
Best Boutique Hotels in Switzerland
This mountainous country may be diminutive but ranks as one of the most innovative nations on earth. In addition to its stunning Alpine towns and villages, cities like Zurich, Geneva and Vienna boast incredible architecture and a consistently high standard of living. The home of Heidi and birthplace of the Red Cross is also famed for its lavish chocolatiers and expert horologists. Whether you enjoy bijou boutique hotels, majestic properties frequented by celebrities, or glitzy spa resorts, we have the lowdown on the finest Swiss accommodation.
[adrotate group=”8″]
Canton of Zurich, Zürich
Storchen Zürich
(5 stars)Found in the beating heart of the old town, this lifestyle boutique hotel has 64 designer rooms. Modern and cosy, each has crisp white bedding, calming artworks above the bed, accents of muted colours, pale wood wall coverings, a Nespresso coffee machine, fresh fruit (replenished daily) and 40” LED HD flat-screen TVs with Airplay. Storchen’s La Rôtisserie restaurant has recently gained a Michelin star under Chef Stefan Jäckel and during the summer months, its cuisine is also served on the enchanting riverside terrace. Guests can continue their riverside experience at the Barchetta Bar, or imbibe in the Cigar Bar or at The Nest, Storchen’s rooftop establishment.
Canton of Zurich, Zürich
Widder Hotel
(5 stars)Multiple townhouses dating back to the 1400s have been renovated to house the 49 bedrooms of this old town hotel, whose name means ‘ram’. It’s a unique mix — original medieval features, heavy beams and wood panelling somehow blend seamlessly with the glitzy modern furnishings. Bibliophiles will enjoy whiling away an hour or two browsing the library’s hardbacks in an easy chair and those with carnivorous tendencies will love the two restaurants: Widder and AuGust. After a satisfying dinner, guests can relax with one of a range of 1000 spirits from the bar, accompanied by the sounds of nightly live music.
Canton of Ticino, Lugano
Villa Principe Leopoldo
(5 stars)An all-suite hotel enjoying an elevated position overlooking the lake, the Villa Principe Leopoldo is part of the esteemed Relais and Chateaux portfolio. Built into the hillside, it features multiple terraces, with dining areas, water features, manicured gardens and a fan-shaped pool surrounded by yellow loungers for a retro feel. Dining here is an elegant affair, with tables set using fine linen, silver and crystal glassware, with gourmet menus presented by Executive Chef Cristian Moreschi, who has been lauded by food critics as a great talent. The hotel’s Bar Principe provides live music, bistro dishes and signature cocktails. Well-being and cosmetic treatments are offered at its DOT Spa.
Canton of Valais, Verbier
Chalet d’Adrien
(5 stars)Opposite the Savoleyres Ski Lift, you’ll discover a luxury hotel that still retains the charm and features of an authentic chalet. Each room has a unique decor, incorporating wood fires, panelling, period furnishings and unobstructed vistas. Chalet d’Adrien excels in alfresco opportunities. One of the magical experiences to be enjoyed in the Alps is an outdoor swim with a view, and you won’t find a more majestic mountainous pool setting than this. Nuxe treatments are offered in the adjoining spa, and you can book an invigorating open-air massage (providing the weather conditions are suitable). Dine on the open terrace by day, or in one of two gourmet eateries by night. This is less of a party hotel, ideal for couples relishing cosy evenings sipping cocktails in the bar’s comfy armchairs, and families seeking plenty of children’s activity options
Canton of Valais, Verbier
Experimental Chalet
(4 stars)The Experimental group’s newest property renovation has caused a stir. If you love to be among the first to try the latest and hottest hotels, book a stay here. Its 39 rooms and suites by Paris-based, Milanese interior designer Fabrizio Casiraghian, give it a boutique feel. Evocative of 1970s glamour, it’s all deeply chic and sleek. Chef Gregory Marchand is at the gastronomic helm, serving contemporary takes on alpine classics and in summer, small plates with tapas. The hotel has chosen to partner with French, tailor-made skin treatment brand Biologique Recherche and after dark, the Farm Club is the place to be and be seen, in Verbier.
Canton of Ticino, Ascona
Giardino Ascona
(5 stars)This member of Design Hotels takes on the appearance of an exclusive Italian villa. A huge koi filled pond joins the main buildings with a bridge and dining terrace running over it. Guests can wander the perfectly manicured Tuscan style grounds, with bubbling fountains, immaculate topiaries and semi-tropical flora and fauna. Giardino Ascona’s interiors take on a modern, feminine feel and both the service and ambience throughout, endorses its five-star rating. There are two restaurants, Hide & Seek and Ecco Ascona, the former explores Ayurvedic influences, while the latter holds two Michelin stars. Giardino also caters well for kids — there’s a playground and the spa even has a children’s menu for those aged six to 12.
