SHH Booklet 2016 - Swiss Historic Hotels
Transcription
SHH Booklet 2016 - Swiss Historic Hotels
#INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND Swiss Historic Hotels. MySwitzerland.com Presented by The Swiss Historic Hotels at a glance. Switzerland is a small country with great variety; the Swiss Historic Hotels are just as diverse. This map shows their locations at a glance. D A Aargau B Basel Region C Bern-Bernese Oberland D Fribourg Region E Geneva 1 B F A H F Lake Geneva Region G Graubünden H Jura & Three-Lakes I Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region J Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein K Ticino L Valais 31 33 3 32 C 9 D 8 F M 7 Zurich Region 5 10 12 44 E 11 45 L 42 46 6 49 47 38 50 M 48 A FL I J 35 36 37 17 20 15 34 24 16 18 19 2 G 30 13 Splügen 4 14 28 29 26 22 25 K 27 43 41 39 40 I 23 21 Find your ideal Swiss Historic Hotel in your chosen region: Basel Region 06–07 Bern-Bernese Oberland 08–13 Fribourg Region 14–15 The charm of a bygone age: Swiss Historic Hotels 04–05 Lake Geneva Region 16–19 Graubünden 20–31 Jura & Three-Lakes 32–35 Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region 36–39 Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein 40–41 Ticino 46–49 Valais 50–53 Zurich Region Take a trip through time: journeys into the past 26–27 54–57 Grüezi and welcome. May we invite you on a trip in time? Experience the charm and glamour of the belle époque, perhaps, or the grandeur of a former palace. The members of Swiss Historic Hotels comprise a great variety of buildings with a colourful past, from historical guest houses to luxurious grand hotels. In total these 50 establishments represent a good 12,000 years of hospitality; many have been in the same family for decades, in some cases for more than five generations. Your hosts are committed to preserving this precious heritage in line with the importance of these hotels in the history of Swiss tourism. This brochure presents hotel gems from every region of the country, all recommended by Switzerland Tourism and the Swiss Hotel Association. We wish you happy reading and hope that you, too, fall in love with Switzerland during your stay. Jürg Schmid CEO Switzerland Tourism Dr. Christoph Juen CEO Swiss Hotel Association The perfect hotel is just a click away Präsentiert von Exploring your hotel options is an adventure in itself with the Best Swiss Hotels app. The hotels pp recommended in this brochure can now all be booked direct via the app. Download it free of charge from MySwitzerland.com/best-swiss-hotels. Happy exploring! #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 3 Extration a f n i or m Hotel classification Timeless charm. Ò simple Ó comfortable comfortable superior Ô good middle class The appeal of members of Swiss Historic Hotels lies in their incomparable charm, which has often matured over centuries. All have been shaped not only by history but also by the hosts who offer guests the warmest of welcomes. Genuine hospitality and perfect service make every stay a delightful experience. à good middle class superior Õ first class À first class superior Ö luxury Ä luxury superior Swiss Lodge Pictograms In the city By the water Journey through history. In the mountains The spirit of bygone ages lives on at Swiss Historic Hotels In the country Free Wi-Fi ICOMOS award winner Switzerland has two hotel classification systems. Find information on both at www.hotelleriesuisse.ch and www.gastrosuisse.ch. Bed & Breakfast or luxurious Grand Hotel? The members of Swiss Historic Hotels cover every size and category. Yet the diverse establishments have one thing in common: each celebrates a rich and fascinating history that gives the venue its unique charm. Any renovations take great care to preserve historical authenticity. The goal of each hotel is not only to give guests a warm welcome and a comfortable stay, but to offer a comprehensive cultural experience of timeless value. MySwitzerland.com/historic 4 Checked and recommended. Swiss Historic Hotels meet the following criteria: u Main building more than 50 years old Award-winning hotels. u Coveted accolade: “Historic Hotel of the Year” ICOMOS – the International Council on Monuments and Sites – was founded in 1965 under the aegis of UNESCO and is based in Paris. Every year, a jury from the Swiss section of the organisation names Switzerland’s “Historic Hotel of the Year”. The award-winning hotels are labelled in this brochure. icomos.ch Hospitality business established over a representative time span u Historic atmosphere and significance of architecture u Rooms, lighting and furniture primarily based on the historic original European heritage. Historical ambiance with local traditions of hospitality “Historic Hotels of Europe” is an organisation that represents a magnificent selection of more than 500 historic hotels in 20 European countries. The collection includes castles, country houses, villas, farmhouses and former monasteries; many are boutique hotels. Each one is full of individual character and offers guests the chance to enjoy the region’s typical traditional hospitality in a historical setting, promising a unique experience. historichotelsofeurope.com u Structural changes respect conservation requirements MySwitzerland.com/ historic #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 5 Basel Region. If any place in Switzerland is a byword for art and culture, it’s Basel. The city boasts the greatest concentration of museums in the country – 40 in all – as well as a charming Old Town and pioneering architecture. The most impressive time to visit? During Switzerland’s best-loved carnival. Mittlere Brücke bridge with Martinskirche church, Basel 1 Basel: Hotel Krafft à GaultMillau: 12 points Idyllically located on the banks of the Rhine, this city hotel celebrates 