Hotels

The 20 Best Hotels in Switzerland, From Cities to Mountains

From epic ski destinations to elegant palaces and spa resorts, this alpine country is brimming with luxury hotels that consistently rank among the best in the world.

By 

Emma Reynolds

 |  September 3, 2025

Switzerland‘s geographical versatility is its biggest draw, from its soaring alpine peaks to its fairytale villages, quaint mountain towns, old-world chalets, waterfalls, pristine lakes, pedigreed architecture, and important landmarks. It has an undefinable beauty that keeps travelers returning again and again, enhanced by Switzerland’s unmatched level of hospitality. Switzerland is known for its five-star service, as well as attention to detail. As the birthplace of haute horologie, exquisite chocolate, and wine that only Swiss citizens and travelers can enjoy, the country and its people take great pride in craftsmanship, excellence, and innovation. 

The country is exceptionally nuanced, with four national languages, including German, French, Italian, and Romansh (the latter spoken by a small subset of Swiss folks). There are 26 cantons (best compared to states in the U.S.) that have their own culture, history, and flair. Similar to any country or state, the food, attitude, traditions, and language that you experience in northern Switzerland are far different than those in southern Switzerland. For instance, Zürich, Bern, and Basel are German-speaking cities; Geneva and Lausanne are French-speaking; and Lugano, Bellinzona, and Locarno are predominantly influenced by Italy. It’s not uncommon for Swiss nationals to speak all three, or at least two, of the official languages.

Below, you’ll find our selection of the 20 best hotels in Switzerland, divided by geography. 

In This Article

• How to Get Around Switzerland
• The Best Hotels in Geneva
• The Best Hotels in Zurich
• The Best Hotel in Lausanne
• The Best Hotels in St. Moritz
• The Best Hotels in Gstaad
• The Best Hotel in Pontresina
• The Best Hotel in Andermatt
• The Best Hotels in Crans-Montana
• The Best Hotels in Lucerne
• The Best Hotel in Ascona

The 20 Best Hotels in Switzerland

How to Get Around Switzerland

Switzerland is revered for its clean, simple, and elegant public transportation, and its train system makes it easy for out-of-towners to commute between cities. If you want to cut down on time, whether you’re traveling from skiing locales or five-star hotels, you can travel via helicopter or private jet. 

The Best Hotels in Geneva

The Woodward, Auberge Resorts Collection

Geneva is home to some of the world’s most exclusive hotel accommodations, featuring spectacular rooms and suites from the finest luxury brands. When The Woodward opened its doors in 2021 as Geneva’s first-ever all-suite hotel, it set a new luxury standard for the city. It initially debuted as part of the Oetker Collection, the same hotel group that oversees Hôtel Le Bristol Paris, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in the South of France, and The Lanesborough in London. As of February 2025, it’s now a part of Auberge Resorts. 

The stately Belle Époque building was built in 1901 by French architect François Durel and is situated along Quai Wilson overlooking Lake Geneva. The hotel has just 26 keys, with 21 rooms oriented toward the lake, each of which features a marble fireplace, floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to quaint balconies, silk walls, Lalique fixtures, soft color palettes, custom woodwork, and museum-quality art collections. 

Whether you’re in town for a night or a week, it feels like your own little palace. The hotel also has the two-Michelin-starred L’Atelier Robuchon restaurant and Le Jardinier restaurant. There’s a Guerlain spa and even an annual membership option for the wellness facilities called Club Woodward, should you find yourself a regular traveler in Geneva.

Read More: 15 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Paris, The 14 Best Luxury Hotels in London

Mandarin Oriental, Geneva

Set on the banks of the picturesque Rhône River, Mandarin Oriental in Geneva was one of the first luxury hotels to open in Europe after World War II. It opened as the Hôtel du Rhône in 1950 before the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group acquired the property in 2000, but the hotel still retains its iconic post-war modernist facade. There are 178 accommodations, which include 35 spacious suites overlooking Geneva’s Old Town, river, and mountains. The hotel group is famous for its warm and discreet hospitality, making it a perfect fit for Geneva’s discerning clientele. 

Last renovated in 2013, the interiors feature modern furnishings with clean curves and elegant symmetry, bold colors, and marble-covered bathrooms. Its flagship restaurant is Sachi, which features Japanese cooking by a Nobu-trained chef and a newly launched gastronomic experience, Ottolenghi, serving Mediterranean fare. The spa, called La Suite Beauté Bellefontaine, is a collaboration between Swiss skin-care brand Bellefontaine and Mandarin Oriental and offers body treatments and luxe facials.

