Best Luxury Hotels in Canton of Bern

The late 19th-century country hotel used to be two separate buildings, before merging to create one large residence with 224 rooms and suites. It now accommodates two restaurants, a champagne piano bar, six tennis courts, a vaulted indoor pool, a fitness suite, an atrium, an outdoor saltwater pool and the 5500 square metre Spa Nescens. Anti-ageing treatments and health diagnostics from medical specialists are a draw, along with its cosmeceutical procedures and SENSAI treatments. Victoria-Jungfrau can be found in Interlaken’s Bernese Oberland and takes part of its name from the continually snow-capped Jungfrau mountain.

A pale gold exterior, art deco signage and a lavish entrance ensure guests receive an impressive welcome here. It’s another small hotel in terms of bedrooms – 57 to be exact. But, like The Alpina, it has much to offer in the way of amenities; a huge subterranean spa with a 17 zone thermal suite, a salt grotto and an indoor hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor spa pool, fitness classes, tennis courts, a kids’ club, a playroom and a cinema. The main restaurant, Leonard’s, has a Michelin star, while Le Petit Chalet serves traditional Swiss comfort foods and there’s the Sushi Bar for lighter, more casual meals.

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.

The grand turreted building housing the Palace Hotel is like something from a Disney movie – or a Bond film (Roger Moore himself once booked in here). Indeed, this has a reputation as one of the finest places to stay in the whole of Switzerland. Its elevated position looks out across the town and serves as an ever-present lofty landmark. The hotel is perfect for active types; an Olympic sized outdoor pool, another indoor pool, a pilates studio and a tennis court. Guests have a choice of four eateries, including La Fromagerie, housed in a former Swiss gold vault. The authentically retro GreenGo Club is the hotel’s late-night venue and has hosted many big names since its mid-century heyday.

Dating back to 1910, this five floor hotel sports a traditional style, both inside and out. It has four restaurants (its newest, Chubut, has been inspired by the food of Patagonian Argentina) and a wine bar/cigar lounge. Found close to the slopes, the hotel also has an indoor salt infused pool and an outdoor pool, a spa, a tennis court (that doubles as an ice rink), a club for kids and 94 forms of sleeping accommodation. Grand Hotel Park Gstaad’s fanciest room, is a four bedded penthouse suite – the largest in the Alps – with butler service and a private spa.

A more recent addition to the Berne landscape, this hotel completed construction in 1998, although was completely renovated in 2020. Its most significant feature is an in-house casino with table games and slot machines. Guests can dine at the Italian-style restaurant, Giardino, (indoors or on the sun terrace) or at the Asian kitchen, Yu. There’s also a garden lounge, a bar and a fitness centre. Rooms are sleek and modern, all with good views and minibars, some with balconies, Nespresso machines and sofa beds.

Not only have eons of high level politicians, diplomats, royalty and journalists used this is a temporary abode, it was a favourite among spies in the World and Cold Wars. Some A-Listers have taken entire floors of this palatial residence, attracted by its amenities (like bullet proof windows). And it has a most unsual ownership, having been gifted to the Swiss Confederation by the National Bank. Inside, is a gym with a sauna, cigar lounge, a club, a chic brasserie with an alfresco terrace and an open kitchen grill restaurant serving crossover dishes and bowls.

This hotel has the only central spa and rooftop bar in the city where yoga is hosted in the warmer months. While it dates back to 1857, the Hotel Schweizerhof had a major makeover in 2011, bringing the Grand Dame right into the 21st century. Now it boasts boutique sophistication, featuring Murano glass installations, mood lighting, imaginative artwork and Art Noveau style furnishings. The Alps, old town and parliament are all within view of various areas within the building; many of its 99 bedrooms look out onto Bahnhofplatz or the medieval quarter. The decor is suave and designer – Japanese bathtubs with TVs can be found in some, with Bvlgari bath products in all. It has a number of dining options, including the celebrity haunt, Jack’s Brasserie, one of the best spots in town for food.