150 years of hospitality with a warm smile and an eye for detail. This approach extends throughout: from the inspiring blend of period and contemporary design to the elegant restaurant featuring market-fresh cuisine and charming river views. The careful, expert renovation of the Krafft won it the title of “Historic Hotel of the Year 2007”. +41 (0)61 690 91 30 [email protected] www.krafftbasel.ch 12,000 revellers in masks and costumes take part in the colourful organised groups at the heart of Basel’s carnival, the biggest in Switzerland. The celebrations originated in Roman times but have taken place later than elsewhere since 1529, following the Reformation. Festivities begin on the Monday after Ash Wednesday at 4 am with the “Morgestraich” procession and end exactly 72 hours later with the “Endstraich”. Locals talk fondly of the year’s “three best days”: an experience not to be missed! MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 36438 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 7 Bern-Bernese Oberland. From the snowy peaks of the Bernese Oberland to the wooded hills of the Emmental and the quaint alleys of Bern’s Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Property – this is picture-postcard Switzerland. Historic hotels, welcoming restaurants and superb cuisine ensure a delightful stay. Farm near Oberbütschel 2 Brienz: Grandhotel Giessbach Õ Built in 1873 in the typical Swiss wood style of the day, this grand hotel occupies a commanding position overlooking Lake Brienz, close to the thundering Giessbach Falls. Switzerland’s first funicular carries guests from the hotel’s own steamer jetty up to the panoramic terrace. With its period ambiance, elegant rooms and gorgeous grounds, the “Historic Hotel of the Year 2004” embodies an enchanting oasis of tranquillity. +41 (0)33 952 25 25 [email protected] www.giessbach.ch 3 Dürrenroth: Romantik Hotel Bären Ô GaultMillau: 14 points Three historical Emmental buildings make up this delightful country hotel, which together with the late-baroque church and village square forms an architectural ensemble of national importance. The dining rooms of the “Historic Restaurant of the Year 2000” offer an atmospheric setting in which to enjoy the exquisite cuisine in elegant style; the modern seminar centre provides a thrilling contrast. +41 (0)62 959 00 88 [email protected] www.baeren-duerrenroth.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 9 4 Guttannen: Grimsel Hospiz – Historisches Alpinhotel Õ Built in 1932 as lodging for construction workers, the hospice by the Grimsel Pass looks like a fortress in the bare mountain landscape. After a tasteful conversion, the protected building is now a welcoming hotel for all who appreciate nature and stylish relaxation. Comfortable guest rooms, atmospheric lounges, an impressive old wine cellar and authentic regional cuisine compliment dramatic views over the Grimsel reservoir. +41 (0)33 982 46 11 [email protected] www.grimselwelt.ch 5 Kandersteg: Landgasthof Ruedihus Ô The Ruedihus was built in 1753 as a private house, a fine example of the traditional craftsmanship of the Bernese Oberland. After construction of the Lötschberg railway line, it served as a guesthouse until renovation in 1990. Today, the historical restaurant serves the best of Swiss cuisine while the authentically furnished guest rooms radiate period charm: no wonder the hotel won a special ICOMOS award in 2000. +41 (0)33 675 81 81 [email protected] www.doldenhorn-ruedihus.ch 10 Swiss Historic Hotels. Bern-Bernese Oberland. 6 Kleine Scheidegg: Hotel Bellevue des Alpes The guest list is as impressive as the views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau: all the great mountaineers as well as celebrities from cinema, the arts and public life have stayed at the “Historic Hotel of the Year 2011”. Built in 1840, it was last renovated in 1948 and has undergone sensitive restoration ever since. The hotel itself has starred in films including “The Eiger Sanction”; the 1920s interiors are as charming as ever. +41 (0)33 855 12 12 [email protected] www.scheidegg-hotels.ch 7 Mürren: Hotel Regina A grandstand view of the mighty peaks of the Jungfrau Region awaits guests at the Regina, superbly located in the heart of the resort of Mürren at an altitude of 1,650 metres. Built in 1897 in the stately Swiss hotel style of the day, the welcoming venue has preserved its historical ambiance carefully. The magnificent dining room, sun terrace and spacious veranda showcase the dramatic panorama to breathtaking effect. +41 (0)33 855 42 42 [email protected] www.reginamuerren.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 11 We make sure you experience Switzerland before you even arrive. 4 jbaWXeYh_ Vbhagel g[Tg VTa UX Xkc_beXW \a `Tal W\øXeXag jTlf. Uhg ba_l Switzerland’s national airline shows you what makes it so unique. We ensure that Swiss quality never remains just a promise. Thanks to our personal service, XkVX__XageXZ\baT_Vh\f\aXTaWjTe`[bfc\gT_\gl.lbheFj\ff[b_\WTlfgTegfj\g[hf! 8 Wengen: Hotel Falken Ô Historical lounges, stylishly furnished guest rooms and an elegant dining room from 1908 preserved in its original condition: the Falken is one of the few hotels that largely retain the atmosphere of the belle époque. Built in 1894 at an elevated location in the resort with glorious views across the dramatic Lauterbrunnen valley, the welcoming hotel promises guests the perfect combination of period charm and modern comfort. +41 (0)33 856 51 21 [email protected] www.hotelfalken.com 72 waterfalls thunder over the cliffs that line the Lauterbrunnen valley, plunging up to 400 metres to the depths. The great German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was bewitched by their sight when he visited in 1779: he sat down by the Staubbach Falls and penned one of