Best Grand Hotels Hotels in Switzerland

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.

A 19th-century Grande Dame of Geneva, the Hôtel des Bergues joined the Four Seasons family in 2005, celebrated with a full renovation and the addition of upper storeys. As a result, you’ll find the room options here to be superbly diverse; some are grand, historic and opulent echoing the hotel’s past, while newer options take on a more Scandi-loft vibe. Its Michelin-starred Il Lago restaurant is an exquisite dining experience with Japanese fusion restaurant Izumi on the rooftop. The hotel’s Spa Mont Blanc is where serenity meets rejuvenation – take a dip in the sizeable indoor pool and you can take in the sky overhead, through the vaulted glass ceiling. With enchanting views of the lake and the snow-capped Alps in the distance, as well as the Old Town, this iconic hotel remains an ideal choice for sophisticated travellers.

Overlooking the Rhône river and within walking distance of the city’s main attractions such as the Lake, Jet D’eau and St. Peter’s Cathedral, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is a five-star hotel with contemporary Swiss hospitality offering supreme views of the Old Town and the snow-capped mountains. The 178 rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary and refined style, inspired by nature, mountains, and water. The hotel’s outstanding restaurants and vibrant bar have made a significant contribution to Geneva’s dining scene, while visitors can rejuvenate and unwind with Swiss expertise at the hotel’s wellness facilities. Combining luxury, style and unbeatable service, it is the perfect city retreat.

This building has a long history having been first founded in 1838. French interior designer Tristan Auer is leading on the makeover which will see the hotel paired down from 104 bedrooms to 80, creating more of a boutique feel. These will be joined by three drinking and dining venues: the Italian ORSINI (directed by Consultant Chef Antonio Guida who brings his experience from the two-Michelin-starred Seta restaurant at the brand’s Milan property); the all-day French-style Savoy Brasserie and Bar; and a rooftop bar, 1838, whose name nods to the building’s heritage. A grand ballroom and guild hall are also in the process of being restored to their former grandeur.

With over 165 years of hospitality, the Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, is synonymous with excellence – where detail, discretion, a connected concierge and impeccable service is what makes guests feel at home. The iconic luxury ski hotel boasts a stunning location in the heart of St. Moritz. Comprising 164 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, featuring sophisticated décor, spacious layouts, and private balconies that provide panoramic views of the Swiss Alps. The hotel presents multiple dining venues, including a gourmet restaurant led by Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco, with dishes each prepared over elements of fire, alongside casual dining options, where guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine inspired by local and international flavours, complemented by an extensive wine selection. Guests can enjoy the state-of-the-art 2000m2 Kulm Spa St. featuring a spa, sauna, steam room, heated indoor pool, heated outdoor pool, salt water grotto and more – the perfect oasis for relaxation after a day on the slopes.For non-slope activity, there is a gym, 9-hole golf course and tennis courts too. With ski-in/ski-out facilities and a dedicated ski concierge to assist with equipment rentals and lessons The Kulm Hotel St. Moritz is a perfect destination for those seeking an exceptional luxury ski experience, where timeless elegance meets outstanding service.

Another lakeside option, this castle-like hotel fully lives up to its ‘grand’ title. 41 regency-style bedrooms have 19th-century chandeliers, lashings of gilt, coffered ceilings, panelled walls, four-poster beds, modern art and antique Empire furniture. But they also have plenty of mod cons, such as Nespresso coffee machines, SuitePad digital guest folders, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and Molton Brown toiletries. Experience an old-world atmosphere at the National Bar, or dine at one of the hotel’s five other restaurants, serving Mediterranean, Chinese, French, Swiss and Viennese specialities. Visit the pool floor to swim, sauna, book massages, and to sun yourself on the terrace.

Arrive at this hotel in your choice of a horse-drawn carriage or electric bus. The multi-award-winning Grand Hotel Zermatterhof first opened its doors in 1879. Much of its original charm can still be enjoyed today, alongside the contemporary touches. The Alpine Wellness Spa incorporates an indoor pool with a waterfall. Dine on French-Italian cuisine at its Prato Borni restaurant, Mediterranean food at the Brasserie Lusi and a decadent fondue at Saycheese! Drinks can be taken by the fireside at the Ruden Bar, or to piano accompaniment at Stars. Many of the 78 rooms have their own balconies, while the fancier suites have fireplaces and jacuzzis.

