256 Best Hotels in Switzerland

Richard Wagner premiered the first act of his Die Walküre here, accompanied on the piano by his father-in-law, Franz Liszt. Kings and queens, empresses and dukes took turns visiting (and let's not forget Arthur Rubinstein, Marc Chagall, Henry Moore, and Plácido Domingo), making this hotel a truly upper-crust establishment from the time it opened its doors in 1844. This is still one highbrow patrician—it even goes so far as to turn its broad back to the commercial center; its front rooms overlook the lake, the canal, and the manicured lawns of its own private park. Upstairs, the rooms are individually decorated in a mix of styles that range from art deco to English Regency to contemporary. Meals are served in the glassed-in pavilion along the canal.

Zürich's most captivating hotel was created when nine adjacent medieval houses were gutted and combined—now steel fuses with ancient stone and timeworn wood. Behind every door is a fascinating mix of old and new: a guest room could mix restored 17th-century frescoes and stone floors with a leather bedspread and halogen bell-jar lights. Set in the heart of Zürich's historic quarter, many of the houses look out into a communal courtyard, and others flaunt views of the Rennweg or the Augustinerkirche. The library with Eames chairs is a lovely touch, and gallery-worthy pieces by artists such as Andy Warhol hangs throughout. 

Though a bit tricky to get to, this exclusive spa hotel inspires relaxation from the moment you arrive with its airy rooms with deep soaking tubs and steam showers, Michelin-starred food, and fabulous thermal baths hewn from local stone. Guest rooms in light colors and natural wood feature ultracomfy beds, along with inviting sitting areas, complimentary minibars, and long balconies with soothing Alpine views; huge bathrooms have double sinks, double rain showers, and separate tubs. Don’t miss aperitifs in the Blue Bar before choosing between the more experimental 7132 Silver and the more traditional 7132 Red for dinner. Of course, the hotel’s piece de resistance is the thermal baths; stay on a Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday to enjoy a peaceful nighttime soak reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Note that the hotel is closed on Monday and Tuesday nights (though the thermal baths are open), and weekend stays have a two-night minimum. The 7132 complex also includes the House of Architects, which features simpler and smaller (and less expensive) rooms designed by famed architects including Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, and Kengo Kuma.

A welcome ultramodern hotel in a sea of older-style accommodations, the AlpenGold, near the edge of Lake Davos at the northern end of town, boasts a distinctive "cone"-shape facade on the outside and a sophisticated, streamlined design on the inside. Contemporary rooms feature neutral tones with pops of color, and all have balconies with views to either the mountains or the town; large bathrooms include both shower and tub. You can choose between dining at the in-house Swiss or Italian restaurant, or enjoying a tasting menu of small bites in the trendy rooftop eatery. Light meals are also served in the lounge bar, which has an outdoor terrace with beautiful views. The lovely 12,917-square-foot Spa Nescens—the largest in Davos—has both indoor and outdoor pools and all manner of therapies. While you're being pampered, spoil the kids and teens at clubs designed just for them; the teens' club even includes a mini cinema.

In a vast park above the village, this exquisite hotel manages to be posh and homey at the same time. Embossed and embroidered leather, mountain crystals, modern and traditional artwork, and lots of wood—much of it recycled from old barns—decorate the common areas. Done up in Alpine-chic style, the rooms and suites feature local antiques, like ornate chests and cupboards, as well as modern conveniences like huge flat-screen TVs and clever night-light sensors—plus cozy cashmere blankets and fun coffee table books.

What was once a 19th-century wooden chalet has expanded to become a full-fledged "Alpine lifestyle" destination, and its position on the farthest edge of town, at the base of the slopes, is its biggest draw. This sporty luxury hotel has a large foyer warmed by a fireplace and perked up by a bar; from its wraparound windows you can take in acres of green hills or snowy slopes. Guest rooms have soft prints and neutral tones; bathrooms are tile and stone. In winter an Italian trattoria and a Thai restaurant join the main Swiss-style restaurants.