his best-loved poems, “Song of the spirits over the waters”. MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 53230 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 13 Fribourg Region. This region has many faces, from the lush natural landscapes and living traditions of the Pre-Alps to the bilingual city of Fribourg and delightful medieval towns such as Gruyères. Delicacies including rich mountain cheeses and creamy fondues are prized throughout Switzerland. Town of Gruyères 9 Estavayer-le-Lac: Château de la Corbière GaultMillau: 12 points Napoleon III found refuge here as he was fleeing from France; today, guests find blissful relaxation at this enchanting villa on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. The 14 tastefully furnished rooms offer every comfort along with fine views of the Jura hills, the Alps and the lake, where hotel guests enjoy exclusive use of a sandy beach. The restaurant serves a variety of regional delicacies along with fresh fish from the lake. +41 (0)26 663 92 72 [email protected] www.chateaudelacorbiere.ch 368 steps lead to the top of the tower of St. Nicolas’ cathedral in Fribourg, rewarding visitors with fabulous views of the city and surrounding countryside. Built between 1283 and 1490, this gem of gothic architecture is the city’s landmark. According to legend, the 74-metre-high bell tower was never finished for lack of money. MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 28449 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 15 Lake Geneva Region. Piercing blue skies, a sparkling lake, sun-soaked vineyards and thrilling cities: what more could a visitor wish for? Perhaps top-class restaurants, fascinating museums and a glass of chilled white wine at sunset: here guests find all the ingredients for a perfect break. UNESCO World Heritage Property Lavaux 10 Chéserex: Golf & Country Club de Bonmont Enthusiasts say the golf course is one of the finest in French-speaking Switzerland. At its heart is a charming château tastefully converted into a hotel, framed by lush grounds with ancient trees and a church dating from the 12th century. Guests sleep like royalty in the historic rooms of the château, dine in grand style at the Clubhouse and enjoy lovely views from the sun terrace of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. +41 (0)22 369 99 60 [email protected] www.bonmont.com 11 Les Diablerets: Hôtel du Pillon Ô Restored with loving attention to detail in 2007 and furnished with fine period antiques, the Hotel du Pillon has retained all its original charm. It was built in 1875 at a scenic location on the old pass road up to the Col du Pillon, to welcome British visitors eager to explore the nearby glaciers; today, the 12-room hotel continues to captivate guests with spectacular views of the mountains and up to Glacier 3000. +41 (0)24 492 22 09 [email protected] www.hoteldupillon.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 17 No more cobwebs, just modern principles of friendly service and quality: unforgettable time travel across all the regions of Switzerland. www.swiss-historic-hotels.ch The Friends of Swiss Historic Hotels Association With the help of private donations, legacies and bequests, this tax-exempt association supports member hotels primarily with preservation and restoration projects. freunde.swiss-historic-hotels.ch 12 Montreux-Veytaux: Hôtel Masson Ô Originally the home of winemakers, the Masson was once surrounded by vineyards. Today, a pretty garden with fruit trees is the only reminder of the hotel’s origins. Thanks to its award-winning state of preservation, the Masson is listed as part of the region’s cultural heritage. With 33 individual rooms and a superb panoramic location, the hotel is one of the most charming in Montreux, as well as one of the oldest. +41 (0)21 966 00 44 [email protected] www.hotelmasson.ch 5 journeys offer travellers an enchanting experience of some of Switzerland’s most historic regions. Each of these “Time Travel” itineraries is divided into day stages, with Swiss Historic Hotels for accommodation. The tours take in many of the country’s scenic and cultural highlights and cover all four linguistic regions, promising an unforgettable trip through time. MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 29766 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 19 Graubünden. 937 mountain summits, 150 valleys and 615 lakes form a spectacular natural backdrop for Graubünden’s authentic villages. The whole region is a delight to explore – for example on the Albula-Bernina railway line, protected as UNESCO World Heritage. Lake Palpuogna, Albula valley 13 Bergün: Kurhaus Bergün Bought by its guests in 2002 and restored step by step, this art nouveau gem in a World Heritage landscape is now a successful mix of hotel and holiday rental accommodation. The restaurants serve alpine specialities, the ballroom is one of the finest in Switzerland and the lounges display a thrilling wealth of original art nouveau features. No wonder the Kurhaus was named “Historic Hotel of the Year 2012”. +41 (0)81 407 22 22 [email protected] www.kurhausberguen.ch 14 Bever: Hotel Chesa Salis à GaultMillau: 14 points Rural charm meets aristocratic grandeur at this hotel, which brings 450 years of history vividly to life. Originally a farmhouse, the Chesa Salis grew into a palatial home before its conversion into a stylish hotel with 18 individually furnished rooms – some panelled in pine, others in elegant Biedermeier style or featuring ornate stucco ceilings. The “Historic Hotel of the Year 2015” is also a gastronomic triumph. +41 (0)81 851 16 16 [email protected] www.chesa-salis.