Read More: The 15 Best Places to Visit in Europe

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva

There are many historic and iconic buildings in Geneva, and the Ritz-Carlton Hôtel de la Paix is no exception. Built in 1865 as Hôtel de la Paix, the hotel was a reprieve for international travelers seeking luxury and comfort. Like most of Geneva’s hotels, it has welcomed and continues to host dignitaries, political figures, artists, royals, and diplomats. It most famously served as a neutral point for the U.S. and England, possibly hosting diplomats involved in the Alabama Negotiations, as well as important peace talks between international leaders that helped shape Europe as we know it today. 

The iconic building is set along the shore of Lake Geneva with views of Mont Blanc and is in close proximity to the charming Old Town. With just 74 rooms and suites, the hotel has a boutique feel but in addition to the timeless service the Ritz-Carlton is known for around the world. There are many unique dining concepts, but what sets this hotel apart is its exclusive experiences, like hands-on workshops and events with some of Switzerland’s most renowned watchmakers and private art experiences.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

Identified by its grand, neoclassical facade, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva also has a fascinating history. When Hotel des Bergues opened in 1834, it was the largest in Switzerland. Since its inception, it has hosted the first assembly of the League of Nations in 1920 and was the headquarters of the French delegation for some time. After an extensive renovation, Four Seasons reopened the hotel in 2005 with 115 rooms, including 43 suites. Expect the five-star service of a Four Seasons hotel paired with international intrigue and Swiss hospitality. Admire the wood-paneled elegance and lake views at Le Bar des Bergues; dine at Michelin-starred Il Lago; or indulge in sushi at rooftop restaurant, Izumi, a lively and social spot overlooking the city. Amenities include the 30,000-square-foot Spa Mont Blanc and meeting rooms. 

Read More: What Does a Michelin Star Mean? 

The Best Hotels in Zürich

The Dolder Grand

One of Switzerland’s most enchanting hotels, The Dolder Grand in Zürich, is surrounded by woodlands and a golf course with views of Lake Zürich and the city center. Although not directly located in the city, it is a mere 15 minutes away. Like something out of a fairytale, the hotel was built between 1897 and 1899 by architect Jacques Gros and has been thoughtfully renovated and expanded by architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners in 2008. Foster added curved wings that complement the original design of the German hunting lodge. 

There are 175 rooms and suites, each individually styled so no two look the same. Swiss elegance, eclectic art, and pops of color make every corner of the hotel fascinating. It’s an art lover’s dream with both indoor and outdoor works from celebrated global artists. Switzerland rarely skimps on luxury, and every single guest is treated like royalty. The hotel has five dining destinations, a significant 43,000-square-foot spa with La Prairie treatments, tennis, golf, meeting rooms, and more.

Read More: The Best Luxury Hotels in Zurich, The Top U.S. Golf Resorts

La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich

First opened in 1909, the grand property has been a fixture in the Swiss hospitality market since its debut. However, in January 2020, the hotel reopened after an extension restoration and renovation as part of Michel Reybier’s La Réserve portfolio. The 40-room hotel eschews Switzerland’s typical reserved, neutral-paletted design in favor of a swanky, somewhat edgy, retro-inspired design, courtesy of renowned designer Philippe Starck. 

The hotel’s design pulls inspiration from yacht clubs, with a loosely nautical-inspired interior. The rooms err on the smaller side, but the hotel’s funky persona makes up for it. There are two dining destinations and two bars, including a rooftop location offering panoramic views of Zürich, a cigar lounge, and a fitness center with high-end equipment. While there’s no spa, the hotel can arrange in-room massages. Did we mention that it’s literally steps from Lake Zürich? Its prime location makes it easy to enjoy the lake and city on foot.

