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The Best Boutique Hotels in Switzerland

Natural beauty surrounds you no matter where you stay in Switzerland
Natural beauty surrounds you no matter where you stay in Switzerland | © The Cambrian

Whether you want to ski beneath the Matterhorn, hike through the Alps or indulge in Zurich’s fine dining, these are the best boutique hotels in Switzerland for your next adventure, bookable with Culture Trip.

Switzerland has always stood slightly apart from the rest of Europe, despite sharing a love of cheese, wine and alpine landscapes with its neighbours. The Swiss take full advantage of their wonderful natural setting – and so should you when visiting this mountainous nation.

Experimental Chalet

Luxury, Hotel, Chain Hotel

The stylish hotel lobby at Experimental Chalet in Switzerland.
© Experimental Chalet

Verbier has some of the world’s best off-piste skiing. It’s also home to Experimental Chalet, offering alpine rooms with gorgeous views of the mountains. Opt for a Verbier Suite with a jacuzzi for a private soak after a day on the slopes. When hunger strikes, try the free-range chicken with wine sauce in the farm-to-table restaurant run by a top-notch Parisian chef. If you’re not skiing or you’re visiting during warmer weather, sign up for tandem skydiving or paragliding to see the region from above.

The Capra Saas-Fee

Boutique Hotel

The serene and stylish indoor pool with plush lounging furniture at The Capra Saas-Fee hotel in Switzerland.
Courtesy of The Capra Saas-Fee / Expedia

Saas-Fee, a car-free Swiss ski resort, is a breath of fresh air for nature lovers. The Capra (named after a mountain goat) comes with a gourmet restaurant and a luxury spa that captures the region’s alpine charm perfectly with its modernist wood-panel design. The latter includes an indoor pool, a toasty steam room and fitness classes. The five-star hotel also runs a shuttle to its slopeside ski-in, ski-out cabin, which makes ditching your skis and boots a breeze.

The Chedi Andermatt

Spa Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

The chic indoor pool at The Chedi Andermatt hotel in Switzerland.
Courtesy of The Chedi Andermatt / Expedia

The Chedi serves up all manner of Swiss elegance in the ski resort of Andermatt, 1,447m (4,747ft) above sea level. During the winter, skiing and snowboarding are the activities of choice. In summer, you can take advantage of the Andermatt Swiss Alps Golf Course and plenty of precipitous hiking trails. Inside, you’ll find contemporary Asian decor, an outstanding Japanese restaurant, an indoor 35m pool encased in a glasshouse, a ski-butler service and much more.

The Alpina Gstaad

Luxury, Hotel

The sophisticated, two-storey lounge at Alpina Gstaad hotel in Switzerland.
Courtesy of The Alpina Gstaad / Expedia

Gstaad is where the elite come to ski and enjoy the vertical countryside. The Alpina Gstaad adheres to traditional architecture standards – lots of stone and reclaimed timber – while also embracing modernity with its selection of three restaurants run by a Michelin-star chef, a Himalayan salt grotto and a Turkish bath. The property, plopped down on a hilltop, affords sweeping views of Gstaad. Hire one of the on-site e-bikes and snow-themed electric Fiats to explore the area.

The Cambrian

Spa Hotel, Hotel

Cosy and stylish lounge space with a roaring, corner fireplace at The Cambrian Hotel in Switzerland.
Courtesy of The Cambrian / Expedia

In the Bernese Oberland, you’ll find the Cambrian, run by a Welsh pair well versed in Swiss life. While there’s no shortage of summer and winter activities – cable-car rides, hiking, sledging, skiing and more – two highlights are the heated indoor and outdoor pools, offering elevated views of the surrounding mountainside. The extensive spa – try the honey body scrub – is perfect for a soak and relaxation after a day of outdoor adventures.

Boutique-Hotel Schlüssel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Sophisticated dining room with warm lighting at Boutique Hotel Schluessel.
Courtesy of Boutique-Hotel Schlüssel / Expedia
Described as the oldest boutique hotel in Switzerland, the Boutique-Hotel Schlüssel looks like a traditional alpine hotel on the outside. However, inside, you’ll find 12 modern luxury suites with free-standing bathtubs and plump duvets. It sits in the village of Beckenried near Lucerne, with beautiful scenes of the mountains and Lake Lucerne all around. The restaurant highlights fresh, local ingredients, so there are no written menus. Instead, the servers describe the dishes on offer, reflecting what’s in season.

Eastwest Hotel

Hotel

Contemporary and plush lounge at Eastwest Hotel in Switzerland.
Courtesy of Eastwest Hotel / Expedia

Just a short walk from Lake Geneva, Eastwest Hotel’s exterior is solemnly classical, while a contemporary, relaxed setting designed by artists Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet await you inside. As the hotel’s name suggests, there’s a blend of Chinese design and Western amenities, such as a Nespresso coffee machine and pillow menu in each room. You can try Swiss wine at the weekly tapas evening, followed by dinner at the innovative, upscale restaurant with an Asian twist.

Hotel Firefly

Hotel, Lodge

The ski-chalet exterior of Hotel Firefly in Switzerland.
Courtesy of Hotel Firefly / Expedia

Hotel Firefly brings the traditional alpine lodge into the 21st century. This stylish, family-owned hotel lies just outside the centre of Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s top ski resorts. Each suite pays homage to the four elements of earth, fire, air and water – with colour schemes to match. Upgrade to the five-bedroom Skylight Loft for oodles of space and spectacular views of the Matterhorn, and relax in the aromatherapy steam bath or the distiller sauna before heading down for an Aperol spritz in Bar55.

Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel

Eco Hotel, Hotel

The eco-friendly pods at Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel in Switzerland, nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Swiss Alps.
Courtesy of Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel / Expedia

If you want to escape from the crowds and enjoy nature at its purest, the Whitepod Eco-Luxury Hotel offers spacious, luxurious “pods” in the heart of the Swiss mountains. These geodesic domes combine glamping with hotel luxuries, including comfortable double beds, wooden floors and log-burners. In summer, you can go on long hikes along 25km (16mi) of signposted trails. In winter, you can take advantage of the many cold-weather activities on offers, including snowshoeing and husky dog sledging. The on-site restaurant, Les Cerniers, offers a nonstop lunch service featuring traditional mountain and regional dishes.

Widder Hotel

Chain Hotel, Hotel

Spacious and elegant room at the Widder Hotel in Switzerland, furnished with a king-sized bed, lush leather seating, a television and speakers.
Courtesy of Widder Hotel / Expedia

In the heart of Zürich’s old town, the Widder Hotel building dates back to the 12th century. Its design is contemporary, but throughout its 49 rooms, the rich medieval heritage is gloriously maintained. The hotel takes its name from the house of the Widder, a butcher’s guild that still organises meetings today. Alongside luxury suites, the five-star hotel offers four stylish, fully furnished apartments for extended stays. With two Michelin stars, the on-site Widder Restaurant is a must-visit, so book early.

Looking for more great places to stay in Switzerland? Discover our guide to the best hotels in the Swiss Alps, or the best hotels in Verbier for every traveller, bookable with Culture Trip. Heading to Andermatt? Check out these top hotels there.

This is an updated version of an article originally by Sean Mowbray.

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