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 21 15 Chur: Romantik Hotel Stern à GaultMillau: 14 points Located in the heart of the Alpine city, the Stern has been the first choice of discerning travellers for 300 years. This welcoming hotel full of charm is now a member of the Romantik group, richly decorated with works by the Graubünden artist Alois Carigiet. Guests savour local delicacies and superb regional wines in cosy panelled dining rooms; the “Veltliner Weinstube im Stern” enjoys cult status among gourmets. +41 (0)81 258 57 57 [email protected] www.stern-chur.ch 16 Davos Platz: Berghotel Schatzalp Ô Immortalised in Thomas Mann’s novel “The Magic Mountain”, the Schatzalp is an art nouveau gem. Superbly located on a plateau above Europe’s highest town – yet only four minutes away by the hotel’s own funicular – the former sanatorium and its spacious grounds enjoy breathtaking mountain views. Guests savour stylish dining to match at five restaurants in and around the “Historic Hotel of the Year 2008”. +41 (0)81 415 51 51 [email protected] www.schatzalp.ch 22 Swiss Historic Hotels. Graubünden. 17 Fideris: B&B Türmlihus Guests enjoy the strongest sense of history in the “Himmel” bedroom – which means “sky” or “heaven”. Each of the four individually styled rooms, however, has a story to tell. Beautifully situated in the peaceful mountain village of Fideris, the “Little Tower House” and its garden are full of cosy corners in which to relax, promising a uniquely restful stay; the generous breakfast of homemade delicacies is a highlight. +41 (0)79 914 95 81 [email protected] www.tuermlihus.ch 18 Flims: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Õ Built in 1903 in art nouveau style, the Schweizerhof soon won renown as a place of culture, attracting guests including Albert Einstein, Empress Zita and Marie Curie. The hotel itself found fame when film director Daniel Schmid gave it the lead role in “Hors saison” (“Off Season”). In 2008 the fourth generation of the owning family took over the hotel, now part of the Romantik group, preserving all its belle époque charm. +41 (0)81 928 10 10 info@schweizerhof-flims.ch www.schweizerhof-flims.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 23 19 Flims: Waldhaus Flims Mountain Resort & Spa Ö Framed by impressive mountain scenery, the award-winning Waldhaus Flims promises a hotel experience at the highest level. Underground passageways connect the three accommodation options (Grand Hotel Waldhaus, Chalet Belmont and Villa Silvana), the spacious luxury spa (2,500 sq. m) and the restaurant/ concert pavilion built in art nouveau style. A further highlight: Switzerland’s most extensive hotel grounds. +41 (0)81 928 48 48 info@waldhaus-flims.ch www.waldhaus-flims.ch 20 Klosters: Romantik Hotel Chesa Grischuna à GaultMillau: 15 points Designed in 1938 as a total work of art and built by local craftspeople, this small hotel soon gained a reputation as a hideaway for film stars. Now a member of the Romantik group, the family establishment has preserved its heritage with great care – hence the award of a special prize by ICOMOS in 2000. The combination of traditional architecture and contemporary art is exceptionally creative – like the fine cuisine. +41 (0)81 422 22 22 [email protected] www.chesagrischuna.ch 24 Swiss Historic Hotels. Graubünden. 21 Müstair: Hotel Münsterhof Ô Guests quickly fall for the period charm of the Münsterhof, located in the secluded Val Müstair. The hotel, now run by the fifth generation of the Meyer-Tschenett family, looks back on 125 years of hospitality. Fine antiques adorn the rooms of the traditional Engadin building. Guests in room 15 enjoy a special experience of history: the bed bears the date 1771, and Napoleon himself is said to have slept in it. +41 (0)81 858 55 41 [email protected] www.muensterhof.ch 22 Pontresina: Hotel Saratz À GaultMillau: 13 points The Saratz deftly blends nature and architecture, Engadin hotel tradition and modern design to create a uniquely refreshing ambiance. Built in 1865 in period style in the heart of Pontresina, the four-star-superior hotel has evolved organically to stylish effect. Careful renovation and an elegant extension won plaudits for the hotel, which has retained its historical charm – notably in the exquisite art nouveau dining room. +41 (0)81 839 40 00 [email protected] www.saratz.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 25 View across the Binn valley to the Ofenhorn Take a trip through time. A series of “Time Travel” itineraries showcases members of Swiss Historic Hotels along with some of the country’s finest scenery. A route through the south-west, for example, leads from glaciers to lakes – and in the footsteps of Mark Twain. You could travel to the ends of the earth in search of new holiday experiences; or you could just travel to a different age. My own trip through time begins in the Bernese Oberland, at a charming historic hotel in tranquil Kandersteg. Close by I discover the crystal-clear Blausee, the valley’s idyllic “Blue Lake”. The next day, in Valais, I go treasure-hunting: the Binntal Landscape Park is known for 26 Swiss Historic Hotels. its mineral wealth. Accompanied by a local expert, I search for rock crystals – and soon enough, see one glistening in front of me. The spectacular scenery of Valais, with its snow-capped peaks and sparkling glaciers, forms an everchanging backdrop over the coming days. I follow the Mark Twain Trail on the Riffelberg above Zermatt; visit the Val d’Anniviers, with its ancient villages and wooden chalets bronzed by cen- Hôtel du Pillon, Les Diablerets turies of sunshine; explore the sunny, panoramic plateau of Crans-Montana; and venture to the remote village of Arolla in the Val d’Hérens, which 19th-century tourists could reach only by mule. By the entrance to the valley, at St-Léonard, I glide across Europe’s largest navigable underground lake, bewitched by its shimmering turquoise waters. A detour brings me to Les Diablerets, popular with adventure activity enthusiasts, where I taste the “Bitter des Diablerets”, a legendary local aperitif created in 1876. As I descend from the mountains, the wide expanse of Lake Geneva opens up in front of me. Fairy-tale castles such as the Château de Chillon, vineyards, museums and superb restaurants offer a magnificent conclusion to my trip through time, on which I have fallen in love with Switzerland all over again. MySwitzerland.com Webcode: 29766 Vineyards at St-Saphorin, Lake Geneva 8 9 1 7 2 5 4 6 3 “Time Travel” hotels. 