The majestic Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken provided the perfect setting for a grand celebration on Sunday evening, March 30, 2025. The premiere of "Die 101 besten Hotels Schweiz" and "101 besten Hotels der gesamten DACH Region" was marked by a glamorous gathering that brought together around 300 guests from the hospitality sector. The event, dubbed the first "101 Soirée" of the hotel ranking, showcased the best in luxury accommodations across Switzerland and the broader DACH region.
Among the big winners of the evening were The Dolder Grand in Zurich and The Alpina Gstaad, both of which received top honors. The Dolder Grand was recognized as the number one Business-Hotel, while The Alpina Gstaad took the crown for Leisure-Hotel. Urs Langenegger, the CEO of Hospitality Visions Lake Lucerne AG, was awarded the title of "101 ICON Hotelier of the Year." Additionally, Jean-Jacques Gauer received the prestigious "101 ICON Hotelier of the World Award." The event was not just a celebration of excellence but also an affirmation of the significance of the new hotel ranking in the national and international hospitality industry.
The ranking, "Die 101 besten," distinguishes between Business-Hotels and Leisure-Hotels, catering to different types of travelers. Business-Hotels are typically located in larger cities and are designed for corporate guests, while Leisure-Hotels focus on vacationers looking for relaxation and luxury. The evaluation process included guest reviews from platforms such as Google, Tripadvisor, and Booking.com, as well as ratings from esteemed publications like Forbes, Gault & Millau, and Hornstein. Experts also visited the hotels anonymously to provide their own critiques, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each establishment.
The top ten hotels in both categories were presented during the soirée, generating excitement among attendees. In the Leisure-Hotel category, The Alpina Gstaad topped the list, boasting luxurious offerings with rooms starting at 1,500 francs, including 56 rooms and suites, as well as two private residences. Following closely were the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne and the Park Hotel Vitznau, with their own unique luxury experiences.
The Bürgenstock Resort, known for its stunning views and extensive spa facilities, offers rooms starting at 500 francs and features 360 rooms and suites, along with two spa worlds equipped with both indoor and outdoor pools. The Park Hotel Vitznau, another standout, provides individually designed suites and residences, with prices starting at 1,000 francs and a renowned restaurant.
Other notable mentions in the Leisure-Hotel category include the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, and The Chedi Andermatt. Each of these hotels offers a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and exceptional service, making them highly sought after by travelers.
In the Business-Hotel category, The Dolder Grand led the pack with its elegant accommodations and amenities, including 175 rooms and suites, starting at 540 francs. The hotel is well-known for its fine dining options and luxurious spa services. Baur au Lac in Zurich followed closely, offering a rooftop fitness center and 122 rooms, with prices starting at 654 francs.
Mandarin Oriental Savoy in Zurich and Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva were also recognized for their outstanding services and facilities. The former features superior double rooms starting at 950 francs, while the latter offers luxurious accommodations starting at 1,470 francs.
The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa itself, while hosting the event, was also recognized within the rankings. It offers 216 rooms and suites, with prices beginning at 555 francs, making it a prominent player in the luxury hotel market.
As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with joy and camaraderie, despite the competitive nature of the event. The standing ovations were heartfelt, reflecting the respect and admiration that hotel professionals have for one another. Even the confusion surrounding the various award categories did little to dampen the spirits of the attendees.
The event not only celebrated the achievements of the hotels but also highlighted the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry in Switzerland and the DACH region. With a focus on quality, service, and guest satisfaction, these rankings are poised to influence travelers' choices in the coming years.
As the hospitality sector continues to recover and adapt post-pandemic, such recognitions serve as a beacon for excellence. The awards are not merely accolades; they represent a commitment to providing exceptional experiences for guests, a necessity in a competitive market.
Looking ahead, the implications of this ranking are significant. It signals to both travelers and industry professionals that quality and service remain paramount in the hospitality sector. The recognition of hotels like The Dolder Grand and The Alpina Gstaad underscores the importance of maintaining high standards to attract discerning guests.
The evening concluded with a sense of optimism for the future of hospitality in the region, with many expressing excitement about the next edition of the rankings. As more hotels strive to meet and exceed the expectations set forth by such evaluations, the industry can only benefit. The 101 Soirée was not just a celebration of past achievements but also a promise of what’s to come in the vibrant world of luxury hospitality.
