FALL SALE: Save up to $1,058 on our small-group trips! Limited spots. Book Now.

The Most Epic Hotels to Book in Switzerland You Have to See to Believe

Whether you want to be on the lakefront or surrounded by mountains, these incredible hotels in Switzerland deliver extraordinary experiences
Whether you want to be on the lakefront or surrounded by mountains, these incredible hotels in Switzerland deliver extraordinary experiences | Courtesy of Gstaad Palace / Expedia

There are already many good reasons to visit Switzerland – from the cheese and chocolate to the spectacular mountains. You’ll also find some hotels so eye-poppingly impressive, they’re worth the trip alone. Whether you are looking for a fairytale castle in Gstaad, a chic city stay in Zurich, or a lakeside mansion near Montreux, we’ve picked out the best places to stay in Switzerland – all bookable with Culture Trip.

The Chedi, for unparalleled luxury in Andermatt

Spa Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

Outdoor lounge furniture overlooking the pool at dusk at The Chedi Hotel in Switzerland.
Courtesy of The Chedi / Booking.com

This five-star retreat has snow shovels of wow-factor, from its cathedral-like proportions to its spectacular mountain setting. At 1.5km (0.9mi) above sea level in the heart of the Swiss Alps, it’s surrounded by dramatic peaks that echo the majestic architecture of the hotel. Inside it’s flawlessly stylish, combining achingly chic designer swagger with pitch-perfect lighting, moody granite and dark woods. Immaculate service also lubricates every experience, whether it’s dining on Michelin-starred cuisine or indulging in a treatment in their award-winning spa.

Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, for sensational views over Lake Lucerne

Resort

Stylish lounge with plush seating and impressive lakeside views at Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa.
Courtesy ofBürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa / Booking.com

With a revamp approaching half a billion euros, it’s no wonder the Bürgenstock Hotel scores high on wow-factor. First off, however, its setting perched atop the lip of a forested cliff affords gob-smacking panoramas over Lake Lucerne and lush alpine surroundings. The world-beating spa and its infinity-edge pool, which seem to float in the air above it all, are the best spots to soak up the views. Add a raft of top-end dining options and superlative rooms, and you can forgive the eye-watering rates.

Grand Hotel du Lac, for lakeside grandeur near Montreux

Hotel

A spacious room with a king-sized bed, plush seating and elegant furniture at Grand Hotel du Lac.
Courtesy of Grand Hotel du Lac / Expedia

This grande-dame hotel is all about lavish old-school glamour, overlooking Lake Léman. From its splendid 19th-century architecture and plushly bedecked interiors, to faultless white-glove service and Michelin-starred dining, the Grand Hotel delivers on its guests’ lofty expectations. Suites dial up the deluxe, with opulence approaching palatial in some of the higher-end options. In the evening, head to the exotic bar to enjoy top-notch cocktails surrounded by similarly dizzying, super-sumptuous interiors.

The Dolder Grand, for old-school glamour in Zurich

Hotel

The lounge at The Dolder Grand Hotel in Switzerland.
Courtesy of The Dolder Grand / Booking.com

Recognisable for miles around for its spired turrets, elegant belle époque architecture and striking Norman Foster-designed wings, the Dolder Grand is more than deserving of its uber-glamorous reputation. It once welcomed vintage A-listers like Winston Churchill and Sophia Loren, and it retains much of its illustrious glitz today. Crystal chandeliers, red velvet and classical columns set a tone of refinement, while original works on display by Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol add artistic caché to the swanky mix.

Gstaad Palace, for alpine chic surroundings in the Bernese Oberland

Spa Hotel, Hotel

An elegant room with a king-sized bed, elegant furniture and a private balcony overlooking the Alps at Gstaad Palace.
Courtesy of Gstaad Palace / Expedia

There’s more than a smidgen of fairytale castle about this five-star palace hotel, especially when the surrounding storybook-quaint village of Gstaad is blanketed in snow. It’s been a magnet for the glamorous global jet set since the 1960s, and much of its timeless ritz remains unsullied by the passing decades. A heated outdoor pool impresses by sheer size, while you might lose yourself in the 1,800sqm (19,375sqft) spa in more ways than one.