The Best Hotel in Lausanne

Beau-Rivage Palace

Less than an hour from Geneva’s city center, Beau-Rivage Palace is located on Lake Geneva’s northern side in the city of Lausanne. Some refer to the lake as Lake Lausanne, if only to differentiate the specific section of this part of Lake Geneva. Beau-Rivage Palace has been an institution in Lausanne since 1861, though the current Art Nouveau and neo-Baroque-style building was erected in 1908. Often considered one of the best hotels in the world, the lavish property has 168 rooms that display old-world elegance, yet with modern creature comforts. There are four main dining venues, which include the two-Michelin-starred Pic at Beau-Rivage Palace (helmed by the inimitable French chef Anne-Sophie Pic), and two bars, plus a 16,000-square-foot Guerlain spa. The spa includes wellness offerings, like a lakefront fitness center, hair salon, heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, sand beach, and sports courts for tennis and padel.

The Best Hotels in St. Moritz

Badrutt’s Palace Hotel

St. Moritz in the Swiss Alps is one of Europe’s most see-and-be-seen skiing destinations, beloved by royals, dignitaries, A-listers, and high-society folks. Some consider it the birthplace of winter sports (though this might be refuted), and it is one of just three cities in the world to have hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice: first in 1928 and again in 1948. One could write essays about the Swiss icon that is Badrutt’s Palace Hotel, a neo-Gothic, fairytale-esque castle often compared to Hogwarts. 

Built in 1896, the landmark hotel overlooking Lake St. Moritz has long been a go-to accommodation for European royalty and tastemakers. Film buffs will appreciate this cinematic tie: It was here that director Alfred Hitchcock found inspiration for the 1963 thriller The Birds (the Hitchcock Suite is named after him). The multiseasonal hotel (open from December to late March and late June to early September) offers lakeside adventure in the summer and skiing in the winter. There are 155 rooms and suites, with sumptuous interiors and private balconies. The hotel also features 11 restaurants, a spa, and on-site, high-fashion luxury boutiques. 

Suvretta House

Suvretta House in St. Moritz pairs alpine flair with mountainside glamour. Surrounded by pines, the Belle Époque–style hotel has been a staple for winter sports enthusiasts since it was built in 1912 and is the only ski-in/ski-out hotel in St. Moritz’s Corviglia ski area, attracting skiers who want easy access to the slopes. Lovingly updated over the past century, there are nods to a bygone era, seen through the hotel’s iconic architecture, rich wood paneling, antique chandeliers, and ornately decorated dining rooms. Suvretta House translates to “house above the woods” in Romansh, Switzerland’s fourth national language, and its name was clearly influenced by its sylvan location. 

The main town is located less than two miles east, yet the hotel manages to feel like a secluded, exclusive mountain escape. There are 181 rooms and suites, oriented toward the lake or mountains, with a refined and clean design, plus several fine-dining restaurants and an all-new, three-level spa set to debut in December 2025. 

Kulm Hotel

As one of the first luxury hotels in St. Moritz, Kulm Hotel is a veritable institution dating back to the mid-1800s. Legend has it that hotelier Johannes Badrutt invited his last summer guests in 1864 to experience St. Moritz that upcoming winter, and if they didn’t enjoy their time, he’d reimburse their hotel expenses. Not only did the guests return and enjoy an extended, months-long stay, but they also spread the word of the alpine destination’s allure. Many speculate that this encounter sparked the development of winter tourism in the Swiss Alps. 

There have been a handful of owners since the hotel’s inception. As of 2025, there are 100 rooms and 50 suites, redesigned by Pierre-Yves Rochon and architect Lord Norman Foster in recent years; seven restaurants and two bar lounges; more than 21,000 square feet of wellness facilities, including a fitness center, spa, pools, and saunas; a nine-hole golf course; tennis courts; and more. 

The Best Hotels in Gstaad

Gstaad Palace

One of Switzerland’s most glamorous resort towns, Gstaad is an exclusive enclave favored by those who seek a low-key escape. Though Gstaad and St. Moritz both host an array of high-profile guests, Gstaad tends to attract a more discreet crowd. Gstaad Palace, built in 1913, proudly stands as one of, if not the oldest luxury resorts in Gstaad with more than 100 years of hotel history. Since its inception, it has attracted A-list guests, including Princess Diana, Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, Roger Moore, and Michael Jackson, who are seeking a tranquil vacation in a private locale. 

Gstaad Palace is one of the few remaining family-owned hotels in the town, and the Scherz family purchased it in 1947. Andrea Scherz is a third-generation owner who has overseen Gstaad Palace since 2001. There are just 90 rooms and suites, each with a slightly different layout and design style. Most offer private balconies, alpine- and chalet-inspired styling, contemporary furnishings, and fireplaces. To ensure you never get bored, the property features five restaurants and four bars, including the nightclub GreenGo, as well as a 20,000-square-foot spa and wellness facility.