1 Kandersteg: Landgasthof Ruedihus 2 Binn: Hotel Ofenhorn 3 Zermatt: Hotel Monte Rosa 4 St-Luc: Grand Hôtel Bella Tola & St-Luc 5 Crans-Montana: Hotel Bella Lui 6 Arolla: Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus 7 Les Diablerets: Hôtel du Pillon 8 Montreux: Hôtel Masson 9 Chéserex: Golf & Country Club de Bonmont #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 27 23 Poschiavo: Hotel Albrici Occupying a palatial 17th-century building on Poschiavo’s main square, this gem of a hotel charms guests with its nostalgic atmosphere and warm Italian-style welcome. Careful conservation of the magnificent rooms won the Albrici an award from ICOMOS. The bedroom windows offer views of the villages’ comings and goings; the restaurant serves delicious local cuisine including home-made Pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta). +41 (0)81 844 01 73 [email protected] www.hotelalbrici.ch 24 Ramosch: Hof Zuort A remote hamlet in a secluded mountain valley promises an idyllic setting full of authentic charm for a uniquely relaxing break. The intimate hotel with its six welcoming rooms retains the atmosphere of a traditional Engadin mountain farm; the chalet in belle époque style serves as an annex with two suites. Guests enjoy specialities and wines from the region in the cosy panelled restaurant and on the sun terrace. +41 (0)81 866 31 53 [email protected] www.zuort.ch 28 Swiss Historic Hotels. Graubünden. 25 Sils-Fex: Hotel Fex Ó This gem of a mountain hotel dates from the early days of alpine tourism. Originally built in the 1850s in the spa complex of St. Moritz Bad, it was dismantled around 1900 and its components transported by horse and cart to the Val Fex – which even today is free of motorised traffic. The hotel still embodies the same pioneering spirit; the atmospheric restaurant is known for its delicious cuisine based on regional produce. +41 (0)81 832 60 00 [email protected] www.hotelfex.ch 26 Sils-Maria: Hotel Waldhaus Ö This icon of Swiss hotel hospitality towers above the mountain village of Sils-Maria, as full of grandeur as the day it opened. Yet behind the imposing facade, the Waldhaus offers a refreshingly warm welcome: the hotel has been run by the same family, now in its fifth generation, for more than 100 years. The excellent cuisine, fine wines and a lively cultural programme all display the same personal attention to detail. +41 (0)81 838 51 00 [email protected] www.waldhaus-sils.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 29 27 Soglio: Hotel Palazzo Salis Historic furniture and panelling, elegant parquet, stairs and floors of local granite, fine wall paintings, ornate stucco decoration and ancestral portraits: this palatial home built in 1630 and converted into a hotel 100 years ago is bursting with character. The “Historic Hotel of the Year 1998” in the picturesque village of Soglio charms guests with its 15 rooms, grand halls and exotic garden, planted with giant sequoias. +41 (0)81 822 12 00 [email protected] www.palazzosalis.ch 28 Splügen: Hotel Alte Herberge Weiss Kreuz Guests arrive through the former mules’ entrance; dine in a restaurant that was once a hay loft; and cross creaking wooden steps and floorboards to reach 16 individually furnished rooms full of character. Located in the village of Splügen, winner of the Wakker prize for architectural conservation, this hotel in a building from 1519 justly received an award in 2002 “for exceptionally careful and authentic restoration”. +41 (0)81 630 91 30 [email protected] www.weiss-kreuz.ch 30 Swiss Historic Hotels. Graubünden. 29 St. Moritz: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel Ä GaultMillau: 15 points Framed by breathtakingly beautiful scenery, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is the emblem of St. Moritz as well as the legendary symbol of Swiss luxury hospitality. Opened in 1896, the majestic hotel overlooking Lake St. Moritz is still owned by the Badrutt family. The venue’s reputation is unrivalled worldwide. Every room tells a unique story; the spa offers an exclusive world of wellbeing; and the cuisine is divine. +41 (0)81 837 10 00 [email protected] www.badruttspalace.com 30 Sta. Maria-Val Müstair: Ritterhaus Chasa de Capol “You experience magical moments here without having eaten any magical mushrooms.” So wrote Albert Hofmann, the first person to synthesize LSD, in the guest book. Was he thinking of the fine cuisine, with local specialities still prepared in copper pans? Or the wines maturing in oak barrels in the Carolingian cellar? Or simply the period charm of this medieval manor house, richly decorated and bursting with history? +41 (0)81 858 57 28 [email protected] www.chasa-capol.