One of the most crucial factors in any city break is choosing the right hotel, which, as any seasoned traveller knows, can make or break a precious weekend away. A stay in a Swiss city offers a wealth of choices - from hip boutiques to grand, stately hotels - with a huge selection to choose from, albeit at the upper end of the price scale. Those looking for something on a budget may have to compromise; check hotel chains such as Ibis for weekend deals or the likes of easyHotel, which has recently opened in Zürich. But here's a headstart when it comes to working out a stylish Swiss selection.
It's no surprise to learn that Zürich, being Switzerland's largest metropolis, is filled with an exciting selection of accommodation that reflects the city's cosmopolitan style. Although there are plenty of luxurious five-star hotels here, such as the Widder, it's also possible to find a few mid-price hotels in the city centre. The laid-back Plattenhof (00 41 44 251 1910) has double rooms from CHF 245 (£130), or pay extra for quirky additions such as mood-enhancing room lighting, as well as an Xbox and DVD player. Its lounge bar and Italian restaurant Senso are very popular mid-week thanks to the local student community. The stylish Hotel Helvetia (00 41 44 297 9999) offers similar value, with doubles starting from CHF 220 (£120). Located between the glamorous Bahnhofstrasse and the counterculture feel of Langstrasse it has, at last, given Zürich its first city-centre boutique hotel. The 16 rooms are dressed up in monochrome strips and dainty mirrored interiors with a classic 50s-style finish. The atmosphere is all about laid-back fun; patrons can enjoy a few live piano sessions while chilling on the leather sofas in the lounge bar.
For those on a more modest budget looking for accommodation in other Swiss cities, the charming Spalentor, in Basel, offers four-star style at three-star prices. It's especially child-friendly and features a fantastic kids' playroom with toys, books and table football, while the cute cocktail bar is rather more parent-friendly. To help you get out and explore, it also offers free use of its bicycles.
Bern is home to a famous classic Swiss grand hotel, the Bellevue Palace (00 41 31 320 4545), which is set right next to the federal parliament building. Guests can expect real five-star luxury here and enjoy the great views across the river Aare. The more modestly priced Allegro hotel also offers great views of Bern's historic Unesco-listed old town district, as well as the Alps.
Fans of art deco should head to central Switzerland, where Lucerne's elegant Montana hotel (00 41 41 419 0000) offers stunning city views and, uniquely, its very own funicular to take guests from the lobby to the lake promenade.
In the south-west, the French-speaking side, is Geneva's La Cour des Augustins (00 41 22 322 2100), a 40-room boutique hotel in the city's Latin quarter. It's also home to an art gallery and the hotel is decorated in pieces created by Swiss artist Stephane Ducret.
Not far from Geneva is another great lakeside setting in Lausanne, home to the neo-gothic Château d'Ouchy (00 41 21 331 3232), which has recently been renovated in a more contemporary style. Also on the Ouchy waterfront is the Angleterre hotel (00 41 21 613 3434), where the terrace is the place to be seen drinking coffee on a Sunday afternoon.
In the south, the city of Lugano also offers a stunning lakeside setting, and the Dellago hotel (00 41 91 649 7041) is a great place to enjoy breathtaking views from the stylish terrace of its Qi-Lounge. Lie back on one of its white pillowed day beds set by the water's edge and enjoy live music while watching a beautiful sunset.
• All prices and exchange rate correct at time of going to press.
Other places to stay in Switzerland
Bern: Belle Epoque (00 41 31 311 43 36)
Dine at one of the best restaurants in town while admiring this elegant hotel's beautiful art and antiques from the art nouveau/belle époque period. The hotel's Le Chariot restaurant is a local legend where music lovers can enjoy the live jazz on Sunday evenings.
Geneva: Auberge Communale Carouge (00 41 22 342 2288)
Converted old house now offering cheap but charming accommodation in Carouge, an area that was once ruled by the King of Sardinia and still retains an Italian character. It's a 10-minute tram ride to the centre, but you may want to stay local, as Carouge is filled with an eclectic mix of boutiques, artist workshops and cafes.
Lucerne: The Hotel (00 41 41 226 8686)
An unusual boutique hotel with an elegant, sometimes stark, design. Some of the suites feature striking and bold artwork across the ceiling, such as stills from films such as Dangerous Liaisons or Matador. Its lounge bar is the coolest in town while its restaurant, Bam Bou, is an intriguing fusion of Asian and French styles that has been awarded 14 points by French restaurant guide Gault Millau.
Zürich
Park Hyatt (00 41 43 883 1234)
Just a breath away from the designer boutiques of the Bahnhofstrasse, as well as the lake, the Park Hyatt is a great mixture of sophisticated but laid-back luxury. Enjoy watching dinner being cooked in the open kitchen of the stylish Parkhuus restaurant, which includes a library of more than 3,000 different wines. Chill out after dinner with cocktails in the trendy Onyx bar.
Hotel Otter (00 41 44 251 2207)
Quirky hotel in the Niederdorf section of the old town that feels like crashing out in a mate's rather eclectic spare room. Each floor has to share the bathroom and toilet but the rooms are fun and the vibe is perfect for those looking more to party than to relax.
