Best Luxury Hotels in Switzerland

Imagine sitting in a hot marble whirlpool, looking out to a majestic mountain as the steam rises, indulging in treatments at a slick spa, dining in a Michelin starred restaurant and sipping cocktails in a Cavern Club, before retiring to an oversized, extra comfy bed in a sophisticated bedroom. This is The Omnia. It has an alfresco terrace, a pool that spans both inside and outside the building, a well-stocked library, artistic in-house chefs, a roaring log fire, an electric shuttle service and just 30 bedrooms. Designed in a modern American style, The Omnia has a very grown-up feel that’s perfect for couples.

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.

This low-rise 16th-century hotel is akin to a luxury manor home, with 78 accommodations. Guests can explore courtyards filled with roses, a bird sanctuary, vineyard and its exclusive stretch of beach, as well as playing tennis and swimming — all within the hotel’s perimeter. Castello del Sole is a Relais and Chateaux property, specialising in warm, personalised service and cuisine par excellence (which can be taken by candlelight on the terrace). Don’t miss the theatrical opera-themed bar and the Castello Spa, which incorporates ingredients grown on-site into the pampering treatments. Kids are very well catered for during the summer break, with a range of activities.

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.

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.

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.