Lalique to transform historic Zurich hotel

Imagery courtesy of Lalique Group.

Lalique Group has acquired Hotel Florhof in Zurich, Switzerland, with a view to overhauling it to reopen under the luxury brand.

The group’s majority shareholder chairman Silvio Denz, together with entrepreneur Peter Spuhler, spearheaded the deal.

Careful renovation

After renovation, this historical building will reopen its doors as Villa Florhof in 2024. Lalique Group will be operating the new hotel and restaurant as leaseholder, aimed at further strengthening the group’s hospitality arm.

Over the coming months, the building will be carefully transformed in close consultation with the Office for the Preservation of Historic Monuments (Denkmalpflege) and will be redesigned in the Lalique style. There are plans to reduce the number of rooms in the upper storeys of the hotel to a total of 15 suites and rooms. There will also be a restaurant on the first floor and a bar with a terrace, a living room and a smoker’s lounge on the ground floor to provide a central meeting point for guests. The historical vaulted wine cellar will continue to form the foundations of Florhof.

The site has been one of the jewels in the city of Zurich’s hotel scene for more than 100 years, although the building’s history dates back to the 16th century. By acquiring the property, Denz and Spuhler should secure its future as a hotel and restaurant. This comes after the previous owners, whose family had owned the property for almost 100 years, announced the closure of the business at the end of July 2022.

History and flair

Denz stated: “The best properties aren’t found – they find you. I have long been fascinated by the charming Florhof in this imposing building, and the opportunity to purchase it has now presented itself. We are delighted that we will be able to continue to run Villa Florhof as a hotel and restaurant for the people of Zurich and visitors from around the world – combining the history of the city with the flair of Lalique.”

Spuhler added: “For me too, this purchase is a matter of the heart, since I grew up not far from the hotel and feel connected to the area and this magnificent building. This is a dream property where we want to create a unique atmosphere for guests – blending tradition with the future and delivering exceptional hospitality.”

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