Best Hotel in the Alps

Badrutt's Palace Hotel, St. Moritz

No other hotel is as closely associated with tourism in St. Moritz as Badrutt's Palace Hotel. After all, it was Johannes Badrutt who, with a bet in the fall of 1864, laid the foundation for the Swiss resort to appear on the winter tourist map at all. Since its opening 130 years ago, the hotel has been writing history and stories in equal measure. It is known for reading the guests' every wish from their eyes. It is part of the palace's tradition to keep its finger on the pulse. A new outdoor infinity pool complements the extensive spa and water world. The world is a guest both in the sumptuous suites and in the restaurants - for example in the Japanese-Peruvian La Coupole by Nobu Matshuhisa.

Best Gourmet Hotel

Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, Basel

The Grand Hotel impresses on all levels, but the culinary standards that the hotel has cultivated for decades are particularly outstanding. The hotel's own restaurant Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl has been awarded three Michelin stars. In a royal ambience, it combines French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Far Eastern influences. In the brasserie, on the other hand, specialties from Switzerland and France are on the menu. Guests can enjoy the culinary delights while taking in the view of the Rhine. Unusual sharing menus are served in the midst of art and design at BANKS - a special kind of culinary experience. A playful approach to flavors and textures away from all routines characterizes every single dish.

Best New Opening

Hotel Schloss Rued, Schlossrued

The castle itself has a long history - dating back to the end of the 18th century to be precise, when it was built on the foundations of a former castle. However, it has only recently been used as a hotel. Today, it welcomes its guests within carefully restored walls with 12 individually designed rooms. Each of them shines with its own character, characterized by historic wallpaper, stucco ceilings and fine details. What they all have in common is the claim to offer maximum comfort in a listed ambience. Wonderful beds and lots of modern amenities play their part. Guests can relax in the sauna or in the surrounding nature. Excellent cuisine and the castle's own beer crown every stay.

Best Business Hotel

Park Hyatt Zurich, Zurich

Both discerning holidaymakers and business travelers appreciate the Park Hyatt Zurich. After all, a business trip is much more enjoyable when you can retire to an elegant room or spacious suite in the evening. The spa with its Biologique Recherche products and customized treatments and a signature drink at the Onyx Bar provide the necessary relaxation after long working days. The parkhuus restaurant with its wine cellar, which holds over 3,000 exceptional bottles, sets culinary accents. The hotel's own event areas, which vary in size, are flooded with light. The largest room offers 400 square meters of space for over 300 guests.

Best Value

25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse, Zurich

The former industrial area has been transformed into a hip area complete with clubs and museums. The modern hotel, created by designer Alfredo Häberli, picks up on the character of the surroundings, combines it with sporting references and at the same time gives the overall concept a palpable warmth. Guests at the hotel love the sauna and the wide range of exercise options, while the Green Key certification stands for responsible use of resources. Each of the 123 rooms and suites is equipped with sports equipment. The hotel's own Ribelli restaurant tempts guests with delicacies from all regions of Italy. If you fancy oriental cuisine, visit the sister hotel on Langstrasse, which is home to the Molcho family's NENI Zurich.

Best Design Hotel

Hôtel des Horlogers, Le Brassus

None other than the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is responsible for the visionary architecture of the hotel. The internationally renowned architecture firm from Denmark stands for bold designs. In this case, the focus was on providing a view of nature from every room. Inside, corridors made of exposed concrete connect the rooms, while floor-to-ceiling glass fronts capture maximum light. The interior design by AU*M uses trees in the lobby, organically shaped furniture and natural stone to create a flowing connection between inside and outside.

In addition to the striking architecture, the hotel also impresses with its culinary delights and spa: with Le Spa by Alpeor, a brasserie and award-winning cuisine at La Table des Horlogers by Emmanuel Renaut.

Sustainability & Innovation

IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau, Brail

The name says it all: "In Lain" comes from the Rhaeto-Romanic language and means "in wood". And indeed, wood is the defining material of the house, ensuring its warm and inviting character. The natural solid wood comes from the surrounding forests, and the new building does not require any screws or nails. Committed to sustainability, the owner family relies on geothermal energy, water from their own spring for the organic swimming pond and home-made products in the kitchen. Speaking of cuisine: since opening in 2010, the Cadonau family has not only turned their hotel into the smallest 5-star S hotel in Switzerland, host Dario also earned himself a Michelin star shortly afterwards.

Best City Hotel

Baur au Lac, Zurich

This unique hotel has been welcoming guests since 1844, and today the seventh generation of the family is already running the hotel. Surrounded by a lush park and with a view of the lake or the Alps, you immediately forget that you are in the Swiss metropolis of Zurich. The spacious rooms and suites further enhance the impression of a haven of peace and combine contemporary design with a touch of Art Déco.

The lake and nature invite you to enjoy outdoor activities all year round. Nevertheless, a visit to the gym is worthwhile: here you can train according to the TRAVEL FIT program, which the former Formula 1 performance coach Mark Arnall developed especially for the hotel.

