For the Hotel Schweizerhof, an iconic landmark once at the heart of Bern’s society, MKV Design has re-created a luxury hotel designed to fulfil the expectations of both locals and 21st Century business travellers while celebrating the spirit of this 100-year-old legend.
The lobby area was stripped back and guestroom levels were gutted, allowing the designers to totally re-plan them and introduce new elements that combine classical features with contemporary ones. The relocation of the main entrance links it to the existing brasserie; inside the lobby, the newly installed black and white marble floor, coffered ceiling and ornate metalwork take their cue from the old building and are juxtaposed by the avant-garde alabaster reception desk and, overhead, a swirling digital art installation referencing former Bern resident, Albert Einstein. Cosy book-lined alcoves, a new bar, and a cigar lounge also bring new life to the public spaces.
MKV increased the guestroom count from 89 to 99 larger rooms designed with traditional architectural detailing and modern yet luxurious four-fixture bathrooms; each top floor suite is now a sequence of rooms in the manner of long-established European apartments. The Schweizerhof’s artwork also combines the old with the new. Paul Klee prints coexist with original paintings, complemented by abstract paper sculptures and bespoke photography of Bern.