the Most Unique Hotel We've Ever Visited
Kameha Grand Zurich
Here we are, driving through the beautiful city of Zurich, searching for our hotel. Oddly, the street doesn't appear on our navigator, so we're uncertain of the exact location. As we drive along, a very modern, shiny, brand-new building comes into view. We're skeptical—surely this can't be our destination. But, as it turns out, it is: Kameha Grand Zurich, our home for the night.
Let’s get to know each other
Why should you come here?
The hotel has an absolutely unique location above the city right next to the ski lifts which will take you up the mountains. Once you finish your rides you can ski down the slopes all the way to the entrance of the hotel where you can relax in the outdoor hot pool with an amazing Matterhorn view.
What amazed us most?
The short answer? Everything. The hotel is nothing short of a fairy tale, boasting an unbelievable interior design that sometimes makes you feel as though you're Alice in Wonderland. For us, the highlight was undoubtedly the themed rooms. We were fortunate enough to stay in the Gentlemen's Suite.
"Experience the uniqueness of staying in one of the 11 themed rooms, such as the Space Suite or the Burlesque Suite."
---
Something Special
Kameha Grand Zurich is a sizeable design hotel with over 250 rooms. While all are modern and well-equipped, it's the 11 distinct themed rooms that truly set this hotel apart.
First and foremost, these themed rooms are larger than the standard ones. What truly sets them apart, however, is their complete dedication to a specific theme. We had the pleasure of staying in the Gentlemen's Suite, which exuded a distinct "James Bond" ambiance. It featured a real roulette table at its center with 8 seats, a traditional wooden globe in a corner, and a bathroom cleverly concealed behind enormous safe-like doors. And that's just one example. The hotel also offers a Diva Suite, a Princess Suite, and even a Burlesque Suite, each entirely unique in its design and feel.
One suite that particularly caught my attention is the brand-new Space Suite. As you enter, an automated female voice, reminiscent of John Carpenter’s sci-fi film “Dark Star”, greets the 'crew member' in one of eight variations. The 'sleeping module', or bedroom, is enveloped in a semi-transparent foil that restricts visibility from the outside, yet allows light to shine through and cast text reflections reminiscent of the iconic HAL 9000 computer from Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
The bed is ingeniously designed to give the illusion of floating. Its mattress, a stark black rectangle, alludes to the monolith from “2001: A Space Odyssey”. For relaxation, 'crew members' have access to an iPod by the bed, preloaded with a curated selection of German and English audiobooks, all themed around space. The suite's overarching intent is to fully immerse its guests in a space station ambiance, employing multiple sensory cues to amplify the experience.
Meanwhile, the window in the "living module" is entirely covered by mirrors. This challenges the crew member's sense of perception, making them question which room they are truly in. The steam bath extends the universe theme, with a small window offering a view of space and Earth. The light above the bathtub showcases the surface of Saturn's moon, Enceladus, which scientists believe conceals a vast ocean beneath its icy exterior. In the dressing room, four small square pictures display the renowned Lunar Rover and astronauts from Apollo 15, 16, and 17 on the moon's surface. Furthermore, the living module is equipped with an Apple TV, featuring more than 20 space-themed movies, including both classics and some lesser-known titles.
The Princess Suite exudes an ornate decadence reminiscent of the resplendent courts of Versailles. Drawing inspiration from the most regal of characters, this suite boasts pink and white bell lamps, a spacious walk-in closet, rose-pink marbled carpeting, a grand silver wine cooler, a film-star mirror, and panoramic views overlooking the majestic Kameha Gardens.
The Burlesque Suite, in its own right, is intriguing. It creates an atmosphere of allure, with velvet, tulle, and silk adorning the space. Predominant tones of black and siren red grace the suite's floral carpet and lace lamps. A box from Agent Provocateur awaits guests, brimming with unexpected items such as handcuffs, masks, and a whip, among others.
What about the food?
The suites aren't the only unique feature of the hotel. Kameha Grand Zurich has established itself not just as a design hotel, but also as a new gourmet destination in Zurich. L’UNICO, the on-site Italian restaurant, offers traditional Italian dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients right before your eyes in an open kitchen. The upscale dining establishment serves French cuisine with Far Eastern touches. Additionally, don't miss out on the hotel's diverse brunch offerings.
Moreover, the Kameha Spa is a haven of relaxation, providing a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're indulging in an exclusive treatment, unwinding in the sauna, or taking in the fresh air on the expansive rooftop terrace with views of the Swiss Alps, you're guaranteed to feel pampered, luxurious, and most importantly, stress-free.
What else is there to do?
The hotel is situated in a fantastic, newly-developed business neighborhood, just 10 minutes from Zurich Airport and 15 minutes from the city center. If you have a car, you can reach the majestic Swiss Alps in under an hour, and it took us only an hour and a half to get to the stunning Liechtenstein.
How to get there?
There are ample public transportation options near the hotel. Alternatively, if you choose to drive, the hotel offers an underground car park, which we utilized. On pleasant days, you can even walk to the hotel from the city center.