Finding Home in Zürich at the Alma Hotel
This post was written in collaboration with the Alma Hotel in Zürich. As is the case for all of my hotel reviews, the opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
During my most recent travels through Switzerland, I had the opportunity to stay at the newly re-opened Alma Hotel in Zürich’s chic Seefeld area.
Does this striking villa offer trendy lodging, a stone’s throw from Zürich’s famous lake? Absolutely. But the Alma provides so much more than merely stylish accommodation that ticks all the boxes.
Many of my readers will know that I’ve basically been on the road since August 2021, spending anywhere from 3 nights to 3 months in a destination. This kind of lifestyle, as exhilarating as it is, comes with a longing after a while – a yearning for some sense of home.
And that’s exactly what I got the moment I stepped into the Alma Hotel. Contributing to this sense of homecoming were the spacious, sun-soaked rooms, the inviting common areas and the guest kitchen – a rare feature for a 3-star hotel. In fact, staying at the Alma was like living in a big house, but with as much privacy as you desire.
Read on to explore this cozy, unique hotel in Zürich Seefeld with me!
A Hotel Run by Women on a Mission
The art nouveau villa housing the Alma ventured into hospitality in 2000. At the time, it was called Hotel LADYs FIRST, owned by the Alma’s parent company, Sinn und Gewinn Hotels.
As the name “LADYs FIRST” would indicate, the hotel provided rooms exclusively for female travellers until 2002. From then on, male guests were also welcome. In 2021, the LADYs FIRST closed its doors for renovations. It was reborn as the Alma in April 2022.
Still today, the Alma Hotel is run by an entirely female team and is very involved in social and community initiatives. One of the hotel’s floors is made up of long-stay apartments, reserved for local female retirees. Several times a week, the Alma’s beautiful rooftop hosts yoga sessions organized by a nearby studio.
A Prime Location in a Chic Residential Area
Stepping out of the Alma Hotel, you can see Lake Zürich glistening at the end of the street.
As you can imagine, it’s super easy to pop over to the lakeshore for a jog (if you’re that motivated on holiday) or slip out of bed early and grab your camera for a sunrise photo session without the crowds.
Not only is the Alma steps from the lake, but this Seefeld hotel is also a stone’s throw from a plethora of bustling restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
Looking to go further afield? A tram will whisk you to Zürich’s Old Town, Opera House and Central Station in under 10 minutes. Indeed, staying at the Alma allows you to experience local neighbourhood life in Zürich, while still being within proximity of the city’s touristic highlights.
The Features Making the Alma Unique
If you’re looking for a hotel in Zürich that has a ton of extras, you’ll love the Alma!
Spacious, Sunny Rooms
I’ll start by saying this: I’ve lived in studio apartments smaller than my room at the Alma. The sense of space was further accentuated by two large windows, which let in a ton of natural light.
In terms of amenities, guests can enjoy a comfortable bed, a full bathroom (including tub and shower), plenty of shelves, a sitting area, desk and TV. Little extras like the hairdryer and power converter were welcomed additions.
As for the aesthetics, cheerful colours, wooden floors and high ceilings further reinforce the impression that you’re staying in someone’s home, rather than at a hotel.
The Rooftop Terrace
The Alma Hotel’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the rooftop terrace. Not only do you get views over Lake Zürich and Seefeld’s elegant buildings, but on clear days, you can see all the way to the snowcapped Alps.
Why not relax in one of the lounge chairs with a good book, sip some coffee in the sun, or join one of the aforementioned yoga classes, open to both guests of the hotel and the local community?
The Rose Garden
The rose garden is definitely one of the more unique features of this Zürich Seefeld hotel. And even better, during my stay towards the end of May, the roses were in full bloom!
The Ladies-Only Spa and Sauna
Another one of the Alma’s defining features is the ladies-only spa and sauna. This little haven of peace provides some much-needed R&R for weary travellers.
The only question is, will you try the Finnish sauna or the bio sauna first? Or perhaps you’d like to start with a steam bath. In any case, don’t forget to extend your me-time by lounging on the cherry stone beds!
The calming atmosphere of the Alma’s beautiful sauna is guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Vegetarian Breakfast Buffet
While travelling, it can sometimes be difficult to find hotels sensitive to dietary requirements. But here again, the Alma shines.
In fact, guests have access to a daily vegetarian buffet breakfast with a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options, many homemade.
Unlimited Coffee & Tea (Incl. Vegan Milk)
What’s more, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea all day long. This, naturally, is perfect for caffeine addicts like me!
The Alma Hotel’s coffee machine whips up all the classics – you can even choose between dairy and oat milk for your beverages. This is yet another small touch that means the world to people with dietary restrictions.
A Kitchen for Guest Use
Not everyone wants to eat out on holiday all the time, which is something that the Alma Hotel has accounted for. Guests have access to a full kitchen on the ground floor.
While I did not personally use the kitchen for more than washing my hands, I can say that it was in spotless condition. Had I stayed in Zürich longer, I definitely would have taken advantage of this very practical feature!
The Alma: A Hotel I Could Have Moved Into
In a world of standard accommodation options, especially when hovering around the same price point as the Alma, this Zürich hotel is a breath of fresh air. I would gladly have dropped my suitcase on the floor and stayed for quite some time, had that been a possibility!
The Alma’s unique features, homey atmosphere and great location all contributed to creating an exceptional “home away from home”, which I’d invite you to experience next time you’re in Zürich!
Read more about the Alma Hotel on their website and Instagram.
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