Best Boutique Hotels in Switzerland

One of the most exclusive hotels in Switzerland, this 47-suite, turreted property, has a traditionally Swiss vibe. Awarded two Michelin stars, the restaurant Prisma serves fusion cuisine paired with a choice of over 32000 different wines housed in six cellars. Opens to staying guests only, the high-end spa includes an ice grotto for the brave. Swim from indoors to the outside, in its partially covered infinity pool, as mountain and lake views are majestically revealed into view. The warm climate and clean air of this region can be enjoyed on the summer terrace as you tuck into the chef’s grilled specials.

Imagine sitting in a hot marble whirlpool, looking out to a majestic mountain as the steam rises, indulging in treatments at a slick spa, dining in a Michelin starred restaurant and sipping cocktails in a Cavern Club, before retiring to an oversized, extra comfy bed in a sophisticated bedroom. This is The Omnia. It has an alfresco terrace, a pool that spans both inside and outside the building, a well-stocked library, artistic in-house chefs, a roaring log fire, an electric shuttle service and just 30 bedrooms. Designed in a modern American style, The Omnia has a very grown-up feel that’s perfect for couples.

One of Gstaad’s newer hotels, having opened in 2012, The Alpina has just 57 rooms. This gives it more of a boutique feel than some of its imposing neighbours. But it still packs a punch when it comes to facilities. Its Six Senses Spa boasts a range of thermal rooms, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a gym and a juice bar. There’s also a ski shop, a Graff diamond boutique, a hair salon and a cinema. When it comes to food, the options are plentiful too – Megu, a fine dining Japanese restaurant, a Swiss Stübli, French cuisine at Sommetand and a casual lounge bar.

This is the town’s oldest hotel, a cosy Victorian building, once a family home, with a long history. And this past has had an impact on the ambience; it does indeed feel homely, in a very upmarket way. The boutique property has 41 bedrooms and while there’s no spa onsite (its lack pleasantly contributes to the country house feel), guests can use the facilities at the nearby Mont Cervin Palace. Yet the hotel’s Brasserie Belle-Époque, with its stuccoed ceilings and chandeliers, creates a contrasting sense of vintage grandeur, The leafy gardens and pretty window boxes make the exterior especially picturesque and equally suited to summer visits as the peak winter season.

Opt to stay downtown in the four-star Passage. It’s so named due to its placing between the old and new towns of Basel. The central location is handy (not least as there’s no hotel restaurant) yet won’t impinge on a good night’s sleep thanks to soundproofing in the 46 bedrooms. Designer accommodation fuses mid-century and Scandi style, with trendy feature pieces and LED lighting. Clarins toiletries are provided for all guests and those in the loft apartments have their own kitchenettes and balconies. An organic breakfast is served daily in the lobby or on the patio, with day or evening drinks in the bar.

This 4-star boutique hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World organisation. It houses 32 luxe suites and 17 apartments – the latter offering ample space and a home from home for lengthy stays. The soothing design by Berlin-based Christina van Baal and Carolin Scheffold, is a fusion of vintage Alpine and contemporary chic, with features pieces such as aged wood floors and hand-knotted carpets from Nepal. Set across two floors, it also has a toasty indoor pool and spa area for supreme relaxation after a day on the snow, a programme of events and a brasserie serving hearty dishes emphasising local produce. Celebrate a special occasion by booking La table du chef, showcasing the art and intensity of Cordee des Alpes’ cooking.

This late 19th-century hotel feels very modern by comparison. The uber-cool five-floor, Rhineside property is designed to be relaxing and fuss-free, yet luxe. 48 individually decorated rooms are contemporary, comfy and cosy, with L’Occitane bath products. Guests can tuck into fancy and substantial hot platters in the herringbone floored dining room beside the hotel’s river promenade. Or enjoy fresh light lunches on the summer terrace and drinks under the stars by night. Private dining for up to eight can be arranged in the refined and bright Rhybligg room.