Alpina Gstaad

Some visionaries who buy property work with existing infrastructure. Others blow it up with dynamite (yes, really). In 1995, the former owners, real estate tycoon Marcel Bach and French billionaire Jean-Claude Mimran, dramatically blew up the existing hotel and started completely from scratch. In 2012, after nearly two decades of construction, Alpina Gstaad opened as the first new-build hotel Gstaad has seen in more than a century and instantly became one of the destination’s top hotels. The owners successfully created a product that marries traditional Swiss chalet-style architecture (note the ornamented, carved wooden balconies and fireplaces crafted from local stone) with contemporary interior design, featuring clean lines and sharp angles juxtaposed against natural materials. 

There are just 56 rooms and suites, a Six Senses spa, and five distinct restaurants overseen by executive chef Martin Göschel. If you’re up for adventure, the hotel has robust programming for all ages, like hot air ballooning, paragliding, hiking, and horseback riding.

The Best Hotel in Pontresina

Grand Hotel Kronenhof

If St. Moritz is where you indulge, Pontresina is where you reset. Located roughly four miles east of St. Moritz, Pontresina is a more slow-paced town, geared toward nature lovers, families, avid hikers, cross-country skiers, and wellness devotees. It’s for those who want to quietly slip off the radar in a five-star setting. As the sister property of Kulm Hotel, it comes as no surprise that Grand Hotel Kronenhof shares similar values when it comes to service, culinary excellence, and wellness, but with a more grounded appeal. There are 112 rooms and suites, also reimagined by designer Rochon, who renovated Kulm. Amenities include a 21,000-square-foot spa, gym, and three food and beverage venues. There’s also a bowling alley with a restaurant offering Swiss fondue and raclette.

The Best Hotel in Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt

A famous skiing destination, Andermatt in the central Swiss Alps, boasts tough terrain, reliable snow, and legendary off-piste routes. Unlike other ultra-luxe ski towns in Switzerland, Andermatt has just one five-star hotel, called The Chedi Andermatt. Even if the town had an array of luxury hotel options, The Chedi would still shine among the rest. 

Legendary architect Jean-Michel Gathy designed the hotel, blending classic Swiss alpine style with Asian-inspired design, which is characteristic of The Chedi hotels across the world. Staying here is like spending the night in a sumptuous private residence, with custom woodwork, ambient light, multiple fireplaces, and tucked-away seating areas overlooking the mountain. There are 119 rooms and suites to choose from, including the top suite spanning 3,767 square feet. Five restaurants are on the property, including the one-Michelin-starred Japanese at Gütsch, housed in a sleek cantilevered structure at the top of a mountain nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. 

The Best Hotels in Crans-Montana

Six Senses Crans-Montana

If James Bond were to embody a hotel, it would be Six Senses Crans-Montana. The hotel’s cinematic entry begins through an underground tunnel leading to the hotel’s drop-off space, featuring soaring stone walls and an overhead timber structure referencing stone facets found in a mountain cave. Inside, there’s a cave-like lobby with a moody color palette, clean lines, and sleek finishes that challenge traditional, rustic Swiss style. 

True to the Six Senses brand, which prioritizes wellness-driven programming, nature-focused adventure, and experiential luxury, the 78-key property is no exception, encouraging guests to engage with the best Switzerland has to offer. Crans-Montana, located in southwestern Switzerland, is equally as popular for its golf courses as it is skiing — and the property offers both. There’s ski-in/ski-out access to the Cry d’Er gondola, connecting to the region’s largest ski area (be sure to tap the in-house ski concierge for all your slope-side needs). However, Six Senses in the summer is the ultimate adventure escape, with activities like paragliding, outdoor yoga, guided walks, and world-class golfing. The spa, spanning nearly 22,000 square feet, has a biohacking lounge, indoor pool, artful timber ceiling over the pool, rooftop swimming pool, alpine garden, and even a special separate spa for kids and teenagers with treatments adapted for younger guests.

