H O T E L F I N D S by Alex Wyden

Alex finds hotels - innovative or beautiful places in Switzerland and beyond -   independent blog / support Individuality by BOOKING DIRECT (links in posts)

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Palacio Belmonte in Lisbon, Portugal is not a hotel, there is no formal reception, no crowds, no televisions, no chocolates on the pillow, only beauty and simplicity. Perched on the Castle’s walls at the top of the hill facing the river it features 9 suites over its 3.700 sq meters. No lift but romantic stairways, no Air Condition but natural ventilation. Organic food and well beeing within century old walls of a City Palace. The Belomonte Crew sais: “We find three types of people: those who see, those who don’t see and those who want to be seen. If you belong to the first group you will love Palacio Belmonte; if to the second Belmonte might open your eyes; but if you belong to the third you will feel much happier at the Ritz!“

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The Intercontinental Hotel Dieu, Marseille, France is one of those historic places that have you in awe just for the impressive faccade and level of classic detail that make these hotels so interesting for chains to fill with a standardized interior design. However, the fabulous exterior impressive architecture and the breathtaking views one has from inside make up for the interchangable interior. So, let’s focus on that, n’est pas?

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The “Im Spycher” is a gorgeous Guesthouse in Füringen near Bürgenstock, Switzerland. This romantic getaway in a beautiful historic “Spycher” (storage house) has amazing views onto Lake Lucerne and the mountains. What better place to unwind, absorb natural beauty and enjoy local food. You have to book well in advance, as the rest of 2018 is already sold out.

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The Spedition Hotel & Restaurant in Thun, Switzerland was once home to the cheese, fur, and leather-trading company Gerber and was transformed into a 3-star design hotel recently crowned by UNESCO and Architects Union (Prix-Versailles) with the special prize world’s best interior design 2017. The design comes from the creative, Scandinavian Design Agency Stylt Trampoli.

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Säntis The Hotel on Schwägalp, Switzerland sits against a backdrop of some of the most beautiful mountain scenery. Schwägalp and Säntis - the summit can be comfortably reached by cable car directly from the hotel - offer hiking trails for leisurely walks (or showshoeing in winter). At the hotel a lovely wellness area and an open-air “Kneipp” path allows for natural healing in pristine Alpine air, before enjoying a traditional Appenzeller dinner full of Swiss delicacies.

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The Hotel Alpenblick in Bern, Switzerland is partly within a charming landmarked red-brick building in a quiet residential area in the beautiful Swiss capitol with amazing medieval architecture and Swiss culture. In the hotel’s restaurant and wintergarden seasonal and regional dishes are on offer. The interior pleases with lovely hardwood floors, custom made wooden features and photographic wallpaper, giving this fine gem a modern feel with urban vintage look.

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The Chalet Resort LaPosch in Biberwier (Tirolia) Austria is a unique little mountain village with 16 exclusive alpine huts made of native, matured timber, all with private sauna and fireplace. Sitting in spectacular nature, no unnatural sounds are disturbing the peace at this family owned gem, as the village is completely car-free. Some Chalets have direct acess to the 1′500m2 crystal lake pool.

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The Valsana Hotel & Apartments in Arosa, Switzerland is bordering the forest, flanked by the lake and surrounded by beautiful panoramic views of the mountains. Sustainability was given a central role for this new build from 2017 as it uses the latest technological innovations to minimise the hotel’s impact on the environment - the hotel will be powered using an “ice battery”, no less! The complex is heated using geothermal probes and by capturing and reusing waste heat. This autonomous energy concept deserves special attention:

Massive Co2 savings

Complete recovery of waste heat

Heat recovery systems are very efficient as temperatures as low as 5 C can be used to melt the ice in the “battery”

Regeneration of the geothermal probes through waste heat during summer time

Latent ice storage with 850 m³ volume 2'200 m earth probes

20 boreholes in approx. 100 m depth

Waste heat recovered from neighbouring supermarket approx. 150’000 kWh/year

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The Siena House is a 5 room boutique design hotel with British owners in a strategic location in Tuscany. Lovely old Tuscany on the outside, but truly unique within (modern interiors decorated with art, sculpture & designer furnishing and a little wabi sabi style) Fresh fruit from the orchard, breathtaking views and a pool within this heavenly Tuscany landscape should be plenty to trigger the wish to stay.

