Stepping into the La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich is like entering the visionary mind of industrialist designer and architect Philippe Starck. The free-spirited Frenchman, known for his out-of-the-box approach to the design of everything from superyachts to the Elysee Palace interiors, unveiled the 115-year-old hotel’s transformation in 2020 just as Covid-19 hit.
Behind the French empire-style façade on the shores of Lake Zurich, the grandeur remains, but reimagined with Starck’s rebellious ingenuity. The designer stripped away decades of paper and plaster to bring the building back to brick, adding large slabs of swirling monochrome marble, hard wood floors and an abundance of the same tan leather that covers the designer’s famed ‘Eurostar’ chairs.
Part of hospitality magnate Michel Reybier’s portfolio, which includes La Reserve Geneve and La Reserve Ramatuelle on the French Riviera, Starck drew on nautical influences to create ‘an imaginary yacht club.’ This translates in details such as the anchor-inspired form of the steel dining tables at the hotel’s Michelin-starred Eden Kitchen, and individual lightbox-backed black and white photographs of yachts outside rooms and suites which display room numbers on their sails. The result is undeniably chic and contemporary, with maritime touches subtle enough to ensure you do not feel like you are about to set sail.
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Stay
All 40 rooms and suites at La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich are created as what are described as ‘on-shore sailor’s cabins.’ These are accessed by a glass elevator that zooms guests past colorful stained glass windows adorning each floor, created by Starck’s artist daughter, Ara.
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There are eight different room categories to choose from, all a mix of sleek mahogany and bearbrick softened with billowing drapes, that same tan leather and Starck’s signature metallic lighting. Many come with spectacular lake views but the best vistas belong to the Lake View Suite. Occupying a corner position on the fifth floor, it is encased by antique wrought iron balconies. With sumptuous interiors and marble bathroom, the one bedroom suite can be expanded to incorporate an extra bedroom.
The larger Eden Suite on the third floor also offers excellent views from multiple elegant balconies. It too can be expanded to become a two-bedroom transforming it into a city pad spanning 1,130 sq ft.
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Dine
On the top floor is Peruvian-Japanese restaurant La Muna. Situated in the former attic, it artfully resembles a retro harbor master’s office. On the menu you’ll discover ceviche, sushi and gyoza crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients paired with an excellent wine list. The space also boasts two roof terraces with some of the city’s best lakeside views.
On the ground floor, Eden bar is a fashionable spot for cocktails, whilst dinner at Michelin-starred Eden Kitchen is unmissable. From an emerald tiled open kitchen, chef Marco Ortolani and his team prepares playful creations inspired by his Italian roots and global experiences, all with minimum food waste. The seasonal menu is split into pasta, carne e pesce and classisci, from which you can select a couple of dishes that will surprise and delight in equal measure.
The attentive wait staff explain each dish thoroughly, but we recommend you don’t leave without trying the signature squid carbonara which substitutes pasta for fine laces of squid. The king crab tagliolini, seasonal fish dishes and beef filet with truffle sauce are also good choices. Save room for the ice cream which is prepared like a chemistry experiment tableside using liquid nitrogen at minus 200°C and decked in chocolate pearls and dehydrated raspberries resembling popping candy.
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Relax
Tailored in-room massages are offered utilizing Swiss brand Necens products. There is also a petite fitness room, but it is the exterior fitness and wellness offerings that shine at La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich.
Across the street is one of the city’s premier lake bathing houses, Badi Utoqai, to which guests have unlimited access. Reception will provide you with an embroidered rattan bag with everything you need to unwind in the sun and take a dip in the picturesque waters of Lake Zurich. If you are feeling adventurous you can also take advantage of one of the hotel’s paddle boards.
Guests also have access to the state-of-the-art fitness facilities, classes and sauna at Fitnesspark Stadelhofen a few minutes walk away.
Explore
Located in the heart of dynamic Zurich, steps away from the city’s iconic 19th-century opera house, exploring is easy. The friendly concierge team can arrange a private after-hours tour of the famed Kunsthaus in Zurich’s Old Town, housing works by Monet, Munch, Picasso and van Gogh which – only 15 minutes away by foot.
Exclusive shopping is also in easy reach at the luxury boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, home to world leading fashion houses, jewelers and watchmakers.
The hotel has a fleet of e-bikes as well as an electric car service but its most glamorous mode of transport is the Eden Shuttle, a boat which will take you to some of the lake’s most prized locations.
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