We love small hotels. When you find yourself in a place with just a handful of rooms, it feels that much more like home. You're often known by your hosts by name, and service is touchingly personal. In a broader sense, who wouldn't enjoy some time away from the crowds?
We have small hotels all over the world. But in Switzerland, we find a particularly thrilling collection of spots with 15 rooms or fewer. The accommodations below, largely in the mountains, largely boasting MICHELIN restaurants to go with their rooms, have all been awarded at least One MICHELIN Key in recognition of their outstanding quality by our Inspectors.
Head here for all our Key hotels in Switzerland, or enjoy the wonderfully small spaces below.
LeCrans Hotel & Spa
Distinction: Two Keys
Location: Crans-Montana
Panoramic views of the majestic Alps directly from the private terrace? That's just everyday life at the LeCrans Hotel & Spa. This exclusive hotel sets new standards for alpine luxury, with just 15 rooms and suites, all named after famous mountains.
Rustic wooden beams, cozy four-poster beds and luxurious stone baths provide elevated comfort, and top-class spa experiences go further. The LeMontBlanc restaurant (One MICHELIN Star) serves high-flying cuisine that merges top-drawer Swiss produce with traditional Gallic recipes.
Hostellerie du Pas de l'Ours
Distinction: Two Keys
Location: Crans-Montana
At first glance the Hostellerie du Pas de l’Ours could hardly look more traditional, its weathered, rough-hewn wooden structure standing atop even rougher stone foundations. Inside, however, it’s a different story, its wood-paneled weightiness lightened by crisp contemporary design and high-tech modern comforts.
The L’Alpage Spa offers the full complement of restorative treatments, including an indoor pool that, weather permitting, leads to the Alpine air. And two restaurants serve the Hostellerie’s guests: the Michelin-starred fine-dining L’Ours and the more rustic Bistrot des Ours, both under the direction of chef Franck Reynaud.
Schloss Schauenstein
Distinction: One Key
Location: Fürstenau
This tiny hideaway in Fürstenau is like dropping into the middle of a fairytale. The hotel building is an intimate castle in what's considered one of the world's smallest cities, and the hotel matches the theme with just a handful of rooms. Each bedroom is individually designed, a combination of antique flair and contemporary design. Visitors won't want to miss dinner at the hotel's restaurant, a Three Star operation run by legendary chef Andreas Caminada.
Au Club Alpin
Distinction: One Key
Location: Champex-Lac
In a magical setting on the banks of the lake in Champex-Lac, the first thing you'll notice is the view of the imposing Mont Blanc mountain range. The rooms are warm and cozy — divided into six rooms and two suites — the perfect hideaway after a day in the mountains. The spa is just as small and exclusive as the rest of the hotel, and in the Au 1465 restaurant (named after the village's altitude), you can enjoy creative dishes made from organic local ingredients that are fresh, seasonal, and offer utmost indulgence.
Giardino Lago
Distinction: One Key
Location: Minusio
Giardino Lago, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, is a chic, modern hideaway with just 14 rooms and one suite in a mix of contemporary design and Italian elegance. Highlights include the rooftop lounge and the spacious terrace, where you can spend all day basking in the breathtaking view of the lake and mountains. In other words, the day begins with a relaxed breakfast by the water and ends with a sundowner on the rooftop.
Book Giardino Lago with The MICHELIN Guide →
Hotel-Restaurant Valrose
Distinction: One Key
Location: Rougemont
With just 12 rooms, each furnished in a contemporary chalet style, the Hotel-Restaurant Valrose in Rougemont offers an exclusive, cozy atmosphere along with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Of course, as you may have guessed from the name, the Valrose is more than just a retreat for relaxing nights and sensational views. It is also a superb culinary experience. In restaurants like La Table du Valrose (Two MICHELIN Stars) and Le Café Valrose (Bib Gourmand), Chef Benoît Carcenat and his team serve up dishes that celebrate the flavors of the region in every bite.
Boutique Hotel Restaurant Krone
Distinction: Two Keys
Location: Regensberg bei Zürich
In the middle of medieval Regensberg, on a hill with a breathtaking view, lies the Boutique Hotel Restaurant Krone Regensberg. This almost 800-year-old, historic, half-timbered house is charming and traditional on the outside, with stylish interiors that are surprisingly luxe and modern and nine elegant rooms designed individually.
The Krone restaurant serves creative, fresh cuisine of the highest quality, drawing on contemporary influences, and taking its cue from the changing seasons with produce sourced from Switzerland.
Book Boutique Hotel Restaurant Krone with The MICHELIN Guide →
Hero Image: Le Crans Hotel & Spa
