Right about now, many of you are wondering if you’re completely shut out of your European summer. We’ll be honest with you: Italy, France, Greece and to a lesser extent, Spain, are going to be a Hail Mary to get your top hotels. So, is there anywhere in Europe that’s worthy of your summer? Sometimes, the answer is right in front of you. If there’s a place on Earth that is pretty darn close to perfection, it might just be Switzerland. Even the late Tina Turner liked it so much, she gave up her U.S. Citizenship and went all Swiss.
Mountains are not just for skiing; some of these towns are even better during the summer for hiking, kite surfing (yes, seriously), and every other Swiss Miss activity under the sun. This is also the time of year when you get the authentic experience of what makes Switzerland so special. So, these are the hotels that should be on your Switzerland circuit, including one that’s barely a bed and breakfast. It’s going to be an experience though that you’ll talk about long after the last bottle of summer rosé is poured.
When you think of summer, there are the usual suspects. St. Tropez, Ibiza, the South of France, and of course, the Amalfi Coast. But you’ve been there and done that. So, where should you go this summer that’s different? Sometimes the answer is right in front of you: Switzerland. Whether it’s on the shore of Lake Geneva or high up in the Alps. The warm weather is the perfect setting for exploring the green mountains or spending the day strolling through the picturesque cities. Plus, everyone knows that Switzerland is the capital of hospitality. This is where people come to learn how to manage hotels and win an international audience that will keep coming back. Our list of top hotels in Switzerland sets the example of how luxury hotels should operate. So have a Swiss Summer and indulge yourself at some of the best hotels in Switzerland.
The Hotel: The Alpina Gstaad
The Location: Gstaad, Switzerland
Overview
The Alpina is reopening for its summer season on June eighth. This five-star luxury hotel is set on a hillside overlooking a Swiss ski village. The area has pristine alpine views with a landscape that offers tons of Summer activities. There are fifty-six rooms and suites designed with Swiss elegance. The hotel is known for its architecture, art collection, and enchanting gardens in full bloom during the Summer. For dining, there is Sommet, their Michelin-starred restaurant run by Martin Göschel. Equally as impressive is their Japanese restaurant Megu, which is considered to be the top Asian restaurant in all of Switzerland. The Alpina is also home to the first Six Senses Spa in Switzerland which is inspired by the energy of the Alps.
The Hotel: The Park Hyatt Zurich
The Location: Zurich, Switzerland
Overview
The Park Hyatt Zurich is charmingly located between the glistening Lake Zurich and the city’s Old Town. It has a variety of rooms and suites that exude luxury and give guests magnificent window views of the cityscape. Their restaurant, Parkhuus, was recently awarded 16 Gault Millau points for its gourmet Swiss cuisine and 3,000 wine bottle inventory. However, considering its central location you’ll be close to Zurich’s best restaurants, shops, historical landmarks, and museums. Additionally, Park Hyatt Zurich has a spa for high-end treatments and a fitness center for staying active.
The Hotel: The Six Senses Crans-Montana
The Location: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Overview
Six Senses Crans-Montana is your getaway in the Alps. Its Swiss chalet ambiance emanates throughout its 78 terrace rooms and suites. The huge bay windows and private terraces look out at the mountain landscape connecting guests to the beauty of Switzerland. In addition, they have three-bedroom prestige apartments for larger groups coming to enjoy the Alps. Their all-day brasserie, Wild Cabin, is on a large open-air terrace with 360-degree views of the Valais Valley. Byakko, on the other hand, serves Japanese specialties. Being that this is a Six Senses resort you know that their Spa and Wellness center goes above and beyond. When you’re not busy with outdoor activities off-site, enjoy the hotel’s rooftop pool, alpine garden, and outdoor cinema.
The Hotel: Casa Caminada
The Location: Fürstenau, Switzerland
Overview
Casa Caminada is in Fürstenau, the smallest town in the world. The region is surrounded by picturesque castles and green mountain valleys. But, the main draw of the area is the restaurant Schloss Schauenstein, which won 3 Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points. The food takes its inspiration from the Grison Alps and features local ingredients. Casa Caminada is conveniently located next door to the restaurant and is great for a short trip to the area. Their light-filled rooms are made from larch wood and have a minimalist design. Their own restaurant serves traditional Swiss food cooked by a chef who previously worked at Schloss Schauenstein. Additionally, they have their own bakery, shop, and culinary cellar.
The Hotel: Bürgenstock Hotels and Resort
The Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Overview
The Bürgenstock Hotels and Resort is a world unto itself. Set, on the edge of the dazzling Lake Lucerne, you’ll get beautiful views of the water with the Swiss Alps in the distance. In all, the resort includes three luxury hotels, private residences, ten restaurants and bars, two spas, plenty of shopping, and even its own medical facility. Each hotel has its own distinct personality yet no matter which you pick you’ll be in luxury. Likewise, each of their ten restaurants and bars has its own distinctive flavor. Pick between Asian, Italian, and French to name just a few options. As you can imagine there are tons of activities to pursue while here. There is tennis, alpine golf, a cinema, the highest outdoor lift in Europe, and the list goes on and on. This isn’t one but three hotels to choose from in Switzerland.
The Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Geneva
The Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Overview
Mandarin Oriental Geneva is set on the banks of the River Rhône in the heart of the city. Although Switzerland is known for its hospitality, Mandarin Oriental really goes the extra step. You get the choice between rooms with a view of the river or one of the cityscape. Their larger suites have sun-filled terraces, fireplaces, and sliding doors to divide the space how you like it. For dining, you have a selection of top-tier restaurants serving Japanese, Peruvian, and international cuisines. Mandarin Oriental’s wellness program includes a fitness center, yoga studio, and beauty suites for treatments. When it comes to hotels in Switzerland, Mandarin Oriental is always a frontrunner for offering the best service.
The Hotel: The Woodward Hotel
The Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Overview
The Woodward is an Oetker Collection property on the shore of Lake Geneva. This gives it panoramic views of the crystal blue lake with the Alps in the distance, including Mont Blanc. The building itself was built in 1901 but has a decadent new interior by Pierre-Yves Rochon. In addition, The Woodward is Geneva’s first all-suite hotel which makes the stay all the more intimate. Twelve of its twenty-six suites have lake views and each of them is unique with their own lavish design. Their restaurant, L’Atelier Robuchon was awarded a Michelin star. Similarly, Le Jardinier is run by Michelin-starred chef Alain Verzeroli and overlooks the Geneva Harbor. Their two-floor 1,200 square meter spa includes the longest indoor swimming pool in Geneva. Enjoy their saunas, steam rooms, Swedish baths, wellness suites, and of course their state-of-the-art gym.
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