Kameha Grand Zürich

The original Kameha Grand in Bonn was (and remains) a smash hit, so we’re pleased, if a bit surprised, to see a sequel — it felt like the Platonic idea of the modern business hotel, mixing cutting-edge architecture, ultra-contemporary interior design and state-of-the art electronics with the classic comforts and timeless virtues of luxury hospitality. They can’t just go and build a second Kameha Grand in Zürich, can they?

Spoiler alert: they can, and have. The American firm tecArchitecture has created a building that’s no less monumental than the original, and interior designer Marcel Wanders is back for a repeat performance, in top form once again. And though it’s highly localized, full of references to Swiss design and culture, his personal stamp, naturally, is all over every space — fortunately for everyone involved, Wanders is Mr. Zeitgeist, and his characteristic neo-baroque look shows no signs of going out of style.

This emphasis on design is no gimmick, by the way — the great weakness of the typical high-end business hotel is the flip side of its greatest strength: namely, that there are no surprises. The Kameha Grand, by contrast, is full of surprises — just not in the service, or the bedding, or the shower — and full of subtle visual jokes. We won’t spoil them for you here — see for yourself if you don’t think this is the way forward for the modern luxury hotel.