On October 9, 2024, The MICHELIN Guide revealed the first One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Switzerland. Earning One Key (46 properties) or Two Keys (32 properties) is special enough, but only nine hotels in the country received Three Keys, the MICHELIN Guide's highest hotel honor.
The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. Head here for everything you need to know about the new distinction. But in this article, we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design.
Below, take a look at the spectacular interior and exteriors of each of our nine Three Key hotels in Switzerland.
The Woodward
GenevaOccupying a uniquely beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Woodward is a Three Key hotel with the added bonus of coming with a spectacular view of Mont Blanc. The sight of the hotel’s façade, built in 1901 by François Durel, is no less impressive. A classic Geneva luxury hotel, the Woodward's interior is the work of architect and designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.
There are only 26 rooms in total, although every one is a suite: from the 55 square meter “Junior Suite” to the 160 square meter “Royal Suite” (accessible via a private elevator). All of them are equipped with every conceivable contemporary luxury, including beautiful furnishings and a pure, bright color scheme that conveys the hotel's sheer elegance.
Baur au Lac
Zurich
With a history stretching back to the mid-19th century, this grand hotel commands your attention with its classical architecture. Once inside, the charm of the past is combined with thoroughly modern luxury. The result is a hotel characterized by its timeless chic, as evidenced by the exceptionally stylish furnishings across the rooms, junior suites, and suites.
Homely colors and a wonderful attention to detail mean that every inch of the hotel provides a reassuring level of luxury and comfort. What’s more, each one offers a view, either of the inner courtyard, the city, the park, or Lake Zurich. And as an added bonus: every year, shortly before the opening of “Art Basel,” art exhibitions are held in the hotel's own park.
Book Baur au Lac with The MICHELIN Guide →
The Alpina Gstaad
GstaadChic understatement? Pure luxury? Excellent service? All of the above at Alpina Gstaad. What’s more, this extraordinary “deluxe” chalet is set against a breathtaking alpine backdrop. Inside, you will find impressive grandeur combined with the warmth of old wooden furnishings, meticulous craftsmanship, and valuable antiques.
From the 56 rooms and suites (the highlight of which is the 400 square meter “Panorama Suite” with its own wellness area) to the luxurious “Residences” and the “Six Senses Spa”, the chic modern design and its references to the Alpine surroundings will ensure that guests can enjoy a wonderfully relaxing stay in this most peaceful and inviting of hotels.
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Bad RagazThe class and elegance that this impressive hotel conveys from its façade continue seamlessly inside. Style, exclusivity, and sheer quality accompany you throughout all areas, from the prestigious lobby to the fantastic thermal spa.
Across the board, you’ll find exquisite materials, the finest fabrics, and expertly selected accessories. The remarkable variety of rooms ranges from classic elegance to sophisticated modern design, spread across several buildings. A highlight is the exclusive “King Suite” which can be extended to the “King Floor” over 600 square meters.
Hotel Les Trois Rois
BaselThis grand hotel in the heart of Basel dates back to 1844. The service is top-notch, as is the impeccable design. The chic interiors preserve the history of the hotel with a traditional style, while incorporating modern functionality in an extremely tasteful way and with exquisite attention to detail.
Take the “River Suite Napoleon” for example, with its stucco, paintings, and gold decorations. And don't forget the view, because the Hotel Les Trois Rois is wonderfully located directly on the Rhine.
Bürgenstock Resort
BürgenstockPerched high above Lake Lucerne, the extraordinary Bürgenstock Resort dates back 1873, a resort spread across of several buildings. There is the “Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa,” which boasts a sophisticated, elegant modern design in “Contemporary” and “Heritage” rooms, along with a 10,000 square meter spa.
There is the “Waldhotel Health & Wellbeing,” whose nature-oriented concept takes inspiration from the surrounding Alpine landscape. Next, there is the small “Taverne 1879” with its charming, cozy chalet-style rooms. And last but not least, is the “Bürgenstock Residence” with its luxuriously designed panoramic suites.
Beau-Rivage Geneva
GenevaNot many luxury hotels can claim to have been in business for over 150 years. The Beau-Rivage Geneva is one of the lucky few, built in 1865 in a wonderful location on the shores of Lake Geneva with a view of the famous Jet d'Eau fountain.
One of the most luxurious hotels in the city, its magnificent lobby with its marble columns makes an impressive first impression. The hotel’s interior blends modern comforts and design with the aristocratic elegance of yesteryear. Stylish details abound, from the chandeliers to the fabrics, while each room and suite is exquisitely furnished and offers either lake or city views. The “Royal Residence Suite” is hard to beat in terms of exclusivity, covering 240 square meters.
Badrutt's Palace Hotel
St. Moritz“See and be seen” is the motto of this traditional hotel dating back to 1896, which gained fame early in its lifetime as a glamorous winter sports destination for the rich and famous. The exterior, an imposing piece of historic architecture, does justice to this image, while the inside retains all the flair of the hotel’s past.
Experience it over afternoon tea in “Le Grand Hall,” the “living room of St. Moritz” featuring an ornately crafted wooden ceiling and an almost museum-like character. The timelessly elegant, stylishly furnished rooms and suites all come with lake or village views, luxuriously designed down to the last detail.
Book Badrutt's Palace Hotel with The MICHELIN Guide →
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
St. MoritzIn addition to its dream location overlooking Lake St. Moritz and first-class service, the focus here is on tradition and genuine luxury. The 1913-dated building is pure elegance, from the historic hall with its high stucco ceiling, striking chandeliers, valuable wood paneling, and magnificent fireplace, to the chic spa and the rooms and suites designed by Carlo Rampazzi. Despite the hotel’s century of history, there are plenty of chic contemporary touches among the décor, as well as high-tech modern technology.
But it’s the stunning lake view, one of the best in St. Moritz, that really steals the show. If you want to treat yourself to something truly special, book the 386 square meter penthouse suite with three bedrooms (each with its own bathroom), five balconies, and private butler.
Hero Image: Badrutt's Palace St. Moritz
