
Zurich's Widder Hotel: A Masterpiece Of Design & Imagination
The Widder Hotel is routinely ranked among the best hotels in Zurich, the picture-perfect city best known for Swiss banking that ranks at the top of world metropolises for its quality of life.
The Widder is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary yet it's a hotel that defies expectations and rewires your brain. It was recently awarded two Michelin keys for it high level of service and five star comforts, but architecturally, it's not a classic hotel. It's a clever puzzle created out of nine townhouses dating back as far as the 15th century, where the alleyways are now corridors, the ceilings retain their vintage beams, and there are glass-walled elevators. A piece of a Roman stone wall was unearthed, and the hotel was built around it, yet the furnishings are a casting call for mid-century modern masterpieces by the likes of Charles and Ray Eames, Mies van der Rohe, Eileen Gray, and Le Corbusier.
Guestroom at the Widder Hotel.
Yet that still doesn't paint the entire picture. Imagine you had a rich, eccentric uncle with an unlimited budget and excellent but quirky taste who could piece such a hotel together in the heart of the medieval maze of Zurich, on a street called Rennweg, filled with classic Swiss design shops in houses of a similar vintage. For Zurich architect Tilla Theus, creating the hotel was a painstaking process that took a decade, enlisting a small army of designers, contractors, and conservators. It's a mashup of design imagination and restoration that set the bar three decades ago for what constitutes a hotel.
A loft at the Widder Hotel
Each of the 49 guest rooms is different and ranges from cozy rooms with leaded glass windows, marquetry, and parquet to a pop art loft that looks like it's straight from New York's Chelsea neighborhood, circa 1970. Artwork by Hans Arp, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Max Bill, Serge Poliakoff, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Alberto Giacometti can be found throughout the property. Yet The Widder is not an art hotel. It's a living, breathing hotel that is also supremely comfortable. The rooms feel more like apartments; if you want to stay put, you can gaze out onto the pedestrian-filled Rennweg and not feel like you're missing anything.
Guestroom at the Widder Hotel.
Classic Eames lounge chairs are ubiquitous, and you might feel, as I did, that you are simultaneously in a work of art, that eccentric uncle's historic home, and a sleekly high-tech, high-touch hotel. Service is friendly but discreet, something the Swiss have mastered like few others.
The Widder Bar.
The Widder Bar is a high point of any stay, drawing in well-dressed and well-heeled patrons to a mirrored bar that boasts (a very un-Swiss-like thing to do) of having more than 650 whiskies and 1,200 spirits. In summer, the Widder Garden is open for alfresco lounging. There are two restaurants: the Widder Restaurant, where Chef Stefan Heilemannich has been awarded two Michelin stars, and the brasserie-like Boucherie AuGust. The latter was my choice, a lively room that felt like an upscale butcher shop turned restaurant with as many locals as hotel guests. Expect classic Swiss mountain fare, including an array of sausages, sliced veal Zurich-style in a cream sauce with mushrooms, homemade pâtés, terrines pates, and beef tartare.
Boucherie AuGust at the Widder Hotel.
The Widder gives you the feeling of being in the center of things, and you are more or less in the very heart of this amazing city. The Bahnhofstrasse and the Hauptbahnhof, the central train station, are a few minutes walk away. The city's best sights are as well, like the Grossmünster church, the Opera House, and the waterfront park on Lake Zurich.
The Widder belongs to a small hospitality group called The Living Circle, which includes hotels, restaurants, organic farms, and a vineyard in Ascona, in the southern Swiss canton of Ticino. Sister properties include another of Zurich's storied city-center luxury hotels, the Storchen, a few minutes away by foot, and the Alex Lake Zurich, a white-clad International Style resort located about 20 minutes outside the city on the shores of Lake Zurich.
I loved the Widder for its design, location, and somewhat cheeky attitude towards stuffiness. Brilliantly designed but remarkably unselfconscious, it may be the quintessential Zurich hotel.
Details at the Widder Hotel.
