Yes, the hotels in Zurich are very expensive so one just has to face that fact or travel elsewhere if you are on vacation. The Alden is a very gracious hotel with large rooms as mentioned by other reviewers. The breakfasts are very good and the reception staff are extremely helpful. Although this hotel is not in the centre of the city it is a very easy walk to get to the centre. It was very quiet on the weekend which is exactly why I chose it so if you are looking for a hotel with a bustling bar scene then you should stay at the Baur au Lac.

This is the kind of service one hopes to get when one pays what one does for the Alden. A superb staff: multi-lingual, professional, knowledgeable, courteous and more than willing to ensure that you have a special experience during your stay. In our case upgrading us to a suite upon arrival unsolicited, inquiring as to our dinner plans again unsolicited and offering to make reservations wherever we chose to eat.

Special mention to the restaurant staff, the older gentleman in particular is a treasure: funny, discrete, polished and a source of superb recommendations from both the wine and food menu.

We were simply thrilled during our stay and give this hotel our unreserved, unqualified and highest recommendation.

Simply one of the most pleasant hotel experience we have EVER had anywhere in the world. The service from check-in to check-out was faultless. I really can't pick any one thing that was not handled in a professional and courteous manner.

Very professional staff, exemplary service skills and just a common interest to ensure we were enjoying our stay and that everything is satisfactory.

The hotel as mentioned in previous reviews is located a little out of the main shopping district in a lovely tree lined strret close to the lake and all its attractions. The hotel is easily within walking distance to the Bahnhofstrasse and would take most people under 10 mins.

The conceirge was able to secure us a reservation at a fully booked restaurant within 3 hours notice.(Le Dezaley - great fondue) which we thought was fantastic. The rooms are very contemporary and ooze European chic. Very quiet surroundings which is just what you need after sightseeing all day.

We did think the hotel was a little quiet in general, especially in the hotel restaurant at night. It would have been good to see a few more people dining here as we found the food at breakfast very good.

We also loved the little surprise of a box of Sprungli chocolates and small bottle of champagne delivered to our room. We thought this was a very nice touch and completely unexpected.

The hotel is five star and with this comes a five star price, however, saying that, everything is expensive is Zurich and Switzerland as a rule. It is however, a great deal cheaper than neighbouring 5 star hotels like the 'Park hyatt" and "Baur au Lac". We found the best rate available via the hotel website and overall would highly recommend this hotel to all Tripadvisor readers.

Simply superb.........

Ps. They have free internet for your laptop but need to get WiFi for iPad use ASAP. This would just complete a fantastic hotel and should be common place FREE in all hotels these days.

I would not say the Alden is a luxury hotel but rather a luxurious hotel without the sterile feeling i too often find in a large luxury chain.

Great rooms with tremendous space and public areas that feel very comfortable and inviting. The staff was fantastic and i find myself thinking about returning as soon as possible...