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 31 Jura & Three-Lakes. Mountains and plateaus, forests and pastures, lakes and rivers: nature plays a leading role in this region, as do traditions such as watchmaking and horse breeding. Wines from local vineyards are the ideal accompaniment to the many delicacies – such as the tasty Gâteau de Vully. Creux du Van, natural rock amphitheatre 31 Bellelay: Hôtel de l’Ours Bellelay is known for its former monastery and its “Tête de Moine” (“monk’s head”) cheese and museum. The “Hotel of the Bear” occupies a building from 1698, notable for its rustic charm and unfussy design. Horses graze in the paddocks; guests enjoy the legendary Tête de Moine fondue in the former stables; the brasserie serves fine regional cuisine; and the 300-year-old attic serves as an innovative cultural venue. +41 (0)32 484 97 27 [email protected] www.auberge-bellelay.ch 32 Erlach: Klosterhotel St. Petersinsel Ô St Peter’s Island in Lake Biel/Bienne is in fact a peninsula, connected to the mainland by a narrow spit. The “Historic Hotel of the Year 2010” in the walls of a former Cluniac monastery has just 13 rooms in soothingly pure style: an oasis of tranquillity accessible only on foot, by bike or by boat. The charming courtyard restaurant serves lake fish and island produce, accompanied by wines from the hotel’s own vineyards. +41 (0)32 338 11 14 [email protected] www.st-petersinsel.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 33 We’re something you can all enjoy. 450 times. Listen to your good taste if you like being selective. There are around 450 varieties of cheese in Switzerland. From extra hard to soft and right through to cream cheese – plus goat’s cheese and sheep’s cheese too. There’s something to keep all connoisseurs happy. Cheeses from Switzerland. Switzerland. Naturally. www.cheesesfromswitzerland.com 33 Solothurn: Hotel Baseltor Ô GaultMillau: 13 points Located close to the cathedral of St. Ursus in the heart of the beautiful “baroque city” of Solothurn, the Baseltor has celebrated the best of hotel hospitality since 1874. The 17 rooms are divided among three historic buildings; stylish retro design from the post-war years sets the tone. Culture and gastronomy blend perfectly at the charming restaurant, popular for its delicious, creative cuisine. +41 (0)32 622 34 22 [email protected] www.baseltor.ch 800 years of history have played a role in the irresistible flavour of “Tête de Moine AOP” cheese. Interactive exhibitions at the historic dairy at Bellelay and at nearby village dairies tell the story of the legendary cheese and reveal the secrets of production: a journey of discovery for all the senses. MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 40405 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 35 Lucerne-Lake Lucerne Region. Historic Lucerne and its fjord-like lake offer a concentrated experience of Switzerland’s scenic beauty. Paddle steamers ply the lake; dramatic cog railways, funiculars and cableways scale nearby mountains such as the Pilatus, Rigi and Titlis. Exploring is pure adventure. View from the Bürgenstock over Lake Hier Lucerne steht etwas zum Inhalt 34 Amsteg: Hotel Stern & Post Ô The poet Goethe once found inspiration at this former coaching inn – one of the oldest in central Switzerland, with the first record dating to 1357. Rebuilt in 1788, the Stern & Post charms guests with its period atmosphere and details that evoke the golden age of the post carriage route over the Gotthard Pass. The renovated hotel received a special award from ICOMOS in 2009 for its authentic furnishings. +41 (0)41 884 01 01 [email protected] www.stern-post.ch 35 Luzern: Hotel Wilden Mann Õ GaultMillau: 14 points Seven historic buildings combine to form a gem of a hotel. A traffic-free location makes the “Wild Man” an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city; 500 years of history make any stay a captivating experience. Each room is individual, furnished with great attention to detail. The cuisine, too, is superb, whatever the setting: the rustic charm of the Burgerstube, the refined elegance of Sauvage or the attractive terrace. +41 (0)41 210 16 66 [email protected] www.wilden-mann.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 37 Rent a car and discover Switzerland. Europcar is the leading car rental company in Switzerland. In over 80 stations, up to 4‘800 vehicles are ready to be rented: from small cars to family vans, from luxury limousines to utility vehicles and from convertibles to 4WD cars. Whatever your needs are, we have the perfect car for you. www.europcar.ch 36 Vitznau: Hotel Terrasse am See Ô The “Terrace on the Lake”, opened in 1873, has the perfect location – not only for the views. The jetty for the Lake Lucerne steamers is metres away, as is the station for the steam trains up the Rigi. The garden restaurant, shaded by old chestnut trees, is delightful; sunsets are breathtaking. Continual restoration over the years, with great respect for traditional craftsmanship, has preserved the hotel’s period charm. +41 (0)41 397 10 33 [email protected] www.hotel-terrasse.ch 1678 vertical metres must be conquered by the trains of the Brienz Rothorn Railway each time they scale the legendary peak high above Lake Brienz. The rack railway opened in 1891, and historic steam locomotives continue to bring passengers to the summit – today in comfortable, panoramic carriages. MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 36273 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 39 Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein. From the wide expanses of Lake Constance to the mighty Rhine Falls and the rugged peaks of the Alpstein, this region is known for its scenic variety. Its cultural heritage is rich, too – with highlights such as St. Gallen’s historic abbey district and the living traditions of Appenzell. Jagged peaks of the Churfirsten 37 Nidfurn: Landvogthaus This impressive manor house with fine views of the snow-capped Tödi is more than 400 years old and one of few surviving examples in Switzerland of a late-medieval home largely in its original condition. The hotel section, carefully restored with only sparing use of contemporary fittings, offers four charming, comfortable guest rooms; a museum over six storeys explores life in the Glarus region over the centuries. +41 (0)55 644 11 49 [email protected] www.landvogthaus.com 38 Rorschacherberg: Schloss Wartegg à GaultMillau: 13 points Built in Renaissance style in 1557, palatial Wartegg Castle boasts a rich history; it even served as refuge to Zita, last Empress of Austria. After careful conversion, the hotel offers 25 stylish rooms, enchanting Englishstyle grounds and facilities including an exquisite oval pool from 1928, the “turquoise bath”. Organic cuisine and a tranquil setting above Lake Constance promise guests a sensation of all-round wellbeing. +41 (0)71 858 62 62 [email protected] www.wartegg.