Cover An exploration of Switzerland’s most storied heritage hotels
An exploration of Switzerland’s most storied heritage hotels
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Professional photographer and content creator Zipeng Lee takes off to experience some of Switzerland’s most historic properties
There is something undeniably enchanting about heritage hotels in Europe. These magnificent properties offer a unique blend of old‑world charm and modern luxury. In an age where travel is often rushed and impersonal, heritage hotels offer a sanctuary of sorts. Switzerland, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to some of the most exquisite heritage hotels in the world.
On my recent journey through the country, I had the pleasure of exploring five magnificent heritage properties. Each offers a unique experience that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in history. These are not just places to stay; they are destinations in themselves, each with a story to tell and a unique charm that makes it stand out. As we continue to seek meaningful and enriching travel experiences, heritage hotels will remain at the forefront of luxury travel, offering timeless elegance and refined hospitality.
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1. Cresta Palace Hotel
Tradition meets modernity at Cresta Palace Hotel
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Located in the charming village of Celerina, just a stone’s throw from the glitz and glamour of St Moritz, Cresta Palace Hotel is a perfect blend of convenience and luxury. The Engadine Valley, renowned for its alpine scenery, provides a breathtaking backdrop to this elegant hotel, while the nearby ski lifts offer endless opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. The recently renovated rooms are done up in beautiful art nouveau style; one might expect the facilities to be similarly vintage and traditional.
But one of the highlights is the delightfully surprising inclusion of an authentic Thai restaurant, with dishes prepared by a Thai chef. Neighbouring St Moritz, too, blends tradition with modernity, with its juxtaposition of old traditional buildings and chic restaurants as well as designer shops that are both charming and cosmopolitan. There is also plenty to do around the town if you are an active nature lover, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and mountain biking.
The hotel serves as an excellent base for numerous adventures. We visited the Segantini Museum, which is situated on a small hill at the entrance to St. Moritz. The building, reminiscent of a mausoleum, showcases the works of Italian artist Giovanni Segantini, who spent his final years on the nearby Schafberg and in Bergell.
The museum’s exhibition centers around Segantini’s famous alpine triptych, Nature - Life - Death. Originally from Italy, Segantini drew inspiration from everyday life in the high alpine landscape during his last years. His untimely death at 42 left the region in mourning, leading to the construction of this striking memorial nine years later, designed by architect Nicolaus Hartmann.
Pro tip: It also offers one of the most beautiful vantage points above the lakes of Upper Engadine.
From the Cresta Palace Hotel, we took a journey to Lugano via Tirano from St Moritz aboard the Bernina Express. Crossing the Alps on the Bernina Express is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking experiences. The train traverses the iconic 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct, a signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Along its route from Chur to Tirano, the train passes through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, offering travellers breathtaking views of landmarks such as the Montebello curve with the Bernina massif, the Morteratsch glacier, and the three lakes: Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair, and Lago Bianco, as well as Alp Grüm and the Brusio Circular Viaduct.
2. Grand Hotel Kronenhof
Grand Hotel Kronenhof
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A short drive from Celerina, in the picturesque village of Pontresina, is the Grand Hotel Kronenhof, a historic five-star hotel. Like the nearby Hotel Cresta Palace, it is situated in the canton of Graubünden, known for its stunning Alpine scenery and winter sports.
This belle époque‑era property, established in 1848, is a testament to perpetual sophistication and luxury. The hotel’s architecture, with its horseshoe‑shaped, three‑wing structure and crowned dome, is one of the most splendid in the Alps. The Kronenhof boasts 112 rooms and suites, each awash with natural light, some with stunning views of the Roseg glacier and surrounding forests. The Kronenhof Spa, spanning more than 21,500 sq ft, is a sanctuary of relaxation, providing a range of treatments to make you look and, more importantly, feel gorgeous.
Dining at the hotel is a delight, with options ranging from the fine‑dining yet supremely cosy Kronenstübli, thanks to its wood‑panelled walls and general chalet vibe, to the alfresco Le Pavillon, which offers a spectacular vista of the glacier.
