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Hotels
Our favorite luxury hotels in Switzerland
Fancy a weekend away in Switzerland? Switzerland’s cities offer an excellent excuse for a change of scenery. Let yourself be pampered in one of our favorite Swiss luxury hotels, and take advantage of the special features of each for an exceptional local immersion experience.
Swiss luxury hotels embody the very essence of excellence. The timelessly charming addresses we have selected are jewels nestled in enchanting surroundings. The elegant interiors, sometimes punctuated with designer touches, exude an atmosphere of serenity. In their gourmet restaurants, renowned chefs concoct dishes from the finest local ingredients. Their spas offer top-of-the-range treatments to relieve tension or boost energy. These prestigious establishments embody the art of refinement, accentuated by impeccable, attentive service. Some offer personalized services, such as limousine transfers or electric charging stations. Others offer a variety of discoveries: picnic hikes, lake cruises, exhibition visits or even an itinerary in Switzerland. Enough to create unforgettable memories!
1. La Réserve Eden au Lac, Zurich
The pitch? Facing the lake, this legendary century-old palace has been enjoying a new lease of life since 2020. The owner, Michel Reybier Hospitality Group, called on Philippe Stark to thoroughly remodel the century-old décor, without touching the exterior structure. The majestic building, erected next to the famous Utoquai baths, now evokes a kind of imaginary yacht club, attesting to the undeniably singular and resolutely offbeat vision of the famous designer.
What's the hotel like? A nautical universe: red wood that seems borrowed from the hull of a boat, chrome details, light wood floors like the deck of a Riva, and here and there bronze Venetian gondola heads, oars, half-hulls, photos and paintings of sailing ships and captains. Philippe Stark has magnified the soul of the luxury hotel in Switzerland by uncovering sculptures and historical elements previously buried under plaster. The 40 rooms and suites resemble sailors' cabins, with pure, minimalist lines, adorned with wood and metal, soft fabrics and light leather details. On the first floor, the Eden Kitchen restaurant has become one of Zurich's hot-spots, where Michelin-starred chef Marco Ortolani orchestrates Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. On the 6th floor, in the former attic with its monumental roof structure, La Muña, a second table with the look of an imaginary harbour master's office, offers Peruvian-Japanese flavours. On either side, two large tree-lined terraces, equipped with parasols and deckchairs, allow you to relax while admiring the 360° panorama.
What makes the difference?
- The Sunset Cruise to discover a different side of Zurich. Close to the hotel, board the Motoscafo Donna Anna for a two-hour sunset cruise on the lake, complete with champagne and picnic basket.
- The historic Seebad Utoquai bath. Almost at the foot of the hotel, this outdated but chic wooden bathing palace, built 120 years ago, encourages immersion in the lake. From its stairs, you can swim to one of the rafts 30 meters away, or simply cool off in the two small pools dedicated to non-swimmers (closed end-October).
- Day-trip to the abbey island of Ufenau, a nature reserve in the middle of the lake, accessible with the hotel's private shuttle bus. A coastal path leads around the protected island, , dotted with Romanesque buildings, including the chapel of Saint-Martin, which houses an exhibition of paintings.
La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich, member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels
40 keys from €540 per night.
Utoquai 45, 8008 Zurich
2. Grand Hotel Belvedere, a Beaumier Hotel, Wengen
The pitch? A " Wesandersonian " village perched high in the Swiss Alps, where trees, altitude and snow cancel out any hustle and bustle. Car-free, accessible only by cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen, Wengen faces the dazzling Jungfrau in a pristine setting where silence reigns supreme. Here, at 1,274 meters above sea level, nestles the Grand Hotel Belvedere. Renovated by the Beaumier Group, this five-star establishment combines the elegance of the Belle Époque with contemporary sobriety.
What does luxury hotel design look like in Switzerland? Historic facade, clean lines, natural materials: style fades in favor of the Bernese Alps. The 90 rooms and suites offer a permanent dialogue with the landscape: you fall asleep under a soft comforter facing the snow-capped peaks, and wake up in a bath of light, with the Jungfrau as a panorama. The Beaumier suite, the most prestigious, combines a bath with a view, a selection of works from the Mamco museum and a vast private balcony. The spa, inspired by Japanese onsen baths, offers a path to relaxation in a mineral setting - sauna, hammam, cold bath, rest areas, heated indoor/outdoor pool - facing the valley. On the dining front, two restaurants showcase regional flavours. At Brasserie Belvédère, Art Nouveau ambience, classic dishes revisited and seasonal Swiss produce are the hallmarks of a cuisine with roots. At Waldrand, the Alpine spirit becomes freer, with plates to share, from chicken escalope to crispy schnitzel. Here, chef Will Gordon champions a refined gastronomic identity. In Wengen, the Belvedere is restoring the prestige of the mountain hotel business. And we're delighted.