A city break in Zurich is made all the more enticing, with a stay at this turreted, Belle Époque, landmark hotel. Overlooking the lake and surrounded by woodland, it’s a ten-minute shuttle ride into the heart of the action. The decor is ornate and classy – an 11-metre Andy Warhol artwork adorns the lobby,  along with grand columns and glittering chandeliers. Facilities in the complex include a tennis court, golf course, ballroom, enormous spa and even an ice rink during the winter months. Past patrons have included the likes of Roger Moore, Sofia Loren, Nelson Mandela and Elizabeth Taylor. So you’ll be in good company when you book a room here.

Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola Lugano is synonymous with serenity. There are 72 luxurious guestrooms to choose from including 30 spacious suites and guest suites and 3 two-bedroom suites. Each of the accommodation options offer sensational views over the Lake of Lugano or the verdant park from balconies, terraces, or porches. Fit for any occasion, the hotel offers an array of sophisticated event spaces and divine banquet rooms. There are plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in tranquil indoor and outdoor settings with the Lido Club boasting a splendid private terrace on the lake where guests can sunbathe and enjoy indulgent dishes and beverages from the hotel restaurants. Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola also features a host of sports, leisure, and wellness facilities including a clay tennis court and hydro pool. Guests are invited to embark on a gastronomic adventure in one of the exquisite fine dining establishments on offer – Restaurant La Rucula, Le Relais, and Arté al Lago.

Poised on the edge of Lac Léman and deftly combining British elegance with genuine Swiss hospitality and an inimitable sense of sophistication, 150-year-old Hotel d’Angleterre is a Genevan landmark and one of Switzerland’s most storied hospitality icons and welcomes guests of all ages. Centrally located, the historic property boasts direct views of the city’s famous Jet d’Eau and magnificent Mont Blanc beyond and is within easy walking distance of everything that Geneva has to offer.

Presided over by charismatic general manager Jean-Vital Domezon for more than a decade, who leads a dedicated and long-serving team, the hotel offers guests a range of sumptuous, individually styled rooms and suites, all bedecked in exquisite art and elegant furnishings and complemented by luxe, marble-lined bathrooms.

Guests soak in panoramic lake vistas while dining on refined international cuisine at Windows Restaurant; sip single malts and hand-crafted cocktails while revelling in the nightly live music in Leopard Bar (which happens to be one of the city’s most popular night-time venues) and quietly relax with a Cohiba in the hotel’s plush, smoke-free cigar lounge.

Whilst the d’Angleterre is the only hotel in Geneva that serves traditional British afternoon tea, it also offers an array of luxe bespoke experiences, tailored to guests to elevate their stay, including chauffeured tours of local vineyards and private visits to some of the finest chocolatiers in the city.

Overlooking the glorious Lake Geneva, with the iconic Mont Blanc in the background, is the luxurious, recently renovated The Ritz Carlton Hotel de la Paix. There are 74 lavish guestrooms, including 19 suites, with contemporary furnishings and unbeatable views over Lake Geneva, Mont Blanc Square and Jet d’Eau. Suite options feature a spacious 2-Bedroom Lakefront Suite, and the sophisticated Grace Kelly Suite complete with a kitchenette. There are four unique dining venues to choose from including Dans Le Noir? where you will be treated to a gourmet meal in total darkness. Guests can relax and unwind in the unparalleled La Vallée SPA Suites and choose from the array of treatments on offer. There is a 24-hour fitness centre exclusively for guests as well as a selection of experiences around Geneva. The hotel is also pet friendly.

First opened in 1909, the Hotel Royal Savoy is a beautiful Art Nouveau property, close to Lac Léman. Its turrets and landscaped gardens create a fairytale feel, with a serene hillside setting, that’s still within easy pedestrian reach of the centre. The 196-bedroom hotel was renovated in 2015 and includes a rooftop bar, cigar lounge, brasserie and further bar, as well as seasonal pop-up venues. The spa has both indoor and outdoor pools, cutting-edge treatments and a hammam. Rooms come with Nespresso machines, Bulgari toiletries, marble bathrooms and plenty have balconies.