Tschuggen Grand Hotel, for a spa retreat in Arosa

Hotel

The colourful exterior of Tschuggen Grand Hotel.
Courtesy of Tschuggen Grand Hotel / Booking.com

While its original 1970s era could hardly be described as wow-inducing, the dozen or so illuminated glass “sails” that sit behind this hotel never fail to impress. They’re part of the extraordinary 5,000sqm (53,820sqft) hotel spa, which is carved into the mountainside and spread over four floors. A series of pools help create a dreamy wellness wonderland, while one level is dedicated just to steam treatments. Plump for a south-facing guest room and you’ll also be treated to spectacular views of the rugged surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Riffelhaus 1853, for the ultimate alpine stay in Zermatt

Hotel

An outdoor hot tub overlooking the Alps at Riffelhaus 1853.
Courtesy of Riffelhaus 1853 / Booking.com

Riffelhaus 1853, one of the oldest hotels in Zermatt, offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn — should you choose the right room. This ski-in, ski-out hotel, situated at 2,500m (8,202ft), specialises in quality Swiss fare. Restaurant Riffelhaus prepares cheese fondue, naturally, plus heaps of rösti (a hearty fritter-style dish). Fill your belly after a day on the slopes, then hit the spa, where you can soak in the open-air heated whirlpool with the Matterhorn in the near distance.

Badrutt's Palace Hotel, for a fairytale stay in St Moritz

Hotel

The indoor pool with impressive views of the Alps at Badrutts Palace Hotel.
Courtesy of Badrutt's Palace Hotel / Booking.com
In St Moritz, winter sports come with the freeze. When warmer weather melts the ice away, you can sail on the lake. Badrutt’s Palace, a ritzy 157-room hotel, is gothic in character, with green-tiled rooftops and pointy towers. This castle-like landmark is an exceedingly classy place to stay – choose a room with a lake view. Make sure you bring formalwear, which is required for dinner, but not breakfast, at the property’s restaurants. The spa, carved out of solid rock in the basement, features an indoor pool – plus a heated outdoor pool – with floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the natural backdrop outside.

Kameha Grand, for cosmopolitan class in Zurich

Chain Hotel, Luxury

Rooftop terrace with elegant lounge furniture at Kameha Grand.
Courtesy of Kameha Grand / Booking.com

If staying in Zurich and you’re after a unique hotel experience, look no further than the Kameha Grand, named after a Hawaiian king. The flashy interiors come from the creative mind of Dutch designer Marcel Wanders. The ridiculously oversized golden cowbells in the main lobby are of particular note. Door handles look like security vault handles, while doors resemble giant chocolate bars. The 245 rooms all strive to create a unique theme as far as decor goes, as do the artfully themed suites – Diva, Burlesque, Poker Face and more. Swing by the smoking lounge with fine cigars and whisky on hand, if that’s your scene.

7132 Hotel, for design aficionados near the Italian border

Luxury

The mountainside exterior of 7132 Hotel.
Courtesy of 7132 Hotel / Booking.com

Vals, an Alps-surrounded valley and a haven for hot spring enthusiasts, is home to 7132 Hotel, named for the area’s postal code. Visitors flock here to soak in the sleek, mineral-dense thermal baths, featuring local quartzite rock. Beyond, the surrounding oak trees give this hotel a contemporary, homely feel. If you number among the jet set, this design hotel has its very own helicopter landing point. Why drive when you can fly?

For more incredible places to stay in Switzerland, check out our guide to the best luxury hotels in Switzerland and the best hotels in Switzerland, bookable with Culture Trip. Heading to Andermatt? Check out these top hotels there. For more options, discover these boutique hotels in Lucerne.

Sean Mowbray and Carl Pettit contributed additional reporting to this article.

About the author

A dyed-in-the-wool Londoner now firmly rooted among the cobbled streets of old town Palma de Mallorca, left a piece of himself in Mexico some time in the last millennium and had a previous existence touring the world with a band you've probably never heard of.

Culture Trip Fall Sale

Save up to $1,058 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

toast-message-image
close-ad
Edit article