Guests reserve months ahead for this quirky, high-style country inn noted for its fabulous gardens and fanciful theme rooms. The Mirabelle room has a stunning oversize curio case with treasures ranging from Russian nesting dolls to ceramic mugs, and the Cupidon room flaunts a cast-iron bath on rails—you can trolley out into the open air for a bath under the stars. Downstairs, the restaurant gives off an air of chic simplicity, a perfect setting for meeting the artsy locals and in-the-know guests who frequent this fun spot. The hotel can easily be reached by bus—take the No. 1 toward Portes de Fribourg/St. Leonard, get off at Poya, and stroll up the Route de Grandfey.

From the moment your Rolls-Royce whisks you from the train station to the hotel, you'll see why Badrutt’s Palace is Switzerland at its most glitzy and glamorous, complete with magnificent public spaces, an exclusive spa, numerous top chef–driven restaurants, and a high-society pedigree. Guest rooms, in both contemporary and traditional styles depending upon your preference, have luxe fabrics and ultracomfy beds. Badrutt's offers 10 restaurants, including the formal Le Restaurant and Jordnær at Badrutt's Palace (from Copenhagen Michelin-starred chef Eric Vildgaard), as well as more modern fare at an outpost of celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, open only in winter. The hotel also houses two bars and one club, with a menu designed by renowned British chef Jason Atherton. The spa, with mountain views from its indoor and outdoor pools, is a delight. Although the celeb count is lower than in its heyday, in high season you'll find the Palace crammed with beautiful people and wealthy wannabes: in fact, people-watching in the lobby is a local pastime.

On the hill above Wengen (a bit of a hike from the town center, but that may be a virtue), this friendly family-run lodging offers the kind of views that made Wengen world-famous—a vista of mountain majesty with the nearby buildings nearly hidden by trees. Happily, the southern-exposure guest rooms come with balconies to take in the beauty. Pampering is close at hand: sink into a couch in the lounge, relax with a massage or visit to the sauna area, or enjoy a dip in the indoor pool or the bio-pond (complete with fish and lily pads). The highly rated restaurant lets in lots of light through its wide windows, and the bar is very cozy. Rooms are spacious and mostly modern—some have elegant brass beds and more traditional, rustic style.

A pretension-free mix of belle époque elegance and contemporary ease defines this impeccable hotel, built in 1913 to accommodate government visitors. The stately property, next to the Bundeshaus, features intricate moldings, golden-beige brocade, crystal chandeliers, and art nouveau stained glass. Guest rooms are outfitted with modern amenities like granite bathrooms with heated floors and classic touches like Louis XV–style bergère chairs. Rooms on the fifth floor have sleek modern lines, glass showers, and sloped ceilings. The elegant main restaurant, VUE, uses seasonal ingredients to create artful dishes and menus, while the more contemporary Noumi offers eclectic small plates and interesting cocktails. An attractive gym with separate saunas for men and women beckons from the top floor.

You’d never know that this modern hotel originally dates from 1864, since it was completely renovated before its reopening in 2018, but it still includes nods to its past as a gateway to the nearby glacier with design details resembling ice (such as etched glass on the closet doors and ice cube lamps in the inviting lounge area). It has a prime location looking out to Eiger’s North Face, and it's only about a 10-minute walk down to the Eiger Express or up to Grindelwald’s town center. Rooms feature a mountain-influenced color scheme, with dark blues and fuchsia; many have terraces with mountain views, and the honeymoon suite boasts its own whirlpool. Try a well-mixed cocktail or tea in the comfy lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Eiger, or if the weather’s nice, on the large outside terrace. The small spa has a sauna, a hammam, and a relaxation room with waterbeds, plus an outdoor Jacuzzi with views of the Eiger, along with a fitness room. The in-house gourmet restaurant offers creative meals for dinner and a good selection of items for breakfast.

Glorious views of Lake Luzern, the mountains, and hilly meadows crown the structurally spectacular Bürgenstock Resort, which appears to balance above the lake. The resort comprises a luxury contemporary hotel, as well as a five-star medical wellness hotel, and some rooms are located in an elegant 1904 structure from the original resort. There are 12 restaurants and bars scattered around the 148 acres, offering everything from traditional Swiss to Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, some with a sprinkling of Gault-Millau points. Its sprawling spa—a temple-like 10,000-square-meter space—includes a heated infinity pool overlooking the lake and mountains. The historic chalet-style Taverne 1879 has an additional 12 rooms at half the price of those in the main resort. Activities like mountain biking, tennis, curling, and golf ensure that sporty guests can stay active, and the numerous lounge chairs provide ample opportunities to relax.