Canton of Ticino, Lugano
THE VIEW Lugano
(5 stars)THE VIEW Lugano offers bespoke getaways in an entirely unique setting overlooking the glistening Lake of Lugano. This hotel seeks to provide guests with a luxury, maritime experience with its sensational vistas and deluxe interior design – reminiscent of a lavish yacht. This exclusive hotel is comprised of 16 junior suites and 2 suites with a serene private balcony. Guests can fully customise their stay and even tailor their own sleep experience with the hotel’s pillow menu. THE VIEW is a sophisticated and contemporary location for hosting private celebrations, business meetings and weddings with indoor and outdoor spaces on offer. This hotel also offers a world-class, Michelin-starred dining establishment in THE VIEW Fine Dining, complete with a carefully crafted selection of artisanal beers and exquisite wines from around Europe. Terrace TreCinqueZero also offers a tranquil, alfresco lounge area to enjoy signature cocktails and sensational flavours in lush, verdant surroundings.
Grisons, Vals
7132 House of Architects
7132 House of Architects is located in Vals, Switzerland and offers a truly unique experience where the designs of four unique architects sit in complete harmony. There are 73 contemporary rooms where the individual styles of each architect are showcased. This luxury experience can be complete with a world-class private transfer from anywhere in Switzerland via limousine or helicopter. The hotel boasts truly exquisite dining establishments including 7132 Red, 7132 Blue, and the extraordinary, 2-Michelin-starred 7132 Silver where expert chefs have carefully curated the finest dining experiences. This hotel also prides itself on incredible once in a life time experiences including the “Swimming in Darkness” package which includes admission to the mysterious 7132 Therma Baths. There are also state-of-the-art spa and gym facilities on site in addition to modern meeting spaces for hosting unforgettable business events and conferences in style.
Engadine Valley, St. Moritz
GRACE LA MARGNA ST MORITZ, an SLH Hotel
(5 stars)Hotel Grace La Margna, an exquisite luxury ski hotel located in the prestigious resort town of St. Moritz, offers an exceptional alpine experience that combines elegance with comfort. This beautifully restored property has convenient ski-in/ski-out facilities and features 77 stylishly appointed rooms and suites, each designed to provide a serene retreat with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the sparkling lake. Both local and international cuisine can be sampled at the gourmet restaurant and the many bars serve up a refreshment fitting for any occasion. A state-of-the-art spa and wellness area, featuring a sauna, steam room, heated indoor swimming pool and whirl pool is the ideal spot to unwind. Guests can also use the gym and book personal training sessions. With families in mind there is also a dedicated kids club for younger guests.
Sierre, Crans-Montana
Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences
(5 stars)Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences, located in the heart of Crans-Montana, offers a ski in/out experience and is a luxurious retreat that blends alpine charm with contemporary elegance. Comprising 46 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each boasting stunning mountain views and high-end furnishings. Guests can enjoy an exceptional gourmet dining experience at the on-site restaurant complemented by an extensive wine selection. In addition to an excellent spa and wellness centre and heated outdoor swimming pool, guests can also make use of the exclusive 9-hole golf course in a serene setting. Well-suited to a family holiday, the hotel has a children’s play area and child-friendly activities.
At the Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences guests are invited to embrace a truly luxurious ski holiday in the the stunning alpine landscape of Crans-Montana.
Nidwalden, Ennetbürgen
Hotel Villa Honegg
(5 stars)Accommodating just 23 rooms (most of which have balconies), this turn of the 20th-century villa perched on Mount Bürgenstock, offers intimate luxury. There’s a private cinema, wellness area, indoor swimming pool and year-round outdoor infinity pool, which overlooks Lake Lucerne and the towering range of mountains beyond. The hotel provides complimentary electric bikes for guests’ use, plush terrace loungers for sunny days, a shuttle service and access to its golf course. Award-winning London designers have refreshed the interiors, while the exterior is reminiscent of the Art Noveau era. Each room is completely unique and comes with extravagant Hermes toiletries.
Sierre, Crans-Montana
LeCrans Hôtel & Spa
(5 stars)If you’re jetting off for an exclusive winter sports break, consider LeCrans Hôtel & Spa. Guests can ski in and ski directly out of the chalet, which is located in the Valais region. LeSpa Cinq Mondes affords incredible views, not least from the heated outdoor pool. At mealtimes, there’s Michelin-starred cuisine served in the Le Mont Blanc restaurant, created by Executive Chef Pierre Crepaud, and a Cigar Lounge for after-dinner drinks. Eight suites and seven rooms – each themed around mountains of the world – make it ideal for large groups travelling together and seeking privacy.
