Best Luxury 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.
Canton of Ticino, Ascona
Hotel Eden Roc
In a prime position overlooking the water, this hotel is spread across three buildings, each with its own personality. Native architectural designer Carlo Rampazzi has created a decor reflecting the retro vibes of Eden Roc’s forty-year history. There’s no shortage of things to do onsite: the hotel has its own watersports school, a kids’ club, four restaurants (including French and Italian fare), an alfresco terrace bar, a private stretch of lake beach, a marina, three pools, a gym and a spa. All of the bedrooms come with balconies and indulgent Molton Brown toiletries.
Canton of Ticino, Lugano
Villa Principe Leopoldo
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 Bern, Interlaken
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
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.
Canton of Bern, Gstaad
Gstaad Palace Hotel
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.
Vaud, Vevey
Modern Times Hotel, Vevey, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Modern Times Hotel, Vevey, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is Switzerland’s first in the Tribute Portfolio collection, located near Chaplin’s World, the former home of Charlie Chaplin. The boutique hotel’s décor is inspired by the iconic actor, featuring unique art pieces and sunset tones throughout its inviting spaces. With 136 modern guestrooms, the hotel offers a comfortable and stylish stay, along with diverse dining options at Times Grill Restaurant and Times Bar. Its convenient location makes it perfect for exploring local attractions like Lavaux Vineyards and Lake Geneva, offering a relaxing retreat with a touch of cinematic history.
Canton of Bern, Bern
Hotel Bellevue Palace
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.
Grisons, Vals
7132 Hotel
7132’s rooms have been designed by world-leading architects; for the ultimate experience stay in the Penthouse Suite by Kengo Kuma and try to get a peek at as many of the other rooms as you can. The 7132 Silver Restaurant by Sven Wassmer has been awarded two Michelin stars and 18 Gault&Millau points and serves nine-course dinners. 7132 DaPapà offers a menu of pizza and pasta, while the 7132 Red Restaurant is a casual dining room. Do take a dip in the 7132 Thermal Baths and if you’re celebrating a special event, why not book a trip in the hotel’s own helicopter, accompanied by some Cristal champagne?
Canton of Valais, Verbier
Chalet d’Adrien
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
Nidwalden, Ennetbürgen
Hotel Villa Honegg
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.
Nidwalden, Bürgenstock
Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne
Make like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren and stay at this property; looming 500 metres above the lake, guests can arrive by boat then funicular. Built in 1873, it experienced a heyday during the middle of the last century, before undergoing a multi-million refurbishment in this century, making it a fully accessible hotel of four parts. Facilities include the Alpine Spa with an indoor pool, a kidney-shaped outdoor infinity pool, three Davis Cup-standard tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, a private lakeside lido, 12 eateries and shopping boutiques. The hotel provides free mountain bike hire, a kids’ club and a playground onsite.
Canton of Geneva, Geneva, Grottes - Saint-Gervais
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
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.
Canton of Zurich, Zürich, Seefeld
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
The interiors at this La Réserve’s Swiss property have been designed by Philippe Starck, inspired by its lakeside setting and forming a yachting theme. Its gastronomy takes an eclectic approach, combining Peruvian and Japanese cooking at La Muña restaurant, where wooden canoes hang from the ceiling, following the on-water vibe. The Eden Kitchen is located on the ground floor and also has an Asian influence, alongside Mediterranean dishes. Bedrooms at Eden au Lac include enormous bathrooms, with the brand’s own bath products and a maxi bar, filled with an unusual range of tipples.