Choose from three hotels in one at this charming property tucked into the hillside and reminiscent of a nomadic Alpine village: the more lux Alpinist and Nomad and the more casual Huntsman; all include access to the Mountain Ashram Spa, complete with Japanese onsen and Mongolian relaxation yurts, and choice of restaurants, including the vivacious Mediterranean-themed, vegetarian-focused Bazaar. Homey contemporary rooms done up in warm colors and natural materials have wood floors and beamed ceilings; some of the larger ones include bunk bed alcoves (great for any kids in tow), fireplaces, or in-room saunas. The complex includes five restaurants, two open in summer and three open in winter, including Italian cuisine at Madre Nostra and fondue at Ferdinand. The spa, which sprawls across the property, also includes a Bhutanese herbal bath and sauna, and all guests have complimentary access to daily pilates, yoga, and meditation classes. There’s also a climbing wall to practice your mountain moves. The Sunnegga Bahn lift is right next to the hotel, ideal for hiking and skiing, and during ski season, a DJ spins nightly at the Après Ski bar.

A former gondola station high above the village offers an idyllic, away-from-it-all oasis. The stone-covered 16-room hotel is simply decorated with pale wood, white linens, and small pops of color that let the huge picture windows take center stage. A rooftop pool and sweeping terrace let you take in the panoramic views of the Rhône Valley, Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc at every opportunity.

The Teufelhof is actually three hotels in one: the Art Hotel has nine rooms that are works of art in their own right and were stunningly reconceived by well-known artists such as Switzerland's Dieter Meyer, while the simple rooms of the adjoining Gallery Hotel function as a canvas for a single artist to show off recent work or for an exhibit on a particular theme (such as historic photographs of Basel). Across the street is their youngest property, SET Hotel, with 36 modern rooms in four categories on four floors. The complex, which includes parts of an old abbey, features not only two restaurants, a café, a wine shop, and a brewery, but also an in-house theater that puts on performances in German from mid-September to early May.

A turn-of-the-20th-century mountain lodge done up in eclectic Alpine-vintage pageantry, this clubby lodging shakes up the pretty hamlet of Mürren with playful mountaineering style. Drei Berge attracts city-dwellers with an appreciation for cheeky design—note the Bernese bear drinking a beer on the hotel logo. Colorful pennants with names of peaks from around the world sweep across the carpeting in the lobby, and coats of arms painted in blues, reds, and golds run along the ceiling border in guest rooms swathed in warm wood paneling. Japanese and French dishes are served at dinner, along with high-altitude wines.

On the edge of the Old Town, this former embroidery factory is now an upscale hotel with sleek interiors (polished cabinetry, subdued floral fabrics), a uniformed staff, and a five-star attitude. There's a generous breakfast buffet, laid out in the skylighted top-floor loft, but it's an additional cost. The bar is dark, leathery, and appropriate for the business-class clientele. A modern annex houses more rooms, and guests have free access to an adjacent fitness center and spa.

The trendiest place to stay in town features a restaurant from Parisian chef Gregory Marchand of Frenchie fame, a spa with cult Biologique Recherche products, and the Experimental brand’s renowned cocktails—plus it's now home to Verbier’s famed nightspot, the Farm Club. Designed by Milanese architect Fabrizio Casiraghi, well-appointed guest rooms are done up in jewel tones; some include large terraces with mountain views and private Jacuzzis. Frenchie Verbier restaurant highlights elevated takes on French cuisine, while the cocktail bar is a cozy place for an après-ski libation (as well as for people-watching). Though the spa is small, it’s a pleasant place to enjoy the Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.

Silver mansards and yellow awnings flag this vast institution as a landmark, though its aristocratic interiors are now filled with cell-phone-chatting travelers. This colossal belle époque folly of stained glass, frescoes, and flamboyant molded stucco opened in 1906 and counts Vladimir Nabokov among its notable former residents (a bronze of the author stands in the lakeside gardens). Updated facilities do not compromise the allure of this grand hotel. You can be cyber-connected from any corner or secluded in a massage suite at the Willow Stream Spa. Guest rooms have fruitwood furniture, bold accessories, and whirlpool tubs trimmed in granite and marble.

