel is located in the Oerlikon district of Zurich, a 10-minute drive north of the city center. The surroundings are a mixture of residential and commercial spaces, and the neighborhood is home to a number of office blocks as well as two shopping malls and several restaurants. The Oerlikon train station is right across the street; it connects to the central Zurich HB station in under 10 minutes and Zurich Airport, to the north of the city, in just five minutes. 

Most of the hotel's 347 rooms are decorated with modern clean-lined furnishings in neutral tones, while some of the older rooms have a less contemporary polish and are awaiting renovations. In-room amenities include minibars, flat-screen satellite TVs, and ergonomic desk chairs, but Wi-Fi costs extra. Rooms are on the small side, though higher-level rooms have impressive views of the city and beyond, even as far as the Alps on clear days. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, with Swiss-made bath products and rainfall showers in Premier Rooms. 

The hotel's Le Muh restaurant is a chic and contemporary space with industrial decor touches and a sleek, modern vibe. It's open all day, and offers a decent -- but expensive -- buffet breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, yogurts, and cereal. Lunch and dinner menus incorporate local ingredients cooked up in an open show kitchen. The top floor houses a particularly impressive spa featuring a large sauna, a gym with a rack of weights and cardio equipment featuring individual TVs, a whirlpool hot tub, and an indoor zero-edge swimming pool with views to the horizon.