Address: Steigenberger Bellerive du Lac, Utoquai 47, Ch0008 Zurich, Switzerland
Telephone: (+41) 1 254 40 00
Web address: www.steigenberger.de
First impressions: The functional lobby belies the warm atmosphere of the hotel. Run by a small staff, it's friendly and efficient. And it has a great position by the lakeside.
The rooms: All 51 rooms are blessed with a view of the lake and have small balconies from which to take in the scene. You get less space on the top floor, but all rooms are sufficiently well-designed to feel uncluttered. There is one particularly impressive suite complete with turreted roof garden, jacuzzi and even a private sauna.
The bathrooms: The Steigenberger is big on mirrors and reflective chrome. There's no hiding place for the toothbrush here.
The restaurant: The best seats are on the glass veranda with lake views. Mediterranean influences dominate the menu. There's also the opportunity to extend your culinary aptitude in the hotel's kitchens under the expert tutelage of chef Sven.
What else can you do there? You could go to the piano bar in the evening, get some R&R in the sauna, or hire a boat on the lake. You can also phone home from your room without the usual worry of a devastating bill. In fact, Steigenberger policy means their phones are cheaper than callboxes. Several calls to a mobile in England cost just a few francs.
What is there to see within walking distance? The hotel is pretty central; you can reach Zurich's old town or its shopping centre on foot in less than 15 minutes. Trams run past the hotel.
How much? Singles from 210 Swiss francs (£90) including breakfast at weekends; a two-night autumn package for two sharing a double room from 167 Swiss francs (£72) per person.