What makes the difference?
- The Swiss cogwheel train ride from Lauterbrunnen. A gentle arrival through coniferous forests and snow-covered meadows, giving the journey a flavour of yesteryear.
- The 180° panorama of the Jungfrau. From the rooms, the restaurant terraces or even the spa baths, the mountain seems within reach. At dusk, the low-angled light transforms the peaks into cathedrals of ice.
- Exclusive Susanne Kaufmann treatments. A native of the Bregenzerwald, the Austrian pioneer of holistic wellness has created a menu of tailor-made treatments based on powerful plant active ingredients, in a spa inspired by Japanese onsen.
Grand Hotel Belvedere, a Beaumier Hotel, Wengen
90 keys, from €407 per night
3823 Wengen, Switzerland
3. Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne
The pitch? In central Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, not far from the medieval old town, this 5-star Swiss Deluxe Hotels member now bears the colors of the Asian brand Mandarin Oriental. Built in 1906, the emblematic Belle Epoque hotel owes its rebirth, after 4 years of renovation, to Iwan Bühler Architekten and London-based Jestico Whiles for the interior design. They worked with the historic monuments registrar to maintain the hotel's former prestige, while combining it with the elegance of the new owner.
What's the hotel like? Overlooking the snow-capped peaks of the Rigi, Bürgenstock and Pilatus, this palace combines history, heritage and modernity. Behind its impressive sculpted façade, colonnades, stucco, marble, gilding, noble materials and impressive volumes punctuate the interiors. The 136 rooms, including 45 suites, some with balconies or terraces, exude a cosy atmosphere, enlivened by design details. The hotel, with its four restaurants, has established itself as a local gourmet destination. Starring La Colonnade, Michelin-starred just 5 months after opening, where chef Gilad Peled draws inspiration from the beauty of the surrounding scenery and seasonal produce to celebrate French haute cuisine. Also worth mentioning is Minamo, where the chef prepares an omakase menu (meaning I'll leave it to you) for eight guests seated in the open kitchen. The spa, a veritable bubble of serenity, features cell-regenerating treatments with edelweiss, the flagship ingredient of haute couture partner Bellefontaine.
What makes the difference?
- Watching the spectacular sunrise over the lake from Meggen. An early start is essential for this private, guided half-day hike, which includes a breakfast prepared by the hotel.
- Explore Rigi-Kulm, the "Queen of the Mountains" at 1797 meters. In addition to the most beautiful panoramic view of the lake, this day trip includes secret villages, lakes and waterfalls, accompanied by an environmental expert.
- Rosengart Collection. This art museum boasts the second-largest private collection of works by Pablo Picasso, as well as paintings by Paul Klee, Monet, Matisse, Braque and Miro.
Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne
136 keys from €607.
Haldenstrasse 10, 6002 Lucerne
4. Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne
The pitch? Tucked away in Lausanne's residential Ouchy district, the iconic Palace lives up to its name. Nestled on the peaceful waters of Lake Geneva in 4 hectares of greenery, this ambassador of the finest Swiss hotel tradition, owned by the Sandoz Hotels Foundation, was established in 1861. Its century-old walls, which have welcomed some of the world's greats, have been renewed over the years. After renovating the Palace wing in 2014, architect Pierre-Yves Rochon revived the Beau-Rivage wing in March 2020. A member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels, the luxury hotel in Switzerland still honors its motto "tradition in motion".
What's the hotel like? It retains the spirit of a house of preserved architectural heritage, boosted by high-performance technology. High ceilings, marble columns and wrought-iron fittings work in tandem with original works of art, historical engravings, mirrors and Murano glass chandeliers. Divided between the two wings, the 169 rooms and suites are decorated in either Second Empire or contemporary styles. When it comes to gastronomy, guests can choose between Le Pic, the two-starred restaurant of chef Anne-Sophie Pic, the brasserie-style Café Beau-Rivage, the Japanese Kaigan , where sushi and sashimi are prepared à la minute, or La Terrasse, renowned for its Sunday brunches. In the garden, in addition to the aromatic herbs used in cooking, 7 beehives provide the honey served for breakfast. For a moment of pampering, a spa offers exclusive Guerlain rituals.
What makes the difference?