Unpretentious service, lavish decor, luxurious details, and a first-rate location gives this palace an inner glow. Classic guest rooms are done in soothing palettes of blues and Louis-Philippe opulence, but more contemporary rooms on the spa floor are dressed in muted browns and feature posh bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and a shower with a built-in hammam. Throughout, the elegant grandeur meshes seamlessly with perfect service and modern comforts. Not to mention that the views—including of the Jet d'Eau—from this swooningly impressive, yet so personal, hotel are superb. There's also a two-story spa with an indoor pool, fitness center, and rooftop restaurant.

The Great Gatsby would feel in his element in this Relais & Châteaux property that's as glamorous as a Mediterranean villa but still fabulously modern. The luxury borders on decadence: the sheets are pure linen, ground-floor rooms have private gardens, and there's a landscaped pool area. Boasting two Michelin stars, Restaurant Ecco surprises with so-called "molecular" cuisine, which attempts to find new ways of cooking based on scientific experimentation. The results are delicious.

This Alpine-chic design hotel—within seven 18th-century buildings that formerly housed a boarding school—brings a younger, fresher vibe to often-traditional St. Moritz. Though a bit removed from St. Moritz proper in the village of Champfèr, there are shuttles to Corvigia and Corvatsch for easy access to the slopes. Guest rooms have casual mountain decor, with plenty of wood and Italian fabrics; some have freestanding tubs inside the room itself for a soak after skiing or hiking. The spacious wellness area includes a nice-size indoor pool along with steam baths, saunas, and treatments; coaches, who can lead guests in achieving goals such as strengthening their back or improving their balance, are available upon request. In-house restaurants are also unique, from the international tapas of Hide & Seek to a branch of the two-Michelin-star Ecco, open only during the winter season.

Housed inside a historical building originally designed in 1903 by Nicolaus Hartmann—who also designed the train station across the street—along with a striking new building right beside it, the Grace offers a touch of clean, contemporary luxury, with grand public spaces and views of the mountains and lake from the guest rooms. Within St. Moritz’s only five-star hotel open 365 days a year, all guest rooms, decorated in soothing greys and browns, feature king-size beds with Frette linens; expansive stone-and-marble bathrooms have double sinks and walk-in rain showers. Guests can choose from rooms either in the recently built Grace Wing, with floor-to-ceiling windows and air conditioning, or the renovated Art Deco La Margna Wing, which has a similar look but also includes bathtubs (though no AC); splurge on the Grace or La Margna terrace suites for outdoor spaces with magnificent views. The main Mediterranean restaurant, The View, stays open all year for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while during the winter season, The Stack serves up brasserie-style cuisine and The Max Moritz offers Swiss fine dining; N/5 – The Bar is worth visiting any time of year for inventive and seasonally changing cocktails in a convivial atmosphere. The spa features an indoor pool and whirlpool as well as two saunas and a steam bath, plus (since this is St. Moritz, after all) a fine selection of ultra-pampering treatments including massages, body wraps, and facials. There’s also a cute, well-stocked kids’ club for tots ages 3 and up.

A grand Versailles set amid mountain peaks, the Kronenhof is the pinnacle for rest, relaxation, and pampering, with gorgeous designs inside and out, a keen attention to detail, and a sprawling lawn perfect for admiring the views of Roseg Valley. The hotel was completed in 1890, and the exterior has changed little since then. The lobby and dining rooms, with elaborate moldings and heavy chandeliers, are dazzling, especially the rococo gold-and-gilt Grand restaurant. Upstairs, the guest rooms feature two distinctive styles: some are grandiose, with heavy furniture; others are more modern, with hardwood floors and carved Grisons ceiling panels. Whereas the Grand serves elegant international cuisine, the gorgeously wood-burnished Kronenstübli offers upscale regional fare. Completing this masterpiece is a spa with relaxation, lap, whirl-, and jet pools; steam rooms and saunas; and grand views guaranteed to whisk your cares away.

