Best Design Hotels in Switzerland

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.

FIVE Zurich is a luxurious lifestyle hotel located in the city’s Wiedikon district, perched on a hill overlooking the city centre. The contemporary hotel comprises 45 luxurious suites and 42 suite-sized lifestyle rooms each of which presents either a superb city skyline or majestic mountain and swimming pool view. More than just a hotel, FIVE Zurich has been dubbed the new dining and nightlife place to be in Zurich offering seven international award-winning restaurants, ranging from sophisticated Chinese dining at Maiden Shanghai Zurich to street-food-inspired Asian bites at Soul Street Zurich, there is something for every occasion. The rooftop nightclub ‘The Penthouse Zurich’ offers spectacular views across the city with weekend DJs and dancing going on into the morning. The hotel offers an indoor pool and its famous ReFIVE spa providing a luxurious place to relax and refresh, as well as a heated outdoor pool for a beautiful mountain-side swim.

The Hôtel Longemalle Genève prides itself on its stylish and modern décor with Art Deco lighting and modern art on show. The selection of contemporary guestrooms ranges from individual rooms to the Triplex which can host up to 2 adults and 2 children. The hotel has two restaurants guests can choose from when purchasing a packages, Balila and Restaurant de la Cigogne, which serve Middle Eastern and seasonal cuisine with an exceptional wine list. There is also a glorious terrace bar for guests to relax and enjoy a drink or two. Room service is available throughout your stay or enjoy a buffet breakfast. The concierge team is on hand to aid with trips, transfers and activities and guests can enjoy access to the nearby Holmes Place fitness club facilities. The hotel is also pet friendly.

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.

Designed by the esteemed Parisian architect Jean Nouvel, this parkside hotel is within a short walk of the city’s old town attractions and the railway station. The interiors are dramatic and ground-breaking; all of the building’s vertical panels are made from wood and all of the horizontal panels are made from stainless steel. Every one of the 30 studios and suites is unique and features remarkable ceiling or wall film projections depicting the architect’s own background. They’re also equipped with Nespresso machines and l’Occitane toiletries. Guests can dine onsite at the HATO restaurant and drink at the HATO bar.

In the heart of Basel and the old town, the Hotel Märthhof sits proudly on the city’s Marktplatz and is a short walk from the River Rhine. The hotel is part of Bâle Hotels Group and boasts 68 unique guestrooms ranging from Superior and Signature Rooms to Junior Suites. The Bohemia Restaurant and bar and Boulevard Terrace offers a range of gastronomic options throughout the day as well as elegant function rooms. There is also a banquet room. The hotel boasts an outdoor roof terrace overlooking the lively market square below that is open exclusively to guests. The wellness zone and fitness facilities include access to the gym, sauna and steam bath. A stay at Hotel Märthhof Basel entitles guests to a complimentary card to be used on the city’s public transport and exclusive discounts on leisure and cultural activities.

It may have opened its doors in November 2021, but this hotel close to Lake Zurich dates back to the 1930s. 57 guest rooms are spread across the art deco building’s five floors and come with soundproofing and blackout curtains. The decor pays homage to this era via a contemporary lens and vintage-inspired touches are found throughout. The restaurant, Castellan’s, is open morning through till night, serving Mediterranean cuisine. The Neues Schloss Privat Hotel offers guests bicycle rental, electric vehicle charging points, children’s TV channels and the venue welcomes pets.

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.

Housed in what was once one of Zurich’s first cinemas, Ruby Mimi is a celebration of the early days of Hollywood and such glamour and style flows throughout the hotel. Located close to the River Limmat, Zurich’s old town and the city’s top shopping streets, this luxe hotel is the perfect place to call home whilst visiting Switzerland’s largest city. Adopting a ‘lean luxury’ ethos guest can enjoy laid-back comfort in characterful surroundings, right in the heart of the city – without the expensive extras – and can choose from four differently styled room options. The hotel is home to a 24-hour bar where coffee and cocktails are served in equal measure and rich hue fabrics and high gloss tiles bring an extra touch of glamour. This hotel is simple, stylish and fun.

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.

The citizenM Geneva Hotel can be found between Lake Geneva and the gorgeous Old Town and is within walking distance of many of Geneva’s must-visit attractions. All of the hotel’s comfortable and contemporary guestrooms are of the same size and design, fully equipped with modern comforts and extras, and fitted with mood lighting. Guests are welcome in the canteenM bar for international food and drinks all throughout the day and night and can dine in the hotel for breakfast. The hotel has been designed in a simple and stylish way and provides you with everything you need for your stay. There is also a collectionM gift shop full of unique items to remember your stay by.

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.