Home

HEART WARMING: Switzerland's Heart, History & Hospitality

For a small country, Switzerland sure packs a lot of heart. The stunning views and fresh alpine air (and chocolate) must make it easy to bestow friendly vibes. Visitors are […]

For a small country, Switzerland sure packs a lot of heart. The stunning views and fresh alpine air (and chocolate) must make it easy to bestow friendly vibes.

Visitors are received in a fashion that seems part grandma (rosy and welcoming), part royal butler (anything is possible).

To ensure you receive the most quintessentially Swiss service, we’ve pulled together six cherished historic hotels. Open from 145 to 600 years, they’ve had a lot of practice!

 

HISTORIC ZURICH

rsz zurich marktgasse st0040290

Marktgasse Hotel, Zurich

A stay in Zurich’s historic old town offers cultural immersion, and the 39-room Marktgasse Hotel is the perfect host. They’ve been providing a warm welcome for over 600 years! The 15th-century building offers modern rooms with individual themes and custom furniture. Even though it’s one of Zurich’s oldest inns, they perfectly balance old and new.

rsz zurich marktgasse h z generous 211 srgb large

Marktgasse Hotel, Zurich

The winding lanes around this boutique property give you access to Zurich’s major attractions and fab restaurants.

 

LUCERNE LIASONS

karryon_680_400_Lucerne_WildenMann_ST0040275

There’s no better place to find romance in photogenic Lucerne than in the city’s oldest historic houses. For over 500 years, the Hotel Wilden Mann has been sharing the love – as a bar, tavern, and then as a hotel from 1860. If only the walls could talk!

Each of the 48 rooms has nostalgic décor, without any compromise on comfort or amenities. Lucerne’s most iconic monument – the Chapel Bridge – is less than five minutes away. Don’t miss the hotel’s famous beef stroganoff.

 

BASEL’S BEATING (HE)ART

rsz basel krafft st0040272

Hotel Krafft, Basel

Travellers flock to Basel for its attractive medieval centre, 40 museums, and dedication to the arts. That makes Hotel Krafft Basel – famed for welcoming artists since 1873 – the perfect stay. This boutique property delivers effortless customer service against a backdrop of the Rhine.

The 60 guest rooms are aesthetically pleasing, with bright décor and a nod to Swiss design, thanks to the 1950s Typenmöbel furniture. The river view rooms are worth the extra francs.

 

MON DIEU, MONTREUX 

karryon_680_400_Montreux_Masson_ST0047956

French-speaking Montreux, on the Lake Geneva shoreline, is a destination of romance and intrigue. The decadent food and wine scene and annual Jazz Festival are major drawcards. Offering warmth and hospitality since 1829, Hōtel Masson is Montreux’s oldest hotel.

With a reputation that has long attracted aristocrats, artists, and philosophers, their 33 rooms are traditional without being twee.

 

BRIENZ’S BRILLIANCE

karryon_680_400_Giessbach_ST0052217

The GrandHotel Giessbach’s decadent past and storybook architecture has wow factor enough. But add in the surreal appeal of the Giessbach Falls backdrop, mountains and lakes, and you can only be in Switzerland. The 22-hectare manicured grounds inspire serenity and relaxation.

While the royal families and their entourages may have left, the royal standards haven’t. From the moment of arrival (including by funicular ride) to the luxurious rooms, this is Swiss hospitality at its finest.

 

THE WENGEN WELCOME

rsz wengen bellevuedesalpes st0040260

Bellevue des Alpes, Wengen

The Hotel Bellevue des Alpes combines Switzerland’s iconic mountain scenery with unrivalled hospitality. From its opening in 1840, the hotel has attracted global skiers (and après skiers) to its old-world charms.

Located on the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass (gateway to the Jungfrau Region), the Hotel Bellevue des Alpes offers respite from all mountainside explorations. The peace of your stay is elevated by the mountain’s car-free status; arrive by railway only.

To discover more about the world-renowned Swiss service and accommodation options on offer, visit myswitzerland.com.