Hotels in Switzerland

Switzerland is one of those rare places where hotels become part of the journey, not just a place to sleep. Between crystal-clear lakes, high-alpine panoramas, car-free villages and dramatic mountain passes, these seven hotels stand out as destinations in their own right. Each offers a distinct atmosphere – from grand-hotel elegance in Lucerne to an underground “monastery” hidden inside a Gotthard fortress.

Families will appreciate how these hotels balance nature, comfort, activities and generous space – especially when travelling with children aged 5-18. As המומחה לבניית מסלולים, I always say that choosing the right hotel can shape the mood and emotion of the entire trip.

How to Choose the Best Hotels in Switzerland for a Family Trip?

Switzerland offers three very different hotel environments, and each will give your holiday a different flavour:

• Lakefront cities (Lucerne) – A perfect base for gentle walks, boat rides, sweeping views, shopping and easy access to nearby mountains.
• High-alpine resorts (Zermatt, Grimsel Pass, Engelberg) – Ideal for dramatic landscapes, cable cars, hiking, ski-in/ski-out convenience and unforgettable sunrises.
• Design & lifestyle hotels in major cities (Zurich) – Great for short stays with excellent public transport, varied dining and vibrant urban energy.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I always recommend renting a car in Switzerland. Distances are short, parking is usually straightforward outside historic centres, and you gain the freedom to explore lakes, mountain passes and more remote viewpoints at your own pace.

How much do the best hotels in Switzerland typically cost?

Across the seven hotels, the price ranges follow clear patterns:

• Luxury palace hotels (Mandarin Oriental, Kempinski Engelberg): rooms generally start around 550-850 CHF, rising sharply in peak seasons.
• Mountain icons (Riffelalp, Grimsel Hospiz): typically from 340-480 CHF, depending on room type and time of year.
• Design & lifestyle stays (25hours Zurich West): usually around 160-220 CHF per night.
• Unique underground experiences (La Claustra): approximately 380-450 CHF, with dining and special packages priced higher.

These ranges are drawn from the price data already compiled in my materials and are meant as a guide, not a strict tariff list.

Overview: 7 Hotels in Switzerland You Cannot Miss

Before we dive deeper, here is a quick snapshot of the seven featured properties:

• Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne – a lakefront grand hotel with breathtaking views and exceptionally polished service.
• Riffelalp Resort 2222m, Zermatt – a legendary alpine resort with panoramic Matterhorn views and one of the highest spa pools in Europe.
• Kempinski Palace Engelberg – a five-star spa retreat with a rooftop infinity pool and expansive Alpine vistas.
• Grimsel Hospiz – a historic mountain lodge overlooking turquoise glacial lakes on the Grimsel Pass.
• 25hours Hotel Zurich West – playful, colourful, creative; perfect for families seeking a fun city stay.
• La Claustra – an underground “monastery” in a former military fortress carved into the Gotthard massif.
• Säntispark Hotel – a family-focused hotel with direct access to a large aquapark full of slides, pools and kids’ activities.

Mandarin Oriental Palace, Lucerne – Is This the Finest Lakefront Hotel in Switzerland?

Very few hotels in Switzerland receive such consistently enthusiastic descriptions as Mandarin Oriental Palace. Families highlight immaculate rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies and panoramic lake-and-mountain views that become part of the experience. Service is often described as warm, attentive and seamless, from check-in through concierge support to the restaurant team.

Breakfast is a particular highlight: fresh, beautifully presented, with plenty of local touches and thoughtful details. Pet-friendly guests receive special amenities and even a personalised map with suggested walking routes.

The location makes exploring easy. You can walk to the Old Town, the Kapellbrücke, boat piers and the lakeside promenade. After a day on nearby mountains such as Pilatus or Rigi, returning to this calm, elegant space feels restorative for both adults and children.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: if your budget allows it, choose a lake-facing room. The sunrise colours over Lake Lucerne are unforgettable and set a beautiful tone for the day.

Riffelalp Resort 2222m, Zermatt – What Makes This Hotel a True Alpine Icon?

Perched at 2,222 metres, Riffelalp Resort feels like a world of its own. The journey to the hotel – train to Zermatt, then the Gornergrat Bahn, then a tiny dedicated Riffelalp train – already feels like an adventure for children and sets the mood for the stay.

Inside, families find spacious rooms, cosy bedding and balconies that frame the Matterhorn like a painting. Many people describe it as the standout hotel of their entire trip thanks to its dreamlike setting, high level of service and almost magical atmosphere. Kids enjoy the game rooms and bowling alley, while adults fall in love with the spa, including a heated outdoor pool with mountain views.

In summer, it is a perfect base for hikes and panoramic walks. In winter, the ski-in/ski-out position makes getting onto the slopes simple and enjoyable. Even a short stay feels surprisingly transformative at this altitude.

Kempinski Palace Engelberg – Is This the Best Spa Hotel for Families in Central Switzerland?

Kempinski Engelberg combines Belle Époque heritage with refined contemporary comfort. From the moment you enter, the warm wood tones, soft textures and generous natural light create a relaxed yet luxurious alpine mood. The rooftop infinity pool – mentioned again and again in source materials – is one of the most striking in Switzerland, offering wide-angle views of the surrounding peaks.

Rooms and suites are spacious, which is especially valuable for families needing storage, play space and quiet corners. The wellness area includes saunas, relaxation rooms and treatment zones, while outside you have playgrounds, walking paths and the charm of Engelberg village within easy reach.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: after a day on Titlis or nearby trails, heading straight to the rooftop spa is the best way I know to help both adults and children recharge quickly.

Grimsel Hospiz – What Is It Like to Sleep Above a Turquoise Mountain Lake?

Dating back to the 12th century, Grimsel Hospiz is a rare blend of history, tranquillity and spectacular natural surroundings. Set high above a turquoise mountain lake, the hotel offers peaceful rooms with mountain-inspired interiors and views that feel almost cinematic through the windows.

Families who love hiking will appreciate the network of trails starting just outside the door, crossing granite landscapes, glacial valleys and scenic ridges. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative, ideal for travellers who come to reconnect with nature rather than chase a long list of attractions.

25hours Hotel Zurich West – Is This Zurich’s Most Playful and Colourful Hotel?

25hours Hotel Zurich West feels like stepping into an illustration. The interior is colourful, humorous and full of personality. Once a multi-screen cinema, the building has been transformed into a bright, lively hotel by designer Alfredo Häberli. With 126 individually styled rooms, bold textiles and a relaxed atmosphere, families often feel energised as soon as they arrive.

This hotel is especially good for short stays in Zurich. You have convenient access to Zurich HB, tram lines, restaurants and shops. Rooms are comfortable and informal, with plenty of small visual details that children find entertaining even on a “rest day” from sightseeing.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I like to place this hotel in the middle of a longer itinerary as an “easy day” – it gives everyone a break without compromising comfort or fun.

La Claustra – What Is It Like to Sleep Inside a Mountain Fortress?

La Claustra is unlike any other hotel in Switzerland. Hidden inside a former military fortress, it is an underground world of stone tunnels, candlelit corridors, vaulted caverns and the soft sound of water dripping through rock. The first impression is powerful: it feels a little like an Antarctic research base mixed with a post-apocalyptic shelter.

The philosophy here is monastic simplicity: stone, silence, warm lights and deep calm. Dining takes place in a dramatic, cave-like restaurant. The whole stay feels emotional and atmospheric rather than just “comfortable”, and it tends to stay in your memory for years.

This hotel is best suited to adventurous families with older children or teenagers who enjoy unusual, story-rich environments. Those who prefer bright, open spaces may find the underground setting intense.

As an Itinerary Expert, I always remind families that La Claustra sits high on the Gotthard Pass, so it is essential to check seasonal road conditions before travelling.

