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.
The Chedi Andermatt
Experience a slice of Asia in the Alps, with a stay at The Chedi Andermatt. Paper lanterns and Balinese art are mixed alongside modern wood panelling, oversized ski prints and open fire pits. Following its theme, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine (the sushi is wonderful), alongside Swiss dishes. A 35-metre swimming pool and a hydrothermal area are found in the spa, as well as a heated outdoor pool. Rooms feature Hästens boxspring beds and contemporary electric fires. The hotel sits in the shadows of the Gemsstock, nearly 1500 metres above sea level – guests can take the dedicated ski bus from its door, just a few minutes along to the mountain’s gondola. meanwhile, your ‘ski butler’ will take care of passes, heat your boots and provide slope-related advice.
Hotel Villa Honegg
Accommodating just 23 rooms (most of which have balconies), this turn of the 20th-century villa perched on Mount Bürgenstock, offers intimate luxury. There’s a private cinema, wellness area, indoor swimming pool and year-round outdoor infinity pool, which overlooks Lake Lucerne and the towering range of mountains beyond. The hotel provides complimentary electric bikes for guests’ use, plush terrace loungers for sunny days, a shuttle service and access to its golf course. Award-winning London designers have refreshed the interiors, while the exterior is reminiscent of the Art Noveau era. Each room is completely unique and comes with extravagant Hermes toiletries.
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.
The Dolder Grand
A city break in Zurich is made all the more enticing, with a stay at this turreted, Belle Époque, landmark hotel. Overlooking the lake and surrounded by woodland, it’s a ten-minute shuttle ride into the heart of the action. The decor is ornate and classy – an 11-metre Andy Warhol artwork adorns the lobby, along with grand columns and glittering chandeliers. Facilities in the complex include a tennis court, golf course, ballroom, enormous spa and even an ice rink during the winter months. Past patrons have included the likes of Roger Moore, Sofia Loren, Nelson Mandela and Elizabeth Taylor. So you’ll be in good company when you book a room here.
Lugano, Canton of Ticino
Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano
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.
Courchevel, Rhône-Alps
Hotel Des Trois Vallées
Providing a distinct and different aesthetic to many of the other hotels in the region, Hotel Des Trois Vallées has a post-war and mid-century interior style. Room types are titled: Comfort, Privilege, or Suite, with a Nespresso machine, minibar and balcony in each. Dine on authentic local table d’hôte menus while seated at rustic trestle tables in L’Épicerie. Slow down at the Spa des 3 Vallées, with its Turkish Bath, sauna and Grand Jacuzzi. And escape the crowds in a setting that’s far enough of the beaten track, yet still in the heart of Alpine activity.
Old Town Grossbasel, Basel, Canton of Basel-Stadt
Grand 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.
Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
The late 19th-century country hotel used to be two separate buildings, before merging to create one large residence with 224 rooms and suites. It now accommodates two restaurants, a champagne piano bar, six tennis courts, a vaulted indoor pool, a fitness suite, an atrium, an outdoor saltwater pool and the 5500 square metre Spa Nescens. Anti-ageing treatments and health diagnostics from medical specialists are a draw, along with its cosmeceutical procedures and SENSAI treatments. Victoria-Jungfrau can be found in Interlaken’s Bernese Oberland and takes part of its name from the continually snow-capped Jungfrau mountain.
Villa Orselina – Small Luxury Hotel
Overlooking Locarno and Lake Maggiore, this boutique residence is within strolling distance of the centre, yet pleasantly tucked away. Tennis courts and an outdoor pool are found on its grounds, while a spa (offering optional alfresco treatments) and indoor swimming pool lie within. Guests can borrow the hotel’s electric bikes, or take its boat for a jaunt on the lake. And there’s a golf course next door. Picnics baskets or packed lunches are provided on request, but there are two all-day fine dining establishments on site too. Pets and children are made most welcome.
Park Hotel Vitznau
One of the most exclusive hotels in Switzerland, this 47-suite, turreted property, has a traditionally Swiss vibe. Awarded two Michelin stars, the restaurant Prisma serves fusion cuisine paired with a choice of over 32000 different wines housed in six cellars. Opens to staying guests only, the high-end spa includes an ice grotto for the brave. Swim from indoors to the outside, in its partially covered infinity pool, as mountain and lake views are majestically revealed into view. The warm climate and clean air of this region can be enjoyed on the summer terrace as you tuck into the chef’s grilled specials.
Six Senses Crans-Montana
Set in the picturesque Swiss Alps, Six Senses Crans-Montana offers an extraordinary ski in / ski out experience in a serene mountain setting. The hotel features 100 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each boasting breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks The décor combines contemporary alpine style with natural materials, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. There is a great choice of bars and restaurants within the hotel, serving Swiss delicacies to international cuisine.
After a day on the slopes unwind in the wellness centre where guests will find a state-of-the-art spa sauna, a steam room, relaxation areas and an outdoor infinity pool. There is a range of family friendly facilities with a dedicated kids club for younger guests. This is the perfect place to stay for those seeking both adventure and relaxation on their ski holiday.
Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences
Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences, located in the heart of Crans-Montana, offers a ski in/out experience and is a luxurious retreat that blends alpine charm with contemporary elegance. Comprising 46 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each boasting stunning mountain views and high-end furnishings. Guests can enjoy an exceptional gourmet dining experience at the on-site restaurant complemented by an extensive wine selection. In addition to an excellent spa and wellness centre and heated outdoor swimming pool, guests can also make use of the exclusive 9-hole golf course in a serene setting. Well-suited to a family holiday, the hotel has a children’s play area and child-friendly activities.
At the Guarda Golf Hôtel & Résidences guests are invited to embrace a truly luxurious ski holiday in the the stunning alpine landscape of Crans-Montana.
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