Hotels in Switzerland

This lakefront retreat counts royalty and artists,Richard Wagner premiered the first act of Die Walkure here,as former guests. Located in a park just off the shopping thoroughfare Bahnhofstrasse, "it's so secluded and private you wouldn't know it's near a busy street." Rooms with Italian and English fabrics are decorated in various styles, including Regency and Chippendale. At Restaurant Francais, try "wonderful cuisine" such as poached chicken breast with truffles.

124 rooms

This grand hotel sits quayside by Lake Geneva and looks onto Mont-Blanc. Freshly redecorated rooms are "defined and classy," dressed in terra-cotta red or pale blue and furnished with antiques. Expect "top-notch classic French cuisine and an excellent wine selection" at Le Chat-Botte. Staff are "strong on warmth and yet very professional and efficient." The new fitness center has Techno Gym equipment.

93 rooms

"The lush gardens and the many places to just sit and relax" make this 145-year-old Belle Epoque property "feel like a resort." Rooms in marble, crystal, and mahogany have Internet service, whirlpool tubs, and remote-controlled lights and drapes; some have balconies with views of Lake Geneva. The Rotonde restaurant serves French cuisine that is "first-rate from start to finish"; the wine cellar stocks 75,000 bottles. The spa has Japanese and Turkish baths.

169 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Spa, Tennis, Water sports

Opened by a priest in the mid-nineteenth century, this "distinguished mountain resort" stands beside the Matterhorn Museum (slated to open in December 2006) in a car-free village with Matterhorn views. "Staff itch to cater to your every whim." "We didn't want to leave our suite, which had murals and wood paneling." Restaurant Prato Borni serves "a huge breakfast buffet with everything and its brother." The spa was recently renovated.

84 rooms

Amenities: Golf, Pool, Skiing, Spa

A short walk from town, this 1906 "stately turreted Belle Epoque jewel" is "a perfect retreat with wonderful service." Rooms in shades of gold, blue, green, and red have views of the swan-filled lake. Jasper offers "interesting and supremely tasty dishes" like deer knuckles braised in new wine with autumnal risotto and diced pumpkin.

136 rooms

Amenities: Spa

This 1865 hotel between two lakes "looks just like it should: old and grand, historical and beautifully kept up." Individually decorated rooms in bright hues with reproduction furniture offer views of mountains, the lake, or the surrounding greenery. "Staff did everything to make sure we had the best possible stay." Jungfrau Brasserie serves Swiss dishes. The spa offers Ayurvedic scrubs.

212 rooms

Amenities: Pool, Skiing, Spa, Tennis