An investor from Abu Dhabi has taken over the storied Bellevue au Lac on Lake Thun – and made quite a few changes to the traditional Swiss hotel. Alcohol and pork are off the menu, sparking controversy among locals and guests.
Idyllic Lake Thun in Switzerland is causing a stir: Since the traditional hotel Bellevue au Lac in Hilterfingen was taken over by Seattle International Services of Abu Dhabi earlier this year, neither alcohol nor pork have been served – a change that has stirred much debate among locals and guests.
A neighbor, whose son had leased the hotel before the sale, told the Swiss TV station SRF: "It's a disaster that an Arab investor has bought this beautiful property on Lake Thun." Some guests have also voiced disapproval: A Google review warned of a "halal hotel after the change in ownership", contrary to earlier statements by the new management.
Ahmed Sharaky, a spokesperson for the new owners, told SRF that the changes were part of a healthy living concept with no religious motives. "If someone wants alcohol, we are not the right choice," Sharaky said. The house continues to welcome all guests.
The change has already led to a reshuffling of personnel: Hotel director Frank Bergmann, who emphasized to SRF in July that he wanted to "change our guests bit by bit", resigned. He is the latest of several directors to leave the company under the new owners.
The Bellevue au Lac is part of a larger trend: since 2018, foreign investors have sunk at least CHF 1.7 billion in Swiss hotels – roughly the same amount as Swiss owners, reports real estate service provider CBRE. Jürg Zumkehr, a hotel broker for many years, told SRF that foreign buyers are often more willing to take risks and frequently offer the best price when selling.
The new owners are planning further investments, including a pool in the garden, and are said to have already bought hotel in Interlaken. The development remains controversial for the region – peace is unlikely to return to Bellevue au Lac for now.
