Independence rules in Switzerland’s 7,000 new hotel rooms

Pictured: rendering of Hotel Villa Wiesental.
The Swiss high end hotel pipeline currently predominantly comprises independent sites, according to the latest data from TOPHOTELPROJECTS.

Out of the 63 premium projects presently underway, 43 sites – more than two thirds of the pipeline – are at independent hotels.

Pipeline slide

A total of 6,937 new or redeveloped keys will complete over the next few years, though this represents a 15% fall in two years.

When we last analysed Switzerland’s forthcoming hotels in December 2020, there were 8,188 rooms on the slate – however by individual sites this was only 2% greater than current figures, with 64 at that time.

Brands and locations

For the 20 hotels which are from big chain names, Accor’s Movenpick Hotels & Resorts is making the biggest Swiss push, with three ongoing developments. Radisson Hotel Group’s Radisson Blu banner is the only other brand with multiples, planning another two sites.

In terms of hotel hotspots, Zurich tops the list with five projects, followed by Geneva and the ski resort of Crans-Montana, with four each. The Alpine municipalities of Grindelwald and Scuol take the joint third spot, with three apiece.

Four star newbuilds

The vast majority of projects, 36 (57%), are newbuilds, while another third, representing 21 sites, are refurbishments. The remaining six developments are extensions.

The Swiss high end pipeline is dominated by four star properties, with 46 upscale hotels compared to just 17 luxury sites.

Opening rate

Openings will currently peak next year with 16 scheduled, with the rate dropping a little in 2024, currently due to welcome 13 hotels. The pace nearly halves again in 2025, with just seven completions planned.

Another six sites are due to debut by the end of this year, while the remaining 21 projects are either slated for beyond 2025 or have yet to receive a delivery date.

Indicative independents

Typifying the upcoming independent sites is Florens Lake Resort & Spa, which is being built directly on the shores of Lake Brienz. The 155 luxury vacation apartments and suites will enjoy hotel service, with amenities including two restaurants, spa facilities with heated outdoor pools, and its own harbour with private moorings. Completion is scheduled by Q1 2025.

Another is Hotel Villa Wiesental, taking shape in St. Gallen. This joint project of HRS Real Estate and the Aurora Investment Foundation, which is 100% owned by the City of St. Gallen’s Pension Fund, consists of a new hotel building with around 100 rooms and the professional renovation of the historic Villa Wiesental. Opening is slated for Q3 2023.

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