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 Zurich, Zürich
Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich
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.
Canton of Geneva, Geneva, Paquis
Hotel d’Angleterre Geneva
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.
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.
Canton of Basel-Stadt, Basel, Vorstädte
SET Hotel Residence by Teufelhof Basel
SET Hotel Residence by Teufelhof Basel offers a uniquely modern accommodation option in the heart of Basel’s Old Town. This hotel prides itself on its contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities. There are 36 guestrooms spread over 4 floors with the highlight being the fully equipped Courtyard Design Apartment fitted with every modern comfort. There are pleny of on-site dining options including Breakfast @ Teufelhof, Counting Sheep Lobby Bar and the delightful Confiserie Beschle bakery. The Teufelhof Basel offers international cuisine with Swiss influences at the restaurant Atelier while Bel Étage serves seasonal gourmet goodness. There is also a 24-hour fitness room for guests to use. Located across the street, along the old Basel City Walls, is the Stadtmauer Brauer microbrewery which provides the beers youll find in the Counting Sheep Bar.
Grisons, Laax
rocksresort
Sporting a striking cubist exterior, Rocksresort really owns its footprint, conveniently close to the Laax ski lift. 500 tons of 40-million-year-old quartzite stone went into the build of this 122-bedroom property, which is one of the most sustainable around – it was named the Best New Ski Resort by Wallpaper Magazine after opening. Interiors are minimal, in earthy tones with hints of retro shaping. Guests can stay in suites or multiple bedroom apartments catering for large groups and on-trend bathrooms are equipped with mini spas. Pan-Asian, Swiss and Mediterranean food can be enjoyed in the restaurant by chef Sacha Meyer and there’s a spa.
Engadine Valley, St. Moritz
Suvretta House
Suvretta House is an elegant luxury ski hotel and resort in the magnificent Alpine landscape of the Upper Engadine of St Moritz. This renowned hotel features 181 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, many featuring private balconies to enjoy the stunning surroundings and the resort’s warm, inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat for discerning travellers.
Dining venues include a gourmet restaurant serving exquisite international cuisine, a traditional Swiss eatery, and a stylish bar offering a curated selection of fine wines and cocktails.
Guests can relax at the spacious Sports & Pleasure Club which offers a 25m swimming pool with integrated water jets, an outdoor whirlpool heated to 36°C, a solarium and sauna with Finnarium, Sanarium, Vaporium or Caldarium, a spa and treatments and a fitness centre too. There is a variety of outdoor sports facilities including an ice rink and curling and tennis courts for the summer months. Suvretta House is a family-friendly resort and offers an excellent kids club for its younger clientele.
Canton of Valais, Zermatt
Riffelalp Resort 2222m
The name provides a fairly clear clue, but this is in fact the highest luxury hotel in the whole of Europe. So much so, the resort can’t actually be accessed by car. Instead, guests take the train to the property, passing breathtaking views en route. Once installed, visitors can enjoy direct ski in-ski out access to the slopes. Ski rental is available at the property, plus there are swimming pools, a tennis court, billiards, bowling and activities for kids. The decor is very much a modern take on chalet living, although the building dates as far back as the 19th-century.
Vaud, Lausanne
Hotel Royal Savoy Lausanne
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.
Sierre, Crans-Montana
LeCrans Hôtel & Spa
If you’re jetting off for an exclusive winter sports break, consider LeCrans Hôtel & Spa. Guests can ski in and ski directly out of the chalet, which is located in the Valais region. LeSpa Cinq Mondes affords incredible views, not least from the heated outdoor pool. At mealtimes, there’s Michelin-starred cuisine served in the Le Mont Blanc restaurant, created by Executive Chef Pierre Crepaud, and a Cigar Lounge for after-dinner drinks. Eight suites and seven rooms – each themed around mountains of the world – make it ideal for large groups travelling together and seeking privacy.
Canton of Lucerne, Lucerne
Grand Hotel National Luzern
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.
Canton of Ticino, Ascona
Giardino Ascona
This member of Design Hotels takes on the appearance of an exclusive Italian villa. A huge koi filled pond joins the main buildings with a bridge and dining terrace running over it. Guests can wander the perfectly manicured Tuscan style grounds, with bubbling fountains, immaculate topiaries and semi-tropical flora and fauna. Giardino Ascona’s interiors take on a modern, feminine feel and both the service and ambience throughout, endorses its five-star rating. There are two restaurants, Hide & Seek and Ecco Ascona, the former explores Ayurvedic influences, while the latter holds two Michelin stars. Giardino also caters well for kids — there’s a playground and the spa even has a children’s menu for those aged six to 12.
Canton of Geneva, Geneva
Hôtel Métropole Genève
In an idyllic setting on Lake Geneva’s left bank, the Hotel Métropole Genève overlooks the lake and the stunning English Garden and is a stone’s throw from Rue du Rhône in the charming Old Town. There is a lavish selection of expertly decorated guestrooms and suites with views over the lake and the city while the luxurious Suite Royale provides vistas containing Mont Blanc Bridge and the Jardin Anglais. The nearby Hôtel de Parc des Eaux-Vives restaurant offers stunning cuisine in a gorgeous new setting while the Hotel Métropole Genève itself boats the MET Rooftop Lounge. The lounge serves tapas and a vast selection of drinks alongside seasonal décor and sensational panoramic views. There are several meeting and event spaces fit to host sophisticated functions for up to 180 guests. The hotel is within walking distance of the main shopping areas of the city.