Stephanie Meyer, the General Manager of Storchen Zürich, has a passion for hospitality that began at a young age. Growing up in Biel, Switzerland, she helped out at her parents’ restaurant, later graduating as a Hôtelière-Restauratrice at the renowned Swiss Hotel Management School in Lucerne (SHL). Then, she interned at her uncle’s hotel in Miami, hoping to one day become the manager of a five-star hotel.
Thereafter, she gained more national and international experience—from an internship in the kitchen of the Hotel des Balances in Lucerne to a traineeship in The Regis Bora Bora Resort as Front Office Supervisor at the Renaissance hotel in Zurich and at the Mont Cervin Palace in Zermatt, Switzerland. Additionally, she completed the Executive Diploma in Hospitality Management – Director of E-Commerce and a CAS in Change Management.
Stephanie Meyer, courtesy of Storchen Zurich.
courtesy of Storchen Zurich.
She started working at The Living Circle hotel group during the COVID-19 outbreak, as part of the service staff, and joined the Storchen Zürich as Front Office Manager in March 2021. In September 2024, she fulfilled her dream of becoming the manager of a five-star hotel and has been responsible for the operational management of Storchen Zürich ever since.
What fascinates her about the Storchen Zürich is the combination of the historic building with over 600 years of history, the unique location in the heart of the charming old town in Zurich right next to the Limmat river, as well as the modern concept of hospitality and gastronomy. Whitewall spoke with Meyer about her other favorite spots in town to gain inspiration, including rivers, lakes, rooftops, hotels, and more.
courtesy of Storchen Zurich.
WHITEWALL: What’s the best spot to find inspiration in Zurich?
STEPHANIE MEYER: For me, inspiration is just a few steps from my office at the Storchen. The view from our terrace on the Limmat, especially in the early morning or at sunset, is simply magical. From there, a short walk up to the Lindenhof hill offers a panoramic view over the rooftops and the river. It’s moments like these—between the energy of the city and the serenity of nature—that spark true inspiration.
“Inspiration is just a few steps from my office at the Storchen…”
—Stephanie Meyer
courtesy of Storchen Zurich.
WW: Where is the best off-the-beaten-path to see art in Zurich?
SM: One of my favorite hidden gems is the art collection at our sister property, Widder Hotel, where curated works are integrated throughout the rooms and public spaces—each piece with its own story. For a more scenic and unexpected art-and-culture experience, I love recommending a visit to Restaurant Buech in Herrliberg. Nestled in the hills above Lake Zurich, it combines refined cuisine with breathtaking views and stunning art.
“I love recommending a visit to Restaurant Buech…”
—Stephanie Meyer
courtesy of Storchen Zurich.
WW: What’s the best-kept secret in Zurich?
SM: One of Zurich’s best-kept secrets is how effortlessly you can escape the city by water. I always recommend taking a boat trip across Lake Zurich—not just for the views, but for where it takes you. A favorite destination is Alex Lake Zürich, directly reachable with our own boat from the Storchen jetty. It feels like a hidden lakeside retreat, just minutes away but worlds apart. Arriving by boat for a leisurely lunch on the terrace is a uniquely serene experience, where the rhythm of the lake replaces the pace of the city, if only for an afternoon.
courtesy of Storchen Zurich.
“A favorite destination is Alex Lake Zürich…”
—Stephanie Meyer
Stephanie Meyer’s Zurich Favorites
1. Limmat River
Limmat River, courtesy of Brittanica.
“Zürich, canton, northeastern Switzerland, with an area of 668 sq mi (1,729 sq km), of which about 80 percent is reckoned as productive, including about 195 sq mi of forests. Of the rest, 28 sq mi are occupied by lakes, chiefly Greifen and Pfäffikon and part of Lake Zürich. The terrain consists of shallow river valleys draining northward toward the Rhine and separated by ridges trending northwest to southeast. The most important valley is that of the Linth, which expands into Lake Zürich and is continued as the Limmat. East of the lake, separated by successively higher ridges, are the valleys of the Glatt, which flows through the lake called Greifensee, and the more gorgelike Töss, separated from the Toggenburg (valley) by a ridge along the east boundary that reaches 3,717 ft (1,133 m) at the Hörnli. West of the lake is the valley of the Sihl, bounded farther west by the Albis Range, with Albishorn (3,002 ft) as its highest point.” via Brittanica
2. Restaurant Buech
Courtesy of Restaurant Buech.
“For over 100 years, Restaurant Buech has stood high above Herrliberg in the shade of tall beech trees, surrounded by an ancient vineyard. Restaurant Buech offers an unparalleled setting for your events, blending rustic charm with breathtaking views of Lake Zurich. Whether you’re organizing an exclusive business meeting, an elegant private celebration, or a relaxed social gathering, our historic venue provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. Choose from our sophisticated spaces, including the main restaurant accommodating up to 50 guests, the intimate Stübli for up to 12, or our enchanting garden terrace, all infused with timeless elegance and modern comforts.” via Restaurant Buech
3. Alex Lake Zürich
Courtesy of Alex Lake Zürich.
“With 41 modern studios and two exclusive penthouses directly on the lakeshore, Alex Lake Zürich is the ideal place for relaxation and comfort. The breathtaking view of the water creates an unparalleled atmosphere – whether from the private balcony, the spacious terrace, or through floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the beauty of the lake right into your room.” via Alex Lake Zürich
