
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 Geneva, Geneva, Paquis
Hotel d’Angleterre

One of the landmark hotels of the Danish capital, the Angleterre has a ritzy glamour and plays host to the rich, from royalty to rock stars. Located on Kongens Nytorv, a grand central square, the hotel has seen and indeed hosted, much of the city’s history since 1755. It feels like a palace with its grandiose proportions, columns and chandeliers, accentuated by soft colours, luxury fabrics, and dramatic floral displays. Climate controlled rooms are sophisticated but comfortable. High class naturally means the restaurant has a Michelin star and if a glass of bubbly is on your mind, Balthazar champagne and cocktail bar extends a warm welcome. There’s also a fitness room and spa with pool, sauna and hammam.
Canton of Basel-Stadt, Basel, Vorstädte
The Passage Urban & Lifestyle Hotel

Opt to stay downtown in the four-star Passage. It’s so named due to its placing between the old and new towns of Basel. The central location is handy (not least as there’s no hotel restaurant) yet won’t impinge on a good night’s sleep thanks to soundproofing in the 46 bedrooms. Designer accommodation fuses mid-century and Scandi style, with trendy feature pieces and LED lighting. Clarins toiletries are provided for all guests and those in the loft apartments have their own kitchenettes and balconies. An organic breakfast is served daily in the lobby or on the patio, with day or evening drinks in the bar.
Canton of Valais, Verbier
W Verbier

Located on Rue de Médran and nestled in the Alps at a height of 5023 feet, W Verbier provides doorstep access to the slopes. It’s open all year round, for winter skiing and summer hiking, but there’s plenty to tempt you to stay inside. W hotels operate internationally as part of the wider Marriott group – this one offers 123 guest rooms and four residences, each with their own fireplace and private balcony, decorated in with an alluring urban-meets-Alpine vibe. Work out in a cutting edge techno-gym or relax in Away Spa, with steam rooms, a plunge pool and hammam. Meals can be taken in one of 6 eateries – there’s everything from Swiss fine cuisine, and healthy snacks to sushi and tapas. By night the atmosphere turns to après-ski action. Dance the night away to the DJ’s beats in W Off Piste, or watch the sunset as you sip on imaginative cocktails on the hotel’s panoramic terrace bar – Living Room.
Canton of Valais, Verbier
Cordee des Alpes

This 4-star boutique hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World organisation. It houses 32 luxe suites and 17 apartments – the latter offering ample space and a home from home for lengthy stays. The soothing design by Berlin-based Christina van Baal and Carolin Scheffold, is a fusion of vintage Alpine and contemporary chic, with features pieces such as aged wood floors and hand-knotted carpets from Nepal. Set across two floors, it also has a toasty indoor pool and spa area for supreme relaxation after a day on the snow, a programme of events and a brasserie serving hearty dishes emphasising local produce. Celebrate a special occasion by booking La table du chef, showcasing the art and intensity of Cordee des Alpes’ cooking.
Grisons, Laax
Peaks Place Laax

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.
Europe
Hotel Krafft Basel

This late 19th-century hotel feels very modern by comparison. The uber-cool five-floor, Rhineside property is designed to be relaxing and fuss-free, yet luxe. 48 individually decorated rooms are contemporary, comfy and cosy, with L’Occitane bath products. Guests can tuck into fancy and substantial hot platters in the herringbone floored dining room beside the hotel’s river promenade. Or enjoy fresh light lunches on the summer terrace and drinks under the stars by night. Private dining for up to eight can be arranged in the refined and bright Rhybligg room.
Canton of Basel-Stadt, Basel, Old Town Grossbasel
Hotel Les Trois Rois

Dine on three Michelin starred fine cuisine at this hotel’s destination restaurant, where Chef Peter Knogl presents deeply stylish, surprising works of edible art – Cheval Blanc is said to be among the 100 best eateries in the world. Swiss and French specialities are also served in the Brasserie, with drinks in the gentlemans’ club-style bar, or the Salon Du Cigare. 101 rooms include a rooftop suite, Napoleon riverside suite and more standard city rooms (although even in these, you’ll feel like you’re sleeping in a grand stately home). The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is actually one of the oldest hotels in Europe – Empress Michiko of Japan, James Joyce and Pablo Picasso all stayed here – a piece of living history.
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.
Canton of Zurich, Zürich, Wiedikon
FIVE Zurich

FIVE Zurich is a luxurious lifestyle hotel located in the city’s Wiedikon district, perched on a hill overlooking the city centre. The contemporary hotel comprises 45 luxurious suites and 42 suite-sized lifestyle rooms each of which presents either a superb city skyline or majestic mountain and swimming pool view. More than just a hotel, FIVE Zurich has been dubbed the new dining and nightlife place to be in Zurich offering seven international award-winning restaurants, ranging from sophisticated Chinese dining at Maiden Shanghai Zurich to street-food-inspired Asian bites at Soul Street Zurich, there is something for every occasion. The rooftop nightclub ‘The Penthouse Zurich’ offers spectacular views across the city with weekend DJs and dancing going on into the morning. The hotel offers an indoor pool and its famous ReFIVE spa providing a luxurious place to relax and refresh, as well as a heated outdoor pool for a beautiful mountain-side swim.