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 41 Bever: Hotel Chesa Salis The “Historic Hotel of the Year 2015” displays typical Engadin features including ornate sgraffito decoration on the walls. Photograph: Gian Marco Castelberg & Maurice Haas 42 Swiss Historic Hotels. Hier steht etwas zum Inhalt #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 43 Kandersteg: Landgasthof Ruedihus With its ornate facade, authentic interiors and country decor, this chalet built in 1753 is one of the finest in the Bernese Oberland. Photograph: Andrea Badrutt 44 Hier steht etwas zum Inhalt #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 45 Ticino. Switzerland’s suntrap charms visitors with its delightful contrasts – glaciers and palms, traditional villages and modern architecture – as well as its Mediterranean climate. The cuisine is equally enticing, from polenta with braised beef to delicacies made from sweet chestnuts. Lavertezzo, Verzasca valley 39 Ascona: Albergo Monte Verità Ô The “Mountain of Truth” above Ascona boasts inspiring views and a long history of attracting innovative thinkers. The hotel built in Bauhaus style in 1929 by Emil Fahrenkamp, notable for its pure, uplifting design and panoramic restaurant, stands in lush grounds with exotic plants, a Zen garden and Japanese tea house. Following expert renovation in 2008, ICOMOS crowned the Monte Verità “Historic Hotel of the Year 2013”. +41 (0)91 785 40 40 [email protected] www.monteverita.org 40 Carona: Romantik Hotel Villa Carona Ô This 200-year-old patrician house in the artists’ village of Carona is a little island of wellbeing, full of Mediterranean charm. Located high above Lake Lugano, with views of Monte Generoso, Villa Carona offers a heavenly setting for a truly relaxing break. The family-run hotel, a member of the Romantik group, boasts 18 individually furnished rooms with many antique ornaments, along with a delightful garden. +41 (0)91 649 70 55 [email protected] www.villacarona.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 47 Kulmhotel Gornergrat, Zermatt, Valais The best hotels for your trip. Are you looking for the perfect place to stay? With this app, exploring your options among more than 500 fabulous hotels is an adventure in itself. Once you’ve found your ideal accommodation, you can book it directly via the app. It couldn’t be easier! Best Swiss Hotels. MySwitzerland.com/best-swiss-hotels Presented by 41 Comologno: Albergo Palazzo Gamboni The mountain village of Comologno has inspired artists and writers from Max Ernst to Elias Canetti. They would also have appreciated the stylish ambiance of the Palazzo Gamboni. This palatial house built in Lombard style with French influences and carefully restored in 2001 is a gem. Enjoy five charming guest rooms, breakfast in the period kitchen or drawing room, and Ticino specialities in the “Osteria” next door. +41 (0)91 780 60 09 [email protected] www.palazzogamboni.ch 600 metres of fortified walls once constituted Bellinzona’s “murata”, built by the Duchy of Milan after the Battle of Arbedo in 1422. The surviving stretches now form a UNESCO World Heritage Property with the town’s three well-preserved medieval castles: Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro. MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 36511 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 49 Valais. Picturesque villages, vibrant traditions, sparkling glaciers and 45 mountains higher than 4,000 metres: Valais enchants hikers and nature lovers. Fine wines and specialities such as Raclette cheese, rye bread and air-dried meat delight gourmets, too. Bréona alpine pastures near La Forclaz, Val d’Hérens 42 Arolla: Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus Ô Homely comforts at 2,100 metres: this majestic hotel framed by pine forests and snow-capped peaks welcomes guests in grand style. Built in 1896, the Kurhaus boasts a rich history, shaped by one family over four generations. The hotel was once a popular base for mountaineers; today, its 60 comfortable rooms and spacious grounds provide an uplifting and enchanting setting for anyone seeking peace and relaxation. +41 (0)27 283 70 00 [email protected] www.hotel-kurhaus.arolla.com 43 Binn: Hotel Ofenhorn Ò Located among dramatic mountain scenery in the pristine Binn valley, the Ofenhorn is a key witness of the pioneering days of alpine tourism. Built in 1883, the hotel was facing closure when it was saved in 1987 by the inhabitants and friends of the Binn valley and subsequently restored, step by step. Today, the Ofenhorn welcomes guests with all the charm of the belle époque – along with superb cuisine from the region. +41 (0)27 971 45 45 [email protected] www.ofenhorn.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 51 44 Crans-Montana: Hotel Bella Lui Ô Opened in 1930 as a luxury sanatorium, the Bella Lui is regarded as an exceptional piece of modernist architecture. Clear lines, warm colours and many period details combine to thrilling effect. Original features range from the furniture in the salon to the sun loungers on the balconies and even the silver cutlery; the quality of their conservation and restoration won the hotel a special award from ICOMOS in 2006. +41 (0)27 481 31 14 [email protected] www.bellalui.ch 45 St-Luc: Grand Hôtel Bella Tola & St-Luc Õ Built in 1859 on the foundations of a Roman villa, this grand hotel radiates all the glamour of the pioneering age of alpine tourism. The attention to detail is impressive, from the antiques and precious fabrics of the salon to the authentic period furniture of the 30 guest rooms. The “Historic Hotel of the Year 2001” boasts many other attractions, too – including breathtaking mountain views and a captivating modern spa. +41 (0)27 475 14 44 [email protected] www.bellatola.ch 52 Swiss Historic Hotels. Valais. 