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Säntispark Hotel – Is This the Best Hotel in Switzerland for Kids Who Love Water Parks?

Säntispark is designed around one clear idea: unlimited family fun. The rooms are modern and functional, but the real star is the direct access to the giant Säntispark Water World. Families can spend hours enjoying:

• wave pools
• warm outdoor pools
• long slides
• toddler splash zones
• dedicated spa areas for adults

Average room rates in the 190-330 CHF range make it one of the stronger value options in this collection, especially when you consider how much entertainment is included on site.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: one night is rarely enough here. Kids almost always ask for more time in the pools and on the slides, so I usually suggest at least two nights to keep the trip relaxed for everyone.

A bright, clean and cozy room that felt like a relaxing private retreat.

Traveler Reviews: Hotels in Switzerland 

Emma Collins – stayed in 2023

I visited Mandarin Oriental Palace in Lucerne with my family in August 2023, and it remains one of our most memorable stays. The lake view from our room felt unreal, especially at sunrise. Service was warm and incredibly attentive – they even remembered our breakfast preferences. The only downside was wishing we had stayed longer.

Daniel Foster – stayed in 2019

In July 2019 we spent three nights at Riffelalp Resort 2222m, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Waking up with the Matterhorn right outside the window made each morning feel like a postcard. Our kids loved the game room and the tiny mountain train. The journey up takes some planning, but once you arrive, it feels like the top of the world.

Olivia Martin – stayed in 2024

My February 2024 stay at Kempinski Palace Engelberg was a dream for a family trip. The rooftop infinity pool alone is worth the visit – floating in warm water surrounded by snowy peaks felt surreal. The rooms were spacious and calming after long days outside. The only challenge was persuading the kids to leave the pool area.

James Walker – stayed in 2018

I spent a night at La Claustra in autumn 2018, and I still talk about it. The hotel is carved inside a mountain fortress, so everything – the tunnels, the candlelight, the silence – creates a very distinctive atmosphere. It feels mysterious and a little surreal. Not ideal if you prefer bright, open spaces, but unforgettable if you enjoy unique places with strong character.

Sarah Bennett – stayed in 2025

In spring 2025 our family stayed near the Grimsel Pass at Grimsel Hospiz, and the location completely amazed us. The lake’s turquoise colour, the dramatic rocks and the quiet around the hotel were exactly what we needed. Rooms were simple but beautiful, matching the mountain setting. The winding road was the only tricky part, but it was absolutely worth it.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

