Best Luxury Hotels in Switzerland

Not to be confused with the Beau-Rivage Palace, the Lausanne Palace is an impressive Grand Dame just a few minutes walk to the train and metro stations. 140 contemporary rooms – some with lake views – have dark wood flooring, free minibars and Penhaligon’s bath products. Its spa area includes a family-friendly pool. The Michelin-starred La Table du Lausanne Palace provides a sensory journey with panoramic rooftop views. But guests can also dine alfresco at Côté Jardin, in the Sushi Zen Palace, at Brasserie du Grand Chêne, or grab a healthy snack at Yogi Booster. Lausanne Palace has been popular with locals and visitors alike since its inception in 1915.

The two buildings housing this five-star hotel, date back to 1861. Its interiors were more recently re-designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, creating an upscale country mansion effect, focussing on pastel hues and mirrors to echo the neighbouring lake’s surface. Many stay for the 1,500 square-meter Cinq Mondes spa, with its naturopathy treatments, two heated pools, tennis courts, terrace restaurant and a patio featuring the ‘tree of life’. Culinary highlights include the two Michelin starred Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant, Miyako Lausanne (Japanese food) and a grand brasserie, as well as several bars. And the Beau-Rivage Palace has its own concept store.

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.

A palatial Belle Epoque property, the Hotel Splendide dates back to 1887. Deeply fashionable, with a prime waterside spot, it boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant – Due Sud – serving traditional dishes by Executive Chef Domenico Ruberto and La Veranda with its stunning terrace views. Bar Belle Epoque offers expert mixology to the sounds of the grand piano and there’s a chic pizza lounge for cocktails by the lake. Splendide’s Lifestyle Spa includes a starry steam room and a dreamy indoor-outdoor pool overhung by glittering chandeliers. The bedrooms range from classic, to contemporary, to regal, depending on the category.

Ideal for those serious about their skiing and sport, this apartment hotel is located in the heart of Laax, offering a bike garage, a washing area and toolbox for bikers; lockers, a drying room and a mountain shuttle bus for skiers. The 850 sqm spa and wellness retreat, La Senda, is perfect for easing tired muscles after a day of activity. Then relax over a healthy, hearty meal made following grandmothers’ recipes at restaurant s’nani, followed by a nightcap in front of the fire. Apartments sleep between three and eight guests, with minimal design and self-catering facilities.

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.

This refined property walks the line between grand and homely. Guests are accommodated in chalets, bedrooms and suites, some have freestanding tubs, balconies, expansive living and dining areas, roaring open fires and all have floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the stunning valley views. The award-winning 3,000 sq. m. Waldhaus Spa with its Earth Sauna and glass-walled indoor pool is a highlight. There’s also a complimentary supervised kids’ club, use of mountain bikes and tennis courts. Dine on Thai food at Siam, family-friendly Italian at Pomodoro, Lebanese at Fairöuz and at Epoca by Tristan Brandt. Or you can private dine at the hotel’s Belle Époque museum or wine cellar.

Found in the beating heart of the old town, this lifestyle boutique hotel has 64 designer rooms. Modern and cosy, each has crisp white bedding, calming artworks above the bed, accents of muted colours, pale wood wall coverings, a Nespresso coffee machine, fresh fruit (replenished daily) and 40” LED HD flat-screen TVs with Airplay. Storchen’s La Rôtisserie restaurant has recently gained a Michelin star under Chef Stefan Jäckel and during the summer months, its cuisine is also served on the enchanting riverside terrace. Guests can continue their riverside experience at the Barchetta Bar, or imbibe in the Cigar Bar or at The Nest, Storchen’s rooftop establishment.

Multiple townhouses dating back to the 1400s have been renovated to house the 49 bedrooms of this old town hotel, whose name means ‘ram’. It’s a unique mix — original medieval features, heavy beams and wood panelling somehow blend seamlessly with the glitzy modern furnishings. Bibliophiles will enjoy whiling away an hour or two browsing the library’s hardbacks in an easy chair and those with carnivorous tendencies will love the two restaurants: Widder and AuGust. After a satisfying dinner, guests can relax with one of a range of 1000 spirits from the bar, accompanied by the sounds of nightly live music.

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.

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.

With a heritage spanning 175 years, Baur au Lac Its Restaurant Pavillon has two Michelin stars and the Head Sommelier Marc Almert, was named Best Sommelier of the World. Baur’s brasserie and bar, has a classy, vintage feel, while Le Hall lobby bar features an enormous glittering chandelier beneath its domed glass ceiling, along with an open fire and oil paintings. Come the summertime, guests can dine beside the manicured lawn with alpine views at Baur au Lac Terrace. The decor here takes on an Art Deco meets Louis XVI style, with contemporary touches in its 119 colourful bedrooms.