The historic hotel in St. Moritz has received one of the most prestigious awards in the international hotel industry, reaffirming a tradition of excellence that has defined luxury hospitality for over a century
Courtesy of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
A smile upon arrival. The curtains opening in the morning to reveal a view of the lake. The elegance of service that accompanies every moment of your stay. It is these details—more than any material luxury—that transform an experience into a memory that will last a lifetime.
It is this philosophy that has earned the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel theArt of Hospitality Award at The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 —an award that celebrates hotels capable of offering authentic hospitality, characterized by attentiveness, elegance, and attention to every detail.
In recent years, various establishments have demonstrated how contemporary luxury is increasingly defined by the experience and the quality of hospitality, as we also discuss in our in-depth article dedicated to the Shebara .
Courtesy of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
A tradition that continues to evolve
For over 125 years, Badrutt’s Palace has been one of the great icons of the international hotel industry. Overlooking Lake St. Moritz, it continues to blend tradition and innovation, while preserving the charm that has made it a premier destination for travelers from around the world.
It is no coincidence that the award comes at a significant moment in the hotel’s history, as it has undergone a major transformation in recent years with the new Serlas Wing , a project designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel . This project introduces a contemporary design language while fully respecting the Palace’s historic identity.
The dialogue between historic architecture and contemporary design is one of the most fascinating topics