- A few little extras: a limousine service for transfers from the station, 5 charging points for electric cars in the hotel parking lot, private coaching sessions to work on your backhand on one of the two tennis courts at the bottom of the garden.
- Electric bike rides in town, along the lake or through the Lavaux vineyards. Depending on the strength of your calves, the concierge team can design a customized half- or full-day tour for you.
Beau-Rivage Palace
168 keys from 510€ per night.
Chemin de Beau-Rivage 21, 1006 Lausanne
5. Eden Roc Hotel, Ascona
The setting? In Ticino, on the sunny shores of Lake Maggiore, close to the historic district, this 5-star Swiss hotel nestles in a garden shaded by palm trees. It belongs to the Tschuggen Collection, a family-run group committed to sustainable tourism, which owns other 5-star hotels: the Grand Hotel and Valsana Hotel in Arosa and the Carlton Hotel in St. Moritz. Eden Roc's exceptional location and amenities have repeatedly earned it the title of Switzerland's best resort hotel.
What's the hotel like? A member of the Swiss Deluxe Hotels family, it comprises three wings with different atmospheres, redesigned over the decades. The hotel's colorful Mediterranean facades, which open out onto the lake and gardens, add to its air of Dolce Vita. The interiors were designed by Carlo Rampazzi, who drew his inspiration from Ticino nature to create cocoons that are both cheerful and soothing. Some of the 58 rooms and 37 suites feature bold color combinations, while others fall asleep in pastel tones. The hotel boasts four restaurants, including the 2-Michelin-starred La Brezza, where Marco Campanella imagines fresh, light dishes, and La Casetta (fish and seafood) housed in the former boathouse, where secret negotiations to end the fighting in northern Italy took place in March 1945. Three swimming pools and a spa with a holistic concept complete this luminous thebaid.
What makes the difference?
- A dream butler can prepare your room for a restful sleep (lighting, temperature, scented candle, pillow spray, selected herbal tea).
- In addition to a private palm-shaded beach, Eden Roc has its own harbor with 8 berths for guests' boats. A boarding bridge facilitates outings on the hotel's sailboat or motorboat, as well as access to other water-based activities.
- Tea tasting at Monte Verità, cradle of utopian communities since 1900, perched 332m above sea level. In addition to a museum complex, this atypical spot boasts the only Camellia sinensis plantation producing a green tea worthy of the Shizuoka region.
Eden Roc Hotel
95 keys from €245 per night.
Via Albarelle 16, 6612 Ascona
6. The Woodward, Geneva
The setting? On the shores of Lake Geneva, along Quai Wilson, where almost all of Geneva's 5-star hotels are lined up, this emblematic building has been restored to its former glory since September 2021. Built in 1901 by the Frenchman François Durel, the post-Haussmann-style building first housed the Hotel Bellevue, then a private bank. Bought by the Bastion Holdings group, it is now part of the Oetker Collection, alongside 11 other establishments, including Le Bristol Paris.
What's the hotel like? Pierre-Yves Rochon was entrusted with its rebirth, combining Macassar ebony, monumental Nepalese carpets, French-style gilded mirrors, Baccarat chandeliers, Ralph Lauren armchairs and a host of statuettes, ceramics and old books. This is Geneva's only all-suite hotel: 26 spacious rooms with sophisticated design and unexpected features, such as sliding doors in straw marquetry. For gourmets, the Atelier Robuchon (2 Michelin macaroons), the first of its kind in Switzerland, takes up the French chef's legendary open kitchen concept. A theatrical culinary experience orchestrated by Olivier Jean for 36 guests seated around the counter. At Le Jardinier, the focus is on plants, with gluten-free and lactose-free dishes. This is the only European branch of the multi-starred Alain Verzeroli, who is a big hit in the United States.
What sets it apart?
- Its 1,200 m² spa boasts Geneva's longest indoor pool: 21 m, reserved for hotel guests and members of the exclusive Woodward Club.
- The little extras: Airport transfers. Check-in directly in the suite. Three charging points for electric vehicles in the parking lot. For tribal stays, you can privatize a landing of 4 or 5 units to obtain the configuration of a 450 m² apartment.
- A must in the watchmaking capital of the world: an introductory morning workshop at a watchmaker's, organized by The Woodward's team of Guest Relation Agents. Dive into the fascinating world of Swiss mechanical watchmaking and its unsuspected secrets.
The Woodward
26 keys from 1410 euros per night.
Quai Wilson 37, 1201 Geneva
All locations are independently selected by our specialist journalists. If you make a reservation, we may receive an affiliate commission.