• Choose lake-view rooms in Lucerne – the difference is huge.
  From my stays at Mandarin Oriental Palace, I learned that lake-facing rooms completely change the experience. The soft morning light over Lake Lucerne makes waking up unforgettable, especially for children who enjoy taking sunrise photos.
• Plan your arrival to Riffelalp like a mini-adventure.
  Reaching Riffelalp Resort 2222m involves trains and a small mountain shuttle, and children usually love it. I treat this journey as part of the trip and avoid tight train connections, as the Gornergrat line can get busy at peak times.
• Use the rooftop spa in Engelberg right after outdoor activities.
  At Kempinski Palace Engelberg, soaking in the warm infinity pool after hiking or snow play helps everyone recover faster – especially kids who burn a lot of energy. Even on cloudy days, the mountain views feel calming and almost cinematic.
• Prepare for a unique sensory atmosphere at La Claustra.
  Staying in an underground fortress means candlelight, echoing tunnels and cool stone walls. I always bring warm layers for evenings – the silence and ambience are magical, but the air feels cooler than in a standard hotel. Teens usually find it exciting rather than intimidating.
• Use 25hours Zurich West as an “easy day” in your itinerary.
  This hotel’s playful design naturally entertains children: bright colours, quirky decor and creative spaces. When I travel with kids, I often place this night between heavier sightseeing days. It gives everyone a mental break without reducing comfort.
• Stay at Grimsel Hospiz for early-morning photography.
  The turquoise water and granite cliffs look completely different at sunrise. When I stayed there, the calm morning light made the surrounding peaks feel almost unreal. Families who enjoy photography should keep cameras ready before breakfast.
• Book two nights at Säntispark if your kids love waterparks.
  At Säntispark Hotel, children can spend hours in wave pools, on slides and in outdoor warm pools. In my experience, one night is never enough – kids always ask for “just one more hour”, so two nights keep the schedule relaxed and fun.
• For mountain hotels, pack light but smart.
  Places like Riffelalp and Grimsel are high-altitude and depend on lifts or narrow roads. I prefer compact duffel bags instead of very large suitcases; they are easier to move, especially when travelling with children and using mountain transport.
• Use hotel ambience as part of family bonding.
  Whether it is the cosy spa lounges in Engelberg or the candlelit halls of La Claustra, I’ve noticed that children engage more when the hotel feels “like a story”. These atmospheres spark conversations, curiosity and shared memories.
• Combine active days with hotel-based relaxation.
  Swiss hotels often provide as much enjoyment as the outdoors – pools, terraces, lounges. I balance intense days (Titlis, Gornergrat, long hikes) with slower afternoons in the hotel to avoid overload and keep the whole family happy.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I last explored this set of Swiss hotels in September 2024, and each stay reminded me how strongly a hotel can shape a family trip. What impressed me most was how different each experience felt – floating in the warm rooftop pool at Kempinski Palace Engelberg, watching the Matterhorn glow from Riffelalp Resort, or stepping into the candlelit silence of La Claustra carved inside the mountain. These places are not just beds for the night; they become part of your shared family story.

Families who value nature, space, comfort and a touch of magic will find Switzerland especially rewarding. Many hotels treat the view as an essential part of the stay – whether it is the lake sparkling in front of Mandarin Oriental Palace or the turquoise water below Grimsel Hospiz. At the same time, playful options like 25hours Zurich West or water-adventure favourites like Säntispark make it easy to keep children excited between excursions.

From my perspective as המומחה לבניית מסלולים, the only real challenge is choosing. Each region offers something different, and the travel times between them are pleasantly short. That is why I often suggest building the route around the hotels, not simply adding hotels at the end of a route.

Switzerland is a remarkable destination, full of beauty and character. I invite you to create an individual itinerary together with me – tailored to your pace, your family and the unique places you want to experience across this incredible country.

Here is the full price table translated into English, based strictly on the information found in the attached files.

An unforgettable terrace view – Lake Lucerne looked like a perfect painting.

Price Table for Each Hotel

Q&A: Hotels in Switzerland

Is it worth booking a lake-view room in Lucerne?

Yes. At Mandarin Oriental Palace, lake-facing rooms offer panoramic sunrise views and a clearly more memorable stay for families. The calm mornings by the water add something special to the experience.

How difficult is it to reach high-altitude hotels like Riffelalp Resort?

Reaching Riffelalp involves a train to Zermatt, then the Gornergrat Bahn and a small connecting train. The route is well organised and suitable for families, but it does require some planning and extra time.

Are spa areas in mountain hotels family-friendly?

When I stayed at Riffelalp Resort, my children loved the warm outdoor pool with Matterhorn views. Some spa zones have age limits, but the main pool and family-friendly areas are open to kids and feel very welcoming.

Is La Claustra suitable for children or only adults?

La Claustra has a very distinctive underground atmosphere – stone tunnels, candlelight, closed spaces. Families with older children or teenagers usually enjoy it a lot. Very young or sensitive children might find it intense.

Which hotel is best for kids who love water activities?

Säntispark Hotel is ideal if your children love water. It has direct access to a large water park with slides, wave pools, outdoor warm pools and dedicated zones for younger kids, plus spa areas for adults.

Do Swiss hotels offer impressive views year-round?

From my own stays at Kempinski Palace Engelberg and Grimsel Hospiz, the views were outstanding even in shoulder seasons. For families who prioritise nature and scenery, the “wow” factor is present at almost any time of year.

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