Left: The Home is part of the vibrant Sihlcity lifestyle precinct. (Credit: David Bowden) | Right: The Home Hotel Zürich is a design hotel located on a former paper mill site. (Credit: The Home Hotel Zürich)
It is a long flight from Singapore to Zürich on SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines), but checking in to The Home Hotel Zürich mid-morning was the best way to recover.
While not the capital of Switzerland (it’s Bern), Zürich is the air gateway and economic powerhouse of this landlocked nation. There is a cool hipster art scene fuelled by a vibrant student community in Zürich, and the hotel’s design elements reflected this. Cities don’t get much more picturesque—with Lake Zürich surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the historic centre of Niederdorf, and the Limmat River. However, Zürich is an understated city, with its tallest building being just 126m high (Prime Tower).
No place like Home
Walking into The Home Hotel Zürich, it was immediately apparent as to why it is a Design Hotel. During my time at the hotel, I learnt of its free-spirited, eccentric, and unabashedly creative direction. The 20th-century avant-garde art movement known as Dada was the inspiration for the hotel’s quirky interior.
The Home is located in a repurposed factory situated in Sihlcity, a new development located between the Sihl River and Zurich’s city centre. The complex houses shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas, and nightlife options to entertain hotel guests. The hotel entrance is via an avenue of colourful flags that continues into the mall.
The hotel entrance is discreet; however, the lobby is most welcoming with its central, but faux, fireplace. I soon realised the flickering flames were artificial, yet they still provided a calming distraction.
The property’s 132 guestrooms, including six suites (some with kitchens), use a warm, earthy colour palette throughout.
Just off the entrance, LouLou French Grill and Raw Bar Zürich combine French culinary traditions with global tastes while prioritising local ingredients. The wine list is just as impressive, with several wines sourced from wine estates located on the northern shore of Lake Zürich. During my lunch of pasta with truffle sauce and freshly shaved aromatic truffles, I enjoyed two local wines—a Pinot Blanc from Weingut Diederik and a Blaufränkisch from Weingut Bauer.
Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening, a DJ transforms the adjoining LivingRoom & Bar into a chilled space with cool and subtle sounds. I was informed that comedians, musicians, and writers often host nights of laughter, music, and readings here. At other times, I enjoyed relaxing here with a drink and a book from the shelves. Patrons can expect classic cocktails, creative drinks, and fine wines, ranging from local standouts to international favourites.
Beyond The Home
While I could have easily stayed around Sihlcity, venturing out using the tram network was a breeze. From the main train station, I walked along the Limmat River to where it entered Lake Zürich.
Niederdorf, or the Old Town, is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets, passages, and alleyways lined with bars, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and clubs. I enjoyed a most pleasant late afternoon drink at Seerose, which is right on the Limmat River.
One of my favourite dining destinations was Schipfe 16, a city-owned restaurant with a social mission to provide valuable employment for those in need. The riverside spot is unbeatable, and the food is very creative.
After walking around Zürich for a short while, it becomes apparent how clean the waters of the river and lake are. The clarity and cleanliness of the setting led to the suggestion of having a seafood dinner at Fischerstube, a restaurant specialising in seafood. Walking along the historic quay and parklands on the northern side of the lake was part of the fun of dining here. I arrived at sunset and ordered lake perch to round out a wonderful day of exploring the city.
Naturally, Swiss chocolates are available everywhere, with Lindt, Cailler, and Frey being the most common. Sprüngli is Zürich’s designer chocolatier, with several outlets in the city and the airport, while Läderach provides serious competition. However, my favourite was Conditorei Schober (Café & Conditorei 1842) in the Old Town (Niederdorf). It was like walking into a cake shop from two centuries ago, where I struggled to choose between strudel, eclairs, Gugelhupf cake, and the lime tart.
As dining is not cheap in Zürich, I also ate more affordable burgers and street food like kebabs, pizza, and sausages (würst). By no means was the würst, the worst meal I had in the city.
While Switzerland is a small country, it is packed with wondrous places to see and adventurous activities to do. It is worth spending time in Zürich and staying at the wonderful Home Hotel Zürich, a most welcoming home away from home.
Getting there and about
SWISS flies daily from Singapore with convenient connections from Kuala Lumpur. Switzerland is one of the best-connected countries in the world, so if you are planning to travel beyond Zürich for a few days, consider a Swiss Travel Pass for efficient and comfortable travel on most public transport.
Where to stay
Located southwest of the city centre, The Home Hotel Zürich is close to Wollishofen, which exudes a laid-back residential vibe backdropped by picturesque landscapes along Lake Zürich. The hotel is a short tram ride (No. 13) from Zurich’s main train station and a 30-minute train ride from the airport.
Useful information
Malaysians don’t require a visa to visit Switzerland.
Visit the following websites for more information on travelling to Switzerland and Zürich.