Basel's leading rendezvous for the rich and famous, the Trois Rois—the oldest city hotel in Switzerland, and one of the oldest in Europe—has long been an integral part of Basel history, though it also includes up-to-date accoutrements like flat-screen TVs and top-notch restaurants. Its supremely elegant rooms, furnished with unique art and antiques, are done up in ravishing shades of cream, gilt, powder blue, and red; ornate woodwork and impressive tapestries nudge the opulence factor ever higher. There's also a newer art deco wing with sophisticated modern-style rooms. Even if you don't stay here, it's worth a visit to admire the facade statues depicting the biblical three wise men from 1754. Noteworthy guests have included Napoléon Bonaparte, Queen Elizabeth II, Charles Dickens, and Picasso. In 1897 the great Hungarian-born Jewish writer Theodor Herzl stayed here during the first Zionist Congress, which laid the groundwork for the founding of the state of Israel. There is a feast here for the stomach as well as the eyes: the formal Cheval Blanc serves up French cuisine classique, and the Brasserie proffers a stunning glass wall overlooking the river. The hotel remains surprisingly intimate and understated in the best Swiss way.

With three interconnected hotels, seven restaurants, four bars, its own private wellness area, and a direct connection to the Tamina Therme thermal spa complex—not to mention a huge park and stunning mountain views—this superlative resort offers a little something for everyone. The Grand Hotel Quellenhof features spacious, luxe rooms with walnut parquet floors, touches of modern art, and balconies overlooking the lovely green space in front of the property. Spacious bathrooms use natural stone; showers sparkle with gold tiles. The Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz has a more traditional style, while the Spa Suites feature their own private spa areas with whirlpool bath, sauna, and steam shower. Restaurants include Michelin-star options serving elegant Swiss cuisine, plus Asian and Mediterranean eateries. You can sample the waters at the gorgeous and historic Helena Bath indoor pool, dating from the 19th century—exclusively for hotel guests' use—or take a dip in the outdoor Garden Pool. There’s also a small spa with whirlpool, steam room, and sauna; 8- and 9-hole golf courses; minigolf; and substantial 24-hour gym. Aside from all that, hotel guests also have free access to the adjacent (and enormous) Tamina Therme. Kids won’t feel left out either, with the Children’s Villa kids’ club, plus their very own spa area.

Overlooking the famed Giessbach Falls, this 19th-century belle époque showplace trimmed with fancy woodwork and topped with turrets offers lovely scenic views from almost any vantage point. The lobby has high, chandeliered ceilings and period furnishings in golds, yellows, and soft pinks. Stucco angels, full-length oil portraits of Swiss beauties, and other Proustian touches will have you feeling like an off-duty aristocrat in no time. Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious, and the communal maxibar offers free beverages and fruit around the clock. Les Cascades restaurant has a glorious orangery overlooking the falls, and Le Tapis Rouge is a serious gourmand affair.

One of Wengen's first lodgings, this welcoming inn—downhill and away from the center—has been run by the same family for more than a century. Adorable Alpine-style guest rooms with south-facing balconies are well worth the slight additional cost, as the sweeping views of the valley are sublime. The decor is homey, with a cozy mountain chalet look and comfy chairs and sofas for lounging throughout the hotel's large public spaces. While some of the guest rooms are on the small side, their Alpine ambiance, highlighting light woods and tartan details, is absolutely charming. The bar-salon is spacious and inviting, with an open fireplace and overhead beams, and there's a large outdoor area in front of the hotel with wonderful vistas. There's an emphasis on good half-board meals, with a four-course spread served each evening with a vegetarian option available.

Occupying four graceful 18th- and 19th-century villas and a historic hotel near the waterfront, this small complex has been modernized without ruffling its gentility or disturbing its graceful stone arches, marble floors, or discreet gardens. It's the best of both worlds: small-hotel attentiveness plus access to the facilities of the grand Beau-Rivage Palace next door. The hotel, where Lord Byron penned "The Prisoner of Chillon," anchors the compound. A private courtyard with glass pavilion receives guests and dispenses them to quarters furnished in styles ranging from contemporary historical to garden-party floral. A meal taken on the terrace of L'Accademia, the quay-facing Italian bistro, provides a glimpse of the lakefront lifestyle.