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The Revier Mountain Lodge in Lenzerheide, Switzerland run by a young and dynamic team opened in winter 2017 and was built out of 96 prefabricated individual room modules. Each room featuring top to bottom windows with direct view onto the lake and a minimalistic timberclad design. Easy Check-in/out via pre-mailed room access details. Over 30 beers with simple yet fresh food items. The concept is aimed at young and young at heart, active people who want to experience something together. Remember to book direct for best rates and offers.

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The Hirschen in Stammheim, Switzerland is a historic bijou and a sort of a mini-resort including lovely garden, stables, barn, restaurant and guest rooms over several charming buildings, with the “Gaststube” in the main building a historic half-timbered house with bay windows. A place where the architecture showcases original functions but allows for contemporary well-feeling, where sometimes not having an en-suite bathroom is part of the charm of temporary diving in to over 300 years of history. The refurbishment was done with much respect of the old, yet focus on ensuring this beautiful place works for a wide range of current patrons. Creative barn-meetings, a fun theatre evening or a comfy box for your horse in the stables while you explore the surrounding wine county, it’s all there! Remember to book direct (currently per e-mail or phone for the Hirschen) in order to support this kind of individuality in hospitality. (photos by Daniel Wehrli & Reto Guntli)

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Masseria Alchimia is a small Boutique House centrally located in Puglia, Italy’s heel, situated close to Fasano/ Savelletri and only a few car minutes from the adriatic sea. The family owned and managed hotel is offering charming accomodation for 20 guests. The old mansion house had been recently converted into a little hideaway featuring just 10 studios differing in size, form and layout, each with independent entrance, some with private terrace, others opening directly onto the garden, playfully designed rooms, furnished with a selection of design classics and combinations of deep warm colors and materials. This sun-kissed southern gem looks so idyllic! Remember to Book Direct.

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The Boutique Hotel Krone in Regensberg, near Zurich, Switzerland is a true gem, sitting on a rolling hill overlooking vineyards, fields and forrests. This beautiful medieval setting, including a 13th century fortified tower, is a perfect getaway for hikers, bikers or lovers. The 9 guest rooms and suites were beautifully renovated in 2011 and the hotel is part of the Relais & Chateau group. The restaurant with stunning views from its terrace offers set menus and selection of fine dishes. Book direct!

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The Hotel Walther in Pontresina, Switzerland just had its ground floor completely revamped by local designer Virginia Maissen. The hotel’s 110 year history was respected and sustainable natural elements mixed with modern aspects. In Summer or Winter, this lovely property that is part of the Relais & Châteaux group, is certainly a gem worth visiting, in midst of a breathtaking Grisons scenery.

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The Capra is a five-star retreat in Saas-Fee Switzerland. This intimate alpine lodge is a luxurious place to relax amidst the unspoilt alpine scenery.

Expansive suites in warm earth tones have panoramic views of snow-frosted peaks, pristine valleys, and wide-open skies. The Capra has converted a traditional barn to a ski-in, ski-out cabin.

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The IN LAIN CADONAU in Brail, Engiadin, Switzerland is the smallest Swiss 5-star luxury hotel. With its 450 years of history (Engadine House) it’s natural Spa, several excellent Restaurants, Michelin Star and the ever present, beautiful local pine wood, it is simply magnificent! IN LAIN stands for the manufacturing of wood and enjoyment ... There is also glass, stone and a special service philosophy. Wood stands for natural, hospitable, warm; but IN LAIN also stands for the National Park, the tree line, the stone pine woods of the Engadine, the unique magic of simplicity. In tune with nature.  

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The Three Chimneys, beside the sea in the Isle of Skye Scotland is a world-renowned restaurant with 6 luxury bedroom suites at the House Over-by. All this situated in an awe-inspiring, remote island location. Inspirational dishes make guests feel at one with the stunning Skye landscape.