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Forbes
6 hours ago
- Forbes
Daniel Calvert Would Love It If You Were Hungry When You Visit Sézanne
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USA Today
14 hours ago
- USA Today
Cool off and slow down at these 14 family resorts with the best lazy rivers
I'm never one to turn down the peace and quiet of a lazy river on a busy family vacation. It's probably where you'll find me, my husband, and any of the other parents we're traveling with whenever we're at a resort, while our teenagers are off racing down waterslides or otherwise avoiding their parents. But not all lazy rivers are created equal. The best ones offer enough inner tubes so there's always one available when you're ready to float, along with a ride that feels more like a meandering journey than a quick loop. Bonus points for fun features like music, lights, and a uniquely themed design. Here are my picks for the best hotels with lazy rivers in the US that are loaded with kid-friendly features and parent-pleasing perks. LAZY RIVERS AROUND THE WORLD: 11 best all-inclusive resorts with lazy rivers in Mexico and the Caribbean 1. Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach Pensacola Beach, Florida The new Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach is home to one of the largest lazy rivers on the Florida Panhandle. At 315 feet long, the 60,000-gallon water ride takes you past palm trees, three waterfalls, and the resort's zero-entry pool. Book one of the King Beachfront Suites that include bunk beds for the kiddos, then spend your days at the pool area or on the white-sand beach. RESORT REVIEW: I've been to every Beaches Resort: Here's why I think it's worth the money A complimentary hot breakfast is available each day, and Fish Heads bar and grill offers fish tacos, cheeseburgers, and tropical cocktails with views of the Gulf of Mexico. (You can always work off your dining excesses at the fitness center overlooking Santa Rosa Sound.) The 11-story, 209-room resort also considered function along with fun; it was built with windows that can withstand Category 5 hurricane winds and structural pilings that go down more than seven stories to help it withstand any storm that comes its way. 2. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort Orlando, Florida Take your next theme park vacation up a notch with a stay at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The hotel's on-site Disney Planning Center, complimentary motorcoach transportation to the parks, and early theme park entry make visiting the Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios a breeze. But when you need a break from the rides and shows, the AAA Five Diamond resort offers amenities like the five-acre Explorer Island water park. It's at the water park where you'll find a lazy river with spray cannons, a waterfall, and a rapids section, along with two waterslides, a splash zone, and a zero-entry pool. Grownup guests will appreciate the on-site spa, golf course, and the resort's Michelin-starred rooftop Capa Steakhouse, while the younger members of the family will love spending time at the complimentary kids and teen clubs. 3. Camelback Lodge Tannersville, Pennsylvania You can have fun all year round at Camelback Lodge, which is part of Camelback Resort in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains. The eight-story mountain hotel is home to two lazy rivers, one of which is at the seasonal Camelbeach, the Pocono Mountains' largest outdoor water park. At Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, it's always 84 degrees and the sun shines through North America's largest Texlon transparent roof. In addition to braving more than a dozen waterslides here, you can also grab a tube and float down The Lost River. Sound effects, LED lights, and features like waterfalls and arching sprays add some excitement to the nearly 500-foot not-so-lazy river. The resort also features another indoor fun zone with an arcade, rock-climbing wall, ropes course, and bumper cars, and adventure awaits outdoors on the mountainside no matter the time of year. More mountain vacation ideas: 4. Kingsmill Resort Williamsburg, Virginia You can go back in time by visiting Colonial Williamsburg but still enjoy modern luxuries with a stay at Kingsmill Resort. Situated on the historic James River, the condominium resort offers standard guest rooms along with a range of multi-bedroom options for families of all sizes. At the seasonal River Pool, there's a winding lazy river that overlooks the real one nearby, as well as a waterslide and pool bar. You can also enjoy another outdoor pool and an indoor pool at the resort's Sports Club, which recently went through a multimillion-dollar renovation. Kingsmill is well-known for its three 18‐hole championship golf courses, but it also offers 15 tennis courts, a full-service marina, and a spa. 5. Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach Panama City Beach, Florida The 5,000-square-foot lazy river at the Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach takes you on a route that travels alongside the hotel's Gulf of Mexico beachfront. The length of almost two football fields and more than 81,000 gallons, the lazy river boasts a zero-depth entry and underwater speakers providing a splashtastic soundtrack. The resort also offers a kiddie pool, water playground, and lagoon-style pool where dive-in movies are screened in the evening (from March 1 to October 1). Gulf-front rooms all have private balconies, and other amenities include a spa and fitness center, daily activities for kids ages five to 12, and four on-site restaurants that take the stress out of deciding where to eat. 6. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa San Antonio, Texas Situated on 300 acres of historic ranch land, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa feels like an escape but still provides close proximity to attractions like SeaWorld San Antonio and the San Antonio River Walk. But it might be hard to leave the resort's five-acre water park that offers heated pool options year-round. The lazy river was designed to give riders the experience of floating on a Texas river, with a dark bottom and live oak trees lining the winding route. A two-story waterslide, multiple pools, and FlowRider wave simulation machine add to the fun, and other resort amenities include a full-service spa, 27-hole golf course, walking and biking trails, and evening s'mores by a campfire. Recently renovated guest rooms and five new luxury villas blend Texas charm with modern updates. 7. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Koloa, Hawaii Lava rocks line the lazy river at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, which floats past waterfalls and secret caves. That's just one way to get wet at the resort, where you can also take a dip in a multi-level pool complex and a saltwater lagoon with a sandy beach and 'islands' to swim to. And the white sands of Poipu Beach are just a short walk or drive away. Rooms and suites with lots of tropical touches offer garden, mountain, or ocean views, and the hotel's restaurants serve dishes made with sustainably sourced ingredients from local vendors. Families can learn more about Hawaiian culture and traditions at the on-site luau and the resort's cultural center, which offers lessons in hula dancing, playing the ukulele, and making flower leis. 8. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Ko Olina, Hawaii Combining the magic of Disney with the beauty of Hawaii, Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa makes for a pretty special place for a family vacation. It's not surprising that the island resort offers lots of fun ways for kids of all ages to make a splash. Within the expansive Waikolohe Valley pool area, the Waikolohe Stream lazy river flows past rock formations, caverns, and springs inspired by Oʻahu's natural landscape. You can grab a tube or enter the stream in a more dramatic way by shooting down the Tubestone Curl waterslide. There are also splash zones and a private snorkeling lagoon to explore, plus beach activities, Disney character experiences, a luau, and all kinds of other family fun to be had at the resort. 9. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Arizona The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa may be situated within the Sonoran Desert, but it's still possible to make a splash by heading to the resort's Adventure Water Park. A lazy river flows through the area, and you can make a float even more mellow by reserving the Tommy Bahama Relaxation Reef, a private 'island' within the river with chairs for lounging. A 110-foot waterslide and FlowRider simulator offer more high-speed thrills, and the resort's pools are the perfect place to head after a round of golf or spa treatment. A kids club offers activities for four- to 12-year-olds, while campfires and s'mores, a resort-wide scavenger hunt, and the nearby Kierland Commons outdoor dining and shopping center offer more fun for the whole family. 10. Marriott Marquis Houston Houston, Texas Book a room at the Marriott Marquis Houston and you'll be close to downtown Houston's sights and attractions like Discovery Green and Daikin Park (where the Houston Astros play). You can get a bird's-eye view of the area from the sixth-floor Altitude Rooftop and Pool, where you'll find the hotel's one-of-a-kind Texas-shaped lazy river. It takes about 15 minutes to complete a circuit, and while the kids are afloat the grownups can take a dip in the infinity pool, sip a cocktail from the rooftop High Dive restaurant, or just stretch out in a lounge chair or private cabana. Comfortable rooms and suites, five on-site dining options, a fitness center, and spa make the hotel a great choice for everyone in the family. 11. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Rancho Mirage, California Beat the Palm Springs heat at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa's Splashtopia water park. A 425-foot lazy river encircles the park, which also features two 100-foot waterslides, a cliff-side hot tub, water-play zones with fountains and sprinklers, and a grill serving poolside eats and drinks. Guest rooms and suites are done up in Spanish Colonial style, and the resort also offers several restaurants and bars, 27 holes of championship golf, 20 tennis courts, 20 pickleball courts, a spa, and seasonal kids and family activities. It's a great home base for exploring local sights and attractions like The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. 12. JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa Phoenix, Arizona AquaRidge WaterPark at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa serves as an oasis within the Sonoran Desert resort. You can take it easy while floating along the Canyon Creek Lazy River or make a bigger splash at the three new multi-story waterslides. This summer, the new AquaNights experience includes extended hours for the waterslides and lazy river, plus glow-themed programming around the resort like character dance parties and sing-alongs. A total of five pools help guests cool off after a match on the 17 lighted pickleball courts, a round of golf, a bike ride around the resort, or a class at the fitness center. Book a patio firepit room for some special family time in the evenings, dine on Southwestern cuisine at Tia Carmen restaurant, and check the resort's activities guide for fun ways to spend time together as a family. 13. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa San Antonio, Texas There's a lot to explore in Texas's scenic Hill Country, but there's also a lot to explore within the nine-acre River Bluff Water Experience at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. An 1,100-foot lazy river meanders around the water park, while the Pedernales River water experience features a current that mimics the flow of a natural river. Waterslides and multiple pools add to the refreshing fun, including a sand-beach pool where the kids can construct castles on the 'shore.' Head to the spa when you want to slow down, or get everyone moving on the running and walking trails, at the fitness center, or on the tennis and basketball courts. A glamping suite package at the resort adds to the fun, complete with an in-room tent that sleeps two to three people and gifts for young guests like a Texas longhorn stuffed animal. 14. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort Maui, Hawaii You'll be thankful there's a lazy river at the Wailea Canyon Activity Pool area at Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, because you'll need the break from all the action. Just check these stats: Nine pools spread over six levels. Seven waterslides. A rope swing. A swim-up bar. And the world's first water elevator. Wailea Beach also awaits, where the whole family can snorkel, kayak, and paddleboard. You'll definitely need a relaxing float after experiencing all of that. All rooms and suites have undergone a recent refresh, and a new cultural center offers experiences like hula and Hawaiian language lessons and a garden tour of the resort. Grand Wailea also recently launched its Keiki Club cultural and activity program for young guests, where kids can take part in arts and crafts, games, cultural workshops, and exploratory adventures. Cool off and slow down at these 14 family resorts with the best lazy rivers in North America originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.


New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Single woman asks for Tim Allen 'Home Improvement' grunts over dating app — and the responses are hilarious: ‘This is better than dating'
The extremes some men will go to. As wild as today's digital dating world is — sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. One woman posted on her dating app profile asking potential suitors to give her their best impersonation of actor Tim Allen's grunts from the show 'Home Improvement.' Advertisement The popular sitcom ran for eight seasons in the early 1990s. Allen's character, Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor, was known for expressing himself through a very specific grunt sound. Allen's character had a famous grunt — that is clearly still being thought about today. Touchstone Television/courtesy Everett Collection Kathenn (@kathenn25) first shared a video on TikTok, putting many desperate eligible bachelors on blast who responded to her Hinge prompt that read: 'I get along best with people who can do the Tim Allen 'awrhoo' impression. Let me see what you got,' earlier this year. Advertisement To give context to viewers, she wrote in overlay text on her video: 'My version of the 4B movement includes making men on Hinge do an impression of Tim Allen before they're allowed to speak to me.' She played each hilarious impression one by one — and that was only the beginning. The responses to this prompt are hilarious. TikTok / @kathenn25 Advertisement Several other videos of grunting impressions followed, and the most recent one, captioned: 'They're baaaaaaaack (they never left they literally do not stop coming in),' has gone viral — garnering almost 500,000 views. Over 500 people commented on the humorous clip. One curious person asked: 'Is this a kink thing?' Advertisement Another person couldn't believe how well some of the contenders sounded like Allen: 'i refuse to believe that the first one was not sampled directly from the tv show.' One honest commenter gave a bit of an explanation as to why Kathenn is getting a ton of action on this prompt: 'I have no idea why but the tim Allen grunt is the REAL Roman empire for men. I've been doing this shit since I was a kid.' Someone else thought the journey was better than the destination in this situation: 'This is better than dating.' 'Absolute cinema,' another one chimed in. The video even made its way to X (formerly Twitter) where one user shared the video, writing, 'I'm absolutely losing it.' The Tweet received over 1 million views. In a YouTube short clip while on stage at the famous Laugh Factory comedy club, Allen explained that the inspiration for his famous grunt came from a time he was performing a show to a predominantly male audience. While Allen was trying to do his bits on stage, the men were all grunting as they ate their meal, barely paying attention to the comedian. 'I couldn't get their attention. All I was doing on stage, I hear men [grunting]. So I started doing that [grunting]. And these men actually went, 'Huh?' and a career was built,' Allen jokingly explained.