Switzerland has long held a solid reputation for its world-class hospitality and services. From budget accommodation options to five-star luxuries, travellers will find that the Swiss maintain a very high standard across the board.
The variety of accommodation options around Switzerland is far and wide, but as discerned travellers, we think staying at some of the country’s historic hotels adds to the quintessential experience. Here are six suggestions for your next visit.
ZURICH
Taking in the city buzz of Zurich during the day, it would only be fitting to enjoy a relaxing and restful night at the Marktgasse Hotel in the heart of the Old Town. A 600-year-old building with 39 rooms, the establishment embodies the spirit of the city with its refined mix of historic heritage elements and contemporary design. Each room features its very own theme and custom-made furniture. A bonus for hotel guests is their free access to the Hamam Wellness Centre nearby.
LUCERNE
A visit to the historical city of Lucerne, home of the iconic Chapel Bridge, can only be made better with a stay at the Hotel Wilden Mann. As one of the seven historic houses in the Old Town, it was first recorded as a restaurant back in 1517. Located just a hop and a skip away from the Chapel Bridge, Hotel Wilden Mann is also famous for its restaurants, Burgerstrube and Sauvage (14 Gault Millau points). Their famous beef stroganoff and chateaubriand dishes never fail to impress!
BRIENZ
Set against the magnificent backdrop of a waterfall, mountains and lake, the well-preserved GrandHotel Giessbach located in Brienz, near Interlaken was once a palace hotel. Surrounded on 22 hectares of manicured gardens and parkland with a natural swimming pool, the historic hotel features 70 luxuriously appointed rooms with the Belle Epoque charms; and guests arrive via a private boat and funicular ride. Indeed, its exclusivity is second to none.
WENGEN
The Jungfrau Region is unbeatable for its views of snow-capped peaks and hiking. A visit here can only be enhanced with a stay at the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes located at Kleine Scheidegg. Established in 1840, the cosy hotel offers 100 beds and takes guests back through time. Famous among celebrities, mountaineers and skiers, the hotel was a filming location for “The Eiger Sanction” starring Clint Eastwood and “North Face” starring Benno Furmann.
BASEL
One of the most important cruise hubs in Europe, Basel is Switzerland’s city of art and architecture. Its artistic appeal is also reflected in the hotels around the city. We especially like Hotel Krafft Basel, not only for its picturesque location on the banks of the River Rhine, but its newly renovated rooms and its incorporation of Swiss Typenmöbel furniture from the 1950s. Opened in 1873, the hotel has welcomed a host of famous artists including poet, Hermann Hesse.
MONTREUX
The French-speaking town Montreux is well known for its romantic landscape, food & wine and relaxed pace. Famed also for its long running annual Jazz Festival, Montreux sits on one end of the scenic GoldenPass Line, on the shores of Lake Geneva. For your next visit, we recommend staying at the Hotel Massôn. A charming boutique hotel featuring 33 rooms, it was originally a winegrower’s house, which went on to become the town’s oldest hotel. Built in 1829, the building has welcomed many aristocrats, historians, writers, painters and philosophers.
Click on the links to find out more about Swiss Historic Hotels and Switzerland.