46 Zermatt: Boutique Hotel Monte Rosa Õ The inaugural member of Seiler Hotels stands on the foundations of Zermatt’s first guest lodgings, the Laubersche Herberge from 1839. In 1855, Alexander Seiler opened the Monte Rosa, which soon became mountaineering history: Edward Whymper stayed here in 1865 when he made the first ascent of the Matterhorn. The hotel retains all the charm of the alpine belle époque while offering every modern convenience. +41 (0)27 966 03 33 [email protected] www.monterosazermatt.ch 1500 years of uninterrupted worship make the Augustinian Abbey of St-Maurice in Valais the oldest continually serving monastery in the western world. It is also home to one of Europe’s finest ecclesiastical treasures. As part of the 1500 th anniversary celebrations, the collection went on display at the Louvre in Paris to great acclaim in 2014. MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 36256 #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 53 Zurich Region. With its enchanting castles, picturesque Old Towns and fascinating museums, Switzerland’s economic powerhouse also boasts a wealth of cultural treasures. Delightful scenery, pristine nature and delicious cuisine complete the recipe for an enjoyable break. View over Zurich’s Old Town with Grossmünster church 47 Eglisau: Romantik Hotel Gasthof Hirschen Ô GaultMillau: 16 points Michelin: 1 star Located in the picturesque town of Eglisau with fine views across the Rhine, the “Historic Hotel of the Year 2009” looks back on 500 years of history. The beautifully renovated property, a member of Romantik Hotels, offers seven rooms and suites in styles from the 17th to 19th centuries – equipped with all modern comforts. The gourmet restaurant, La Passion, boasts 1 Michelin star and 16 GaultMillau points. +41 (0)43 411 11 22 [email protected] www.hirschen-eglisau.ch 48 Küsnacht near Zürich: Romantik Seehotel Sonne À The Sonne (“Sun”), a member of Romantik Hotels, enjoys a glorious sunny location on Lake Zurich. Its origins date to 1641; today, the blend of historic buildings and modern architecture creates an effect of timeless beauty. 40 stylish rooms, a historical ballroom from 1839, cosy lounges, a sun gallery with terrace plus original paintings and sculptures by world-famous artists promise an enchanting experience. +41 (0)44 914 18 18 [email protected] www.sonne.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 55 Sit back, relax and discover Switzerland. Take a trip on the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and discover stunning panorama routes with just one travel ticket: SwissTravelSystem.com/grandtraintour 49 Oberstammheim: Gasthof zum Hirschen GaultMillau: 14 points This hotel is a well-preserved example of a half-timbered house from the 17th century and is listed as a historical monument. Careful renovation of the elegant structure and the six period rooms, partly furnished with antiques, won the Hirschen the title of “Historic Hotel of the Year 2014”. The multiaward-winning cuisine, which makes innovative use of the finest seasonal and regional produce, is also outstanding. +41 (0)52 745 11 24 [email protected] www.hirschenstammheim.ch 50 Turbenthal: Gasthof Gyrenbad Ô The first “Historic Hotel of the Year” (1997) is a real gem. Blessed with an idyllic rural setting, the Gyrenbad is one of the finest and best-preserved country hotels in Switzerland. The lounge, dining room and “ladies’ salon” are original, as are the secluded terrace and delightful hotel gardens. Period furniture creates an authentic ambiance; the delicious regional cuisine promises a journey of gastronomic discovery. +41 (0)52 385 15 66 [email protected] www.gyrenbad.ch #INLOVEWITHSWITZERLAND 57 Accommodation. At a click. Check in for inspirational hotel experiences You will find information and much more by going to: MySwitzerland.com/hotels Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to our newsletter MySwitzerland.com/facebook MySwitzerland.com/newsletter Free apps. Hotels served up on your tablet The Best Swiss Hotels app will turn searching for a Swiss hotel and making a reservation into an inspirational experience: MySwitzerland.com/best-swiss-hotels Other mobile apps Free mobile apps allow you to have useful information and valuable tips to hand at all times: MySwitzerland.com/mobile Swiss City Guide Swiss Events Swiss Snow Family Trips Swiss Winter Hike Swiss Hike Swiss Mag Information, advice and booking. Experts on Switzerland are ready to help. Specialist advice and sensational offers Mon – Fri 8 am – 6 pm, Sat 10 am – 4 pm, 00800 100 200 30 (freephone)*, [email protected], MySwitzerland.com Published by Switzerland Tourism, Zurich MySwitzerland.com, Webcode: 25385 Designed and produced by Festland AG, St. Gallen / Zurich Switzerland Tourism, Zurich Cover photograph Grandhotel Giessbach Brienz Bern-Bernese Oberland Andrea Badrutt Photographs Switzerland Tourism, partner organisations, swiss-image.ch, Swiss Historic Hotels Text Andreas Feuerstein Christoph Zurfluh Lucas Roos Matthias Mächler Switzerland’s most welcoming hotels. The Prix Bienvenu honours welcoming hotels Prizes are awarded on the basis of customer reviews. Please take part: post a rating after your next hotel stay. 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