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Having a high concentration of five-star hotels, Switzerland is a destination that attracts the world’s wealthiest travellers. Some of them, though, opt for the privacy of alternative accommodation such as that provided by Ema House, a small hotel whose suites and serviced apartments offer a homelike atmosphere in Switzerland’s largest city.

Ema House lobby

Located in a quiet residential neighbourhood yet only minutes by tram to Zurich’s central train station, Ema House gives its guests the best of both worlds insofar as providing an ideal base for exploring Zurich’s Old Town while allowing them to retreat into their own space after a day of sightseeing. Given this establishment’s convenient location and personal attention, it is no surprise that Ema House started as a business hotel. It subsequently caught on among leisure travellers seeking respite from big hotels where lobbies and restaurants can be very busy, with many people coming and going.

Ema House is a favourite place to stay among repeat visitors to Switzerland who do not need the services of a hotel but rather prefer a luxe bed and breakfast experience, in Switzerland known as a ‘hotel garni’. Under the astute supervision of general manager Jonathan Anthamatten, the team at Ema House followed his lead of polished professionalism in interaction with guests, all of whom are known to the staff by name. As would be expected given the Ema House ethos, the lobby is more akin to an entrance to a residential building rather than a hotel.

Ema House is the property of a company that manages not only the 23 suites in its hotel building on Nordstrasse but serviced apartments at five other locations around the city. The Ema House inventory covers a wide range of price categories offering excellent value compared to traditional hotels, especially given the expansive size of the suites and apartments. Junior suite sizes are 44sqm, one-bedroom suites 65sqm, and two-bedroom suites 84sqm.

Ema House suite bedroom

Most notably, in these hot summers, Ema House suites are airconditioned, a rarity in Switzerland where the government regulates the temperature of building interiors (Ema House’s airconditioning system was installed at a time of less stringent controls). The suites in the main building are popular with business executives, leisure travellers, and families who prefer the extra space and privacy of a home away from home, especially when travelling with small children. The 70 serviced apartments are even more highly sought after and are often booked out a year in advance.

Ema House is a hotel garni, and no restaurant exists. This is an excellent excuse to enjoy a splendid lunch or dinner at Kronenhalle, Zurich’s legendary restaurant and bar. Long the haunt of personalities from entertainment, fashion, sport, and politics, Kronenhalle has welcomed them for generations in the historical dining rooms decorated with priceless works of art from the owner’s private collection.

Kronenhalle Director Dominique Godat is the quintessential host, making rounds through the room to ensure patrons are happily enjoying themselves and the excellent food and wine served by the courteous staff, trained in the classic European style of service. Celebrating its 100th anniversary next year, no doubt another century of memorable meals will be served here among Kronenhalle’s masterpieces on the walls and the plate.