LeCrans Hotel & Spa

If you’re lucky enough to get a booking at LeCrans Hotel, you’re in for a treat. The year-round hotel has just 15 rooms in a classic chalet-style building, and each room is named after a famous peak or range around the world, like the Rocky Mountains, the Dolomites, the Atlas, or Kilimanjaro. The room’s designs reflect the style of its destination, an exciting element of surprise for returning travelers. There’s one signature restaurant at LeCrans, the one-Michelin-starred LeMontBlanc, pairing Swiss produce with Gallic recipes. Other amenities include LeCellier, a curated wine cellar with Valais selections, and LeCigare Lounge, a cozy fireside retreat offering world-class cigars and drinks. If you’re seeking a truly private escape with savvy design, LeCrans speaks to those who prefer life’s finer things.

The Best Hotels in Lucerne

Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne

One could visit Bürgenstock Resort, perched 1,640 feet above Lake Lucerne, a dozen times and still discover something new — after all, it’s the largest integrated resort in Switzerland with three hotels ranging from three to five stars, with two serene spas and one of the most comprehensive wellness centers (Waldhotel) in all of Europe. 

You don’t forget your first time arriving at Bürgenstock, either by car or by taking a boat to the mountainside funicular that transports you directly to the resort (we prefer the latter). The arrival is just the beginning, especially of the views that await, whether from your room, the spa, the main terrace, or the lobby. Bürgenstock encompasses three hotels: Bürgenstock Hotel and Alpine Spa, Waldhotel, and Taverne 1879. 

Bürgenstock Hotel has 211 rooms with panoramic views of Lake Lucerne. If you can pry yourself away from your room’s view, try one of the 12 restaurants and bars (run, don’t walk, to Spices Kitchen and Terrace). Lake views aren’t the only splendor. It wouldn’t be a trip to Switzerland without the alarm of cowbells, located on the opposite side of the lake vistas. The back of the hotel offers breathtaking vistas of sweeping valleys, local farms, and mountaintops. The spa is a must, but don’t forget to take advantage of the easy hikes within walking distance of the property.

Park Hotel Vitznau

Views over Lake Lurcerne are fabulous, but it’s another experience to be directly along the glimmering shores of this iconic lake. The iconic Park Hotel Vitznau opened in 1903 and was designed by Karl Gottlieb Kohler, a German architect known for his hospitality projects. When it opened, the lakeside property was a popular retreat among actors, artists, and discerning global travelers, and today, it remains one of the best hotels in Switzerland. The hotel retains many original elements, including the facade. In 2013, POK Pühringer spearheaded Park Hotel Vitznau’s modern design. It has one of the most extensive wine cellars in all of Switzerland, a collection from surrealist artist Claude Verlinde, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern

Switzerland is famous for its Belle Époque architecture. However, Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern is a veritable landmark embodying this architectural style to a tee. The five-star hotel, which features 136 lovely rooms and suites, sits along one of Switzerland’s most iconic lakes. For travelers seeking a more relaxed vacation, Spa Bellefontaine offers facials and body treatments, plus additional amenities like sauna and steam baths. Where Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern’s expertise lies is in its cultural- and adventure-focused programming, with trips to the iconic Luzerner Theater or an adrenaline-pumped ride on Pilatus, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.

The Best Hotel in Ascona

Hotel Eden Roc

It’s not exactly Italy, but it’s close. On the sunny shores of Lake Maggiore, in Switzerland’s southernmost (and predominantly Italian-speaking) canton of Ticino, sits one of the country’s most glamorous, yet under-the-radar properties: Hotel Eden Roc Ascona. What sets this region, and particularly Ascona, apart from other Swiss towns is its subtropical microclimate, thanks to its position on the southern side of the Alps and the lake. Ascona’s weather closely mimics a Mediterranean destination and has native palm trees, citrus groves, and sun-drenched days in the summer. 

The property first opened in 1971 and has thoughtfully expanded since, now offering 95 rooms and suites across several connected buildings on the property. Earlier this year, it reopened after a seven-month restoration of the main building by longtime collaborator and interior designer Carlo Rampazzi. There are six fine-dining restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred La Brezza; a 22,000-square-foot spa; two pools; a private marina with Riva yachts; watersports; and a small beach (making it the landlocked country’s only true beach resort). Swiss and German families flock here once the summer hits, as it’s simply a train ride away, yet it remains relatively undiscovered for most American travelers. With its comparison to the overcrowded, touristy Lake Como, perhaps Ascona is the answer to a serene summer vacation.

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