Additionally, large windows flood the hotel’s interior with ample natural light, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and river. By embracing nature in its design, Hôtel des Horlogers creates an ambiance that immerses guests in the beauty of their surroundings. Inspired by the rich heritage of Vallée de Joux and its watchmaking history, the atmosphere at Hôtel des Horlogers exudes a sense of tradition. Cheminade shares the historical significance of the hotel: “In 1857, when the hotel was originally built, the watchmakers would work all winter and, at the end of the season, they would bring the watches they had made to the hotel because here is where the post office was back then. They would share a glass of wine or a hot chocolate, and discuss the problems they faced with their work and exchange solutions.” This spirit of sharing and camaraderie continues to thrive, as the hotel hosts representatives and friends from celebrated watch brands like Jaeger-LeCoultre, Breguet and Rolex, all of which had organised events at the hotel.

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Each of the 50 guest rooms overlooks the valley, offering a remarkable experience characterised by spaciousness and sunlight. The thoughtful design ensures a peaceful and private stay, with no rooms located above or below one another, providing a quiet and undisturbed sanctuary. Cheminade highlights the hotel’s exceptional insulation, stating, “There is no one sleeping on top of your head and no one sleeping under your feet. The walls are so thick and insulated. Normally in a hotel, you would put one Wi-Fi antenna for every 10 rooms, but in our case, it’s only one antenna per room.”

In addition to its exceptional accommodation, the hotel offers a range of top-notch facilities. The library of watchmakers is a treasure trove for horology enthusiasts, housing a collection of books that chronicle the captivating story of watches from Switzerland and beyond. Cheminade encourages even non-watch lovers to explore the world of timepieces through the books available, with guests often borrowing them to read in their rooms and returning for more the following day.

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For culinary enthusiasts, Brasserie Le Gogant, led by chef Emmanuel Renaut of three Michelin-starred, Flocons de Sel in Mégève, France, takes guests
on a delectable journey through the region’s flavours. Cheminade proudly shares, “He’s been around the Vallée and has met all the local producers, and we only work with local produce. We have our vegetable garden, and he personally chooses all the ingredients we use.”

The hotel’s spa, Le Spa by Alpeor, is another exceptional feature, offering rejuvenating treatments that harness the power of plants and flowers sourced from the
Alps. Through a partnership with Alpeor, a well-regarded Swiss skincare brand, Hôtel des Horlogers provides exclusive spa experiences. Cheminade explains, “When we were looking for a brand for our spa that specialises in high-quality service and high-end products for treatments, we found out about the Grünenfelder family who sources ingredients from this valley and creates infusions from them. By chance, we discovered that Alpeor has been working with this family for years. Our spa features these special treatments crafted with flowers and plants unique to the Alps, making it a truly distinctive experience.”

While Hôtel des Horlogers caters to watch enthusiasts and lovers of luxury, it also aims to create an inclusive atmosphere where all guests feel welcome. Cheminade humorously remarks, “So who is this hotel for? Just for the locals? I think it is for people who come from the other end of the world and want to feel at home. They want to feel welcome and experience a special ambiance where they can discover something they’ve never seen before. Hôtel des Horlogers is not just Hotel Audemars Piguet; it is the watchmaker hotel for all watchmakers and watch lovers, as well as music lovers, nature enthusiasts, and sports fans.”

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