We enjoyed lunch in the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere of Le Pavillon while soaking in views of the Val Roseg glaciers. Afterwards, we took a short walk to Muotta Muragi, located on the southern slopes of Blais da Muottas, a summit at the western end of the range descending from Piz Vadret, still within Graubünden.
Titbit: The Grand Hotel Kronenhof survived the crisis years of the two World Wars thanks to a wine shop set up in its cellar, which provided a steady income when guests were scarce.
3. Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
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Nestled within a park on the shores of Lake Lugano, the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola is a celebration of refinement and tranquillity. Originally a private residence for a noble Russian family, the property, built in 1880, was transformed into a hotel in 1885 and has since become a beacon of luxury. Each room is uniquely decorated and styled, with different wallpaper and furnishings that add to the hotel’s charm.
The comfortable beds, coupled with the attentive staff, made my stay truly memorable. The facilities, including a pool, a jacuzzi, a bar, a restaurant and a spa, offer everything you need for utter relaxation, while the hotel’s blend of historic charm, modern amenities and scenic beauty makes it a standout destination in Lugano.
The city itself is a captivating destination that combines stunning architecture, historic churches, museums, galleries and—bonus—beaches, offers plenty to explore, its rich cultural tapestry, influenced by both Swiss and Italian traditions, adding to the allure of Lake Lugano.
Riforma Square serves as the heart of Lugano, surrounded by charming cafes and shops, while Nassa Road entices visitors with its high-end boutiques and artisanal offerings. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, sailing, or relaxing on the lakefront beaches, while various festivals throughout the year celebrate music, art, and local traditions.
For a laid-back alternative to experiencing the city, Swissminiatur in Melide is Switzerland’s largest open-air miniature museum, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Lugano and majestic mountains like Monte Generoso, San Salvatore, and UNESCO-listed San Giorgio. The park features 133 meticulously crafted models of Switzerland's most iconic buildings and monuments, all in a 1:25 scale. Highlights include Rapperswil Castle, Chillon Castle, and the Parliament Building in Bern. Visitors can also enjoy a 3,560-meter miniature railway network with 18 trains, along with boats navigating the lakes and cable cars ascending the mountains. With its tranquil setting and intricate displays, Swissminiatur offers a delightful way to explore Switzerland's cultural heritage in just a few hours.
4. Lausanne Palace
Lausanne Palace
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Lausanne Palace, located in the heart of Lausanne, offers a perfect blend of luxury and convenience. It overlooks Lake Geneva and the Alps, yet is centrally located, providing easy access to the city’s cultural attractions, shopping districts and business centres.
The hotel’s rooms and suites, many with balconies offering breathtaking views, are a happy intersection of classic European and minimalist, spacious yet roomy.
The culinary offerings at Lausanne Palace are diverse, with a variety of options including Peruvian‑Japanese cuisine (Matcha Picchu) and a two‑Michelin‑starred French restaurant, La Table du Lausanne Palace. Add to the hotel’s attentive staff and indoor pool the city’s own vibrancy, stunning architecture and plethora of dining options, basing yourself at Lausanne Palace guarantees a fantastically rewarding break.
Lausanne, the second-largest city on Lake Geneva, is a picturesque blend of urban living and holiday resort charm. Known as the Olympic Capital, it has been the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1915, a testament to its stunning setting among vineyard-covered hills with Lake Geneva at its feet and the impressive Savoy Alps rising across the water. The attractive old town, largely car-free, features medieval alleyways lined with cafes and boutiques, all dominated by the magnificent Lausanne Cathedral, regarded as Switzerland’s finest example of early Gothic architecture. In addition to its historical significance, Lausanne offers a wealth of cultural experiences. The city is home to the Olympic Museum, which celebrates the history of the Olympic Games, beautiful parks, as well as numerous art galleries and museums such as the Fondation de l'Hermitage and the Musée de l'Elysée.
For an alternative gourmet experience, we visited the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland (CAAS) at its Le Bouveret campus, easily accessible by metro and a scenic boat ride. CAAS offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines top-tier culinary education with practical business theory, taught by world-class instructors from Michelin-starred restaurants. We enjoyed a delightful lakeside lunch and toured the Mosimann Collection, a unique partnership between Chef Anton Mosimann, OBE, and the Swiss Education Group. This collection features an array of culinary artifacts, including historical cookbooks, photographs, medals, original recipes, and an extensive menu collection from renowned establishments worldwide.
Lausanne is conveniently located near Montreux, a charming resort town on Lake Geneva in the same canton of Vaud. During our day trip, we visited the medieval Chillon Castle, an iconic site that has inspired romantic writers and poets from around the world, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Gustave Flaubert, Mary Shelley, and Lord Byron.
Chillon Castle is renowned for its stunning lakeside setting and impressive architecture. Visitors can explore four grand halls, three courtyards, and a series of bedrooms, including the Camera Domini, once occupied by the Duke of Savoy and adorned with 14th-century murals. The castle’s rich history includes tales of François Bonivard, a nobleman imprisoned there for six years, whose story inspired Lord Byron's famous poem The Prisoner of Chillon.
5. Baur au Lac
Baur au Lac
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In the heart of Zurich, nestled in its own private park with views over Lake Zurich and the Alps, lies the legendary Baur au Lac. Established in 1844, the hotel, run by the sixth and seventh generations of the founding family, has been a sanctuary for the global elite for nearly two centuries; its commitment to luxury and discretion, along with its elegant rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities and stunning views, has made it a favourite among aristocrats, billionaires and heads of state.
One of the hotel’s most notable features is its culinary offerings, including Baur’s, a reimagining of the classic brasserie. Guests can also enjoy the serene atmosphere of the hotel’s private garden, its top‑floor fitness centre, as well as the impeccable service it is renowned for, from valet parking and limousine services to a concierge available around the clock. Its prime location offers easy access to Zurich’s famous Bahnhofstrasse shopping street and the Paradeplatz banking centre.
The city, meanwhile, is the largest city in Switzerland and boasts the highest population in the country. Beyond its economic, trade, and financial significance, Zurich is a remarkable destination that feels straight out of a fairy tale, nestled beside Lake Zurich. The city offers a wealth of attractions that make it an ideal vacation spot, including castles, forts, churches and museums. For those seeking amusement and recreation, Zurich's vibrant nightlife and shopping experiences are waiting to be explored. It is also known for its rich cultural scene, historic architecture and stunning natural surroundings. Must-see attractions include Fraumünster, a 13th-century church designed by the Russian-Jewish master Marc Chagall; Kunsthaus, a fine arts gallery; and the old town of Lindenhof.
A unique highlight of the city is the Lindt Home of Chocolate, which houses the biggest Lindt Chocolate Shop, and offers interactie tours where you can learn all about the storied Swiss cultural heritage of chocolate.
We also embarked on a Made in Zurich tour, where artisans showcased handmade, local products and original Zurich designs. We visited Europaallee, one of Zurich’s youngest and newest neighbourhoods, and discovered a selection of authentic Zurich products made by passionate creators, including f&B offerings, and learned about the historical and architectural background of this vibrant neighborhood surrounding Zurich Main Station. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply looking for unique souvenirs, this tour promises an engaging experience that highlights the best of what Zurich has to offer.
For an unforgettable night out in Zurich, start with a wine tasting experience at Baur au Lac Vins in Tieferbrunnen. This bar houses everything from international sparkling wines to organic, biodynamic and vegan wines. Then, visit the Pink Rabbit Dinner show, an immersive experience that accompanies a four-course menu. The performance fuses music, comedy and acrobatics, along with projections, 3D mapping and lighting effects, to engage your senses. The show is now running until December.
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Photography: Zipeng Lee
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