Hotelier of the Year

Chris Franzen, Bürgenstock Resort

As Managing Director, the Swiss native has for two years been responsible for the three hotels, 360 rooms and suites and around 700 employees - in short: all aspects of the elegant Bürgenstock Resort high above Lake Lucerne. Franzen has already proven in previous positions that he is up to the task: After several years as General Manager of the Grand Hyatt Muscat in Oman, he moved to the Waldorf Astoria Doha Lusail Resort. Franzen knows the hospitality industry like the back of his hand and is involved in various organizations, including as a tourism ambassador for Zermatt. What sets him apart is not only his experience and prudence, but also his ambition to be a host with heart.

Best Spa Hotel

7132 Hotel, Vals

Luxury, discretion, architecture and wellness go hand in hand in the iconic hotel. Designed by the visionaries Peter Zumthor, Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma and Thom Mayne, each room in the House of Architects has its own character. The hotel's accommodation features bright rooms and a natural color palette. The centerpiece is the thermal bath designed by Peter Zumthor, built from several tons of local quartzite. Highly mineralized water from the St. Peters spring fills the pools and the ambience pampers the senses. Also unique: night bathing between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.! Physical and mental regeneration are on the agenda at the spa. Treatments with high-quality ESPA products ensure deep relaxation.

Best Family Hotel

Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina

Families looking for a very special vacation in Switzerland can't go past the Hotel Kronenhof. The youngest children are lovingly looked after here from the age of 3. We laugh, play, do handicrafts and paint together. The weekly program is particularly varied. It is part of the hotel's philosophy to pamper children and adults alike - also in culinary terms. The offer is complemented by numerous extras such as rental skates, bouncy castle, free ice cream and hot chocolate as well as little surprises. The children's water world attracts with its slide and play facilities. The magical ambience of the neo-baroque property, which is not by chance one of the best alpine hotels in the world, lies above all.

Best Wine Hotel

Domaine de Chateauvieux, Satigny

Impressive views of the Rhône and the mountains form the backdrop against which some of the country's best vines thrive. Right in the middle of it all: the Domaine de Châteauvieux as a member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux association. Since its restoration, the 16th century building is more inviting than ever. Within its thick walls, however, it still breathes history. In the starred restaurant, owner and head chef Philippe Chevrier and his team provide culinary highlights. The wine list is curated by master sommelier Fabien Méne, once named Switzerland's best sommelier. Twelve rooms and one suite combine historical elements such as exposed beams and walls with modern comfort.

Best Chalet

Onirico Engadin Chalet Collection, St. Moritz

Located in the heart of the Engadine, the chalets in the Onirico Collection promise stays that can be described as exceptional with a clear conscience. An experienced team, including a butler, private chef and concierge, personally takes care of all guest requests, from booking a massage and luxurious transfers to ski arrangements. The chalets themselves enchant with a mixture of modern design and rustic elements. Depending on the house, they offer amenities such as a private spa including sauna, steam bath and indoor pool, cinema, wine cellar and fitness area as well as up to four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The atmosphere is relaxed and enhanced by the greatest possible privacy.

Hotel Icon

Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne

The extraordinary Grand Hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva has been an icon since its opening in 1861. Not only because of its majestic façade, but above all because of its excellent service. Numerous personalities have appreciated this in the past, from artists and royal families to political leaders and international celebrities. In their footsteps, guests relax in the Guerlain Spa with indoor and outdoor pool and sandy beach. The rooms and suites are also impressive: characterized by timeless elegance, they offer views of the garden, lake and mountains. Culinary delights await guests in the Japanese restaurant Kaigan or in Anne-Sophie Pic's two-star restaurant.

Lifework

Maria and Felix Dietrich-Kienberger, Waldhaus Sils

The history of the Waldhaus Sils now goes back five generations and began in 1908 with the construction of this architectural masterpiece, which has lost none of its splendor to this day. On the contrary, under the aegis of Maria and Felix Dietrich-Kienberger and Maria's brother Urs, the hotel flourished to the greatest extent in its long history from 1977 onwards; careful renovation measures were carried out, taking into account the historical substance of the hotel, so that tasteful original details and contemporary comfort were combined behind the historic walls. The hotel consolidated its exceptional reputation, which did not change when the two sons took over in 2010.

Best Ski Hotel

Ultima Gstaad Espace, Gstaad

Eleven spacious suites and six private residences make up this unique hideaway, which is reminiscent of a small Swiss village and is just a few steps away from the region's ski lifts. Suite guests can look forward to lots of wood, a natural color palette, marble bathrooms and mountain views. The residences also offer kitchens, private staff and cozy living rooms.

The commitment to tailor-made service runs through the hotel, from ski transfers and personal training to rituals and treatments in the spa, which works with products from Augustinus Bader and Seed to Skin Tuscany.

A Zuma pop-up was secured last winter. Many guests are already hoping for a repeat performance in the coming season.