Located in Glattpark – an exciting new development on the outskirts of Zurich – this international lifestyle hotel opened in March following two years of construction. Operated by Lifestyle Hospitality & Entertainment Group, Kameha Grand Zurich boasts a striking contemporary facade – designed by tecArchitecture – and characteristically whacky interiors by the formidable Marcel Wanders.
Nestled in the forests, meadows and ponds of Glattpark’s beautiful recreation area, but with good links to the airport and city, Kameha Grand Zurich is an attractive prospect to both leisure and business travellers.
Marcel Wanders vision of the hotel was of a “sensory and artistic space for guests and visitors”, and this could not have been better realised. Wall panelling and seating resembling Swiss chocolate, and minibars modelled on the legendary safes of Swiss banks are just some of the unusual design elements he has incorporated.
Marcel’s Neo-Baroque style and Swiss-inspired design elements can be seen throughout the hotel – from the gargantuan cow bells hanging in the lobby to the individually designed suites. The hotel has a total of 224 guest rooms, including 11 unique theme suites, two executive suites and six business suites. Particularly outstanding in their design, the theme suites include The Poker Face Suite – complete with a roulette table and Kameha poker cards; The Serenity Suite, with its bright, light design, yoga accessories and scented candles; and The Workout Suite, featuring a plethora of gym equipment, including a treadmill and weight-training bench.
On the fifth floor of the hotel is the Space Suite, a cutting-edge experiential space designed by visual artist, Michael Najjar. Michael plans to be the first artist in space, and has been training extensively since 2012 in the hopes of flying with Virgin Galactic’s maiden voyage.
It is all the more pertinent and fascinating, then, that he has put his mark – quite literally in the form of some of his own original prints – on this futuristic wonderland.
Complete with a zero-gravity bed, the suite is awash with pictures of galaxies, models of rockets and even a curated selection of literature, music and films about orbit. A steam bath offers artistic views into space, and a space glove has been installed, in which guests can store their phones or key cards.
The King Kameha Suite, on the very top floor of the hotel, is radically different again in style. Boasting furniture designed by Marcel Wanders, this majestic space features a dividable sleeping and living area with a walk-in closet, a bathroom complete with rain shower and bathtub, a sizeable walk-in closet, and a kitchenette.
In terms of the hotel’s F&B offering, there are two characterful restaurants, a bar and two lounges.
The Italian restaurant, L’Unico, offers a modern, yet cosy atmosphere – its interior dominated by oversized pillars in the form of urns, and a striking pasta bowl on the ceiling. In direct contrast, Japanese restaurant – Yu Nijyo – sets a more sombre tone, with its dark timber surfacing and artful mood lighting.
The ‘Smoker’s Lounge’, meanwhile, is modelled on an English gentlemen’s club, complete with heavy leather armchairs – including the Smoke Armchair, by Marcel’s brand Moooi – choice parquet, books and magazines. Dark colours dominate here, inspired by the exquisite Cuban and Dominican cigars, fine cognacs and rare Singles Malts on offer.
The Kameha Spa offers a peaceful and intimate retreat for guests, with four modern treatment rooms, saunas and a steam bath, while a state-of-the-art gym is open round the clock.
Completing this stylish collection of public spaces are Kameha Grand Zurich’s impressive events facilities. Certainly delivering on size – there are six private business suites, and the Kameha Dome has a capacity of 960 – these spaces are just as considered in their design as the rest of the hotel.
With ceilings dressed in blood red drapes, majestic chandeliers, and a striking monochromatic tiled floor in black and white, this truly astounding space is a credit to Marcel’s creative vision.
