Life is grand…or so the saying goes at The Kameha Grand in Zürich. There is no denying the motto is embodied to it’s fullest in this brand new luxury Swiss hotel. Just a 25-minute tram ride northeast of Zürich’s city center and 10 minutes south of the airport sits this modern 6-story building that takes up an entire block.

Founded by German hotelier, Carsten H. Rath, his greatest wish was to leave guests feeling refreshed and inspired. And in a place that offers 11 themed suites with chocolate doors, feeling inspired is just the tip of the iceberg.

Design Rises to the Top at Kameha Grand

From the outside, the hotel appears masculine, with its cold and modern sheath exterior, but walk inside, and you’ll find a very different place. Crimsons and crèmes elegantly lace the lobby, inviting guests to discover all the traditional Swiss elements strategically placed throughout the hotel.

It’s hard not to step foot inside the Kameha without feeling the feminine touch, although the only flower you’ll see if the ceramic sculpture in the foyer. Oversized golden bells hang above the floating reception desks as antique keys line the foreground wall. Walk through the opulent theatre curtains, and you’ll find a series of lounges.

Starting with the Puregold Bar this double entendre lounge features a signature gold coin table and fully stocked bar. To the left of this open lounge is a hidden rustic cigar room, followed by a secluded Shisha (hookah) bar. And to the right, is the hotel’s casual Italian eatery, which in the morning, turns into a Swiss breakfast buffet.

Take the lobby stairs to the second floor and discover one of Zurich’s largest conference halls, complete with outdoor patio, a rarity for this part of the Switzerland.

Behind every detail is a story

Kameha Grand is in a category of its own with its uniquely themed suites. To give new meaning to the idea of a suite, Rath wanted each to have its own personality. The result: 11 distinctly original rooms that offer personalized amenities.

From the Burlesque suite that embellishes sensual fetishes to the Fairplay suite complete with foosball table and even the Serenity suite for the yoga-enthusiast, Kameha offers a fun way to enjoy each room.

All rooms are designed to highlight Swiss notes. The walls are reflective of Swiss chocolate bars, the bathroom doors are designed to look like the outside of a Swiss a vault, and the shower doors feature artwork that resembles the inside of a watch.

And to make your stay extra comfortable, each bed is accompanied with a pillow menu. Forget the hassle of not enough, too fluffy or too flat pillows – Kameha Grand indulges the guests with the ability to customize your bed.

Following suit on the stories, Mr. Rath had always wished there was a pillow menu at places he stayed over the years.  As someone who loves to order extra pillows, he felt obliged to extend the opportunity to all his guests.

Bringing Life to Old Zurich

Much of where Kameha Grand stands today was farmland in 2012. Part of Glattpark, a new development project in the Opfikon district, Mr. Rath foresaw Zurich’s future moving to the east and wanted to be apart of its growth. Now, five years later, Kameha is joined by hundreds of apartments, retailers, and restaurants that have all moved in to help the area evolve.

“We are in the heart of the new growing area of Zurich,” he tells MiLLENNiAL. And with the tram stop one block away, Kameha Grand is easily accessible to anywhere in the city.

Being so central to the airport makes this hotel a big conference location. Monday through Thursday, the hotel becomes very corporate; Thursdays and Fridays the weddings and parties start to lift the energy of the hotel; by Saturday and Sunday, couples from all over Switzerland and Germany come to escape their everyday lives for a bit of Rath-style grandeur.

The hotel has even become a favorite among the gay community, as the Kameha Grand has recently signed a deal with PRIDE. Mr. Rath also informs us that over the next three years, a lot of attention will be placed on catering to fashion designers, artists, and models.

And with entertainment being at the center of inspiration for the hotel’s conceptual design, the brand has become home to the Icecapades, hosting legendary performers such as The Jackson 5, Blondie, and Shakakan.

Gastronomical YOU

Guests looking for a Michelin star fine dining experience can look no further than Restaurant YOU, led by culinary master Norman Fischer on the 3rd floor, which brings eastern influences to traditional French cuisine. Think quail eggs cooked over a low temperature for six hours atop duck liver mousse foam.

With innovative design thinking behind the tasting menu, Mr. Fischer leaves guests floored at the precision of finesse that graces each plate.

After relishing in a decedent meal, guests can find solace in the hotel spa. A private retreat, this spa includes an array of plush lounge furniture with aromatherapy, sauna and steam rooms, and a rooftop terrace with views of the Alps. What more could anyone want! Like the Rath’s motto goes…life is too short, so why not live grand.

To learn more about or book your stay, visit Kameha Grand Zúrich.