Kameha Grand Zűrich

“You are in the Diva suite,” I was told as I checked into the Kameha Grand Zürich. What could I have possibly done to deserve this? I suppose the look on my face said it all as my fears were immediately put to rest when it was explained to me that is one of 11 of the hotel’s themed suits.

Having arrived to be confronted by a giant cowbell in the lobby, I had instantly got the impression that this is a hotel that stands out from the crowd. No wonder that Dutch design genius Marcel Wanders was labelled by the New York Times, the “Lady Gaga of design” At the Kameha, it looks as if he has spearheaded a revolution in design.

Unlike so many hotels where you forget which country you are in, here you know that you are in Switzerland. Wanders has given a whole new meaning to the typical Swiss associations. Gold-flecked sofas that resemble Toblerones, bank vaults that hide coffee machines and mini-bars, lights that look like cowbells, brown padded panels which morph walls into slabs of chocolate, and decorative references to the clock and watch industry are just some of the quirky and ingenious touches that give this hotel a sense of place. 

Kameha Grand Zűrich by night

Here at the Kameha Grand, lifestyle and design merge into a splurge-worthy retreat that is an antidote to rushed city life. Part of the Glatt Park development project, you are only a short walk from the park and a 550-metre long man-made lake where you can swim. The airport is only a 10-minute drive away and you can reach the city by tram which takes approximately half an hour. Fashioned to be a destination, this hotel has definitely fulfilled its ambition. It is like being on a voyage of discovery, there is always something to see.

The Diva suite

I thought I had landed up backstage on a Hollywood film set when I entered the Diva Suite. Flavoured with an indulgent layer of glamour, it also had all the mod cons including push button blinds, a large flat screen TV and importantly free, fast Wi-Fi.  

The dressing table had an illuminated mirror, perfect for applying make-up. There was a dressmaker’s mannequin and even a wine cooler. The generous-sized bathroom with a free-standing bath had a walk-in rain shower with a separate mirrored loo which did take some getting used to. Full-sized Molton Brown toiletries were another lovely touch as was the scrumptious cup cake I located in my bedroom.

Keep fit fanatics should book for a stay in the Workout suite which has its own treadmill and weight-training bench For those that like a flutter ask for the Poker Face suite that comes complete with a roulette table. Just want to be reminded that you are in Switzerland? Then plump for the Watchmaker suite.

Others include a Serenity suite and Princess suite so you are bound to find one that floats your boat. There are also 224 premium and deluxe rooms as well as two executive suites, six business suites, the King Kameha suite and the Space suite. 

The lobby

The hotel also has a gym and if you want to indulge in some pampering there is a superb spa. For those of you that still like to light up there is a cigar lounge which is reminiscent of a gentleman’s club. Clamouring for Arabian nights?  Make a beeline for the rather exotic shisha parlour.

Japanese cuisine lovers will certainly appreciate the food at Yu Nijyo. It serves up some of the best I have tasted outside Japan. For pasta, homemade of course, and a good selection of sauces, try the Italian restaurant, L’Unico.  The name, I was told, is the Italian translation of  Kameha, the Hawaiian-origin word that  means “the unique”. Perfect for a cocktail is the chic Pure Gold Bar.

You will be hard-pressed to find fault with the service at the Kameha Grand. You are treated as if you are the most important person in the hotel. Written into the fabric of the hotel is the motto “Life is Grand” and here it certainly is. One warning: don’t get too ensconced here, you ought to spend some time seeing Zurich. 

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways flies from London City to Zurich up to four times a day. For best fares and to book visit ba.com/londoncity

 

(In addition BA has services from Heathrow with connections also available from across the UK and Ireland.)

Customers have a quick and easy journey through the Docklands airport, with hand baggage it takes just 15 minutes to get from kerbside to airside

Train fares from Zurich to Basel start at £40 standard class return. For bookings visit uk.voyages-sncf.com

Travelling by train is easy in Switzerland. Good frequency trains are punctual and altogether a pleasant experience

Kameha Grand Zurich (Tel: +41 44 525 5000 Email: zuerich@kameha.com

Website: kamehagrandzuerich.com) offers accommodation in the heart of Zurich. For best rates visit website

A destination in its own right. This superb hotel that is a short drive from the airport and an half-an-hour tram ride to the city. Highly recommended

First published in All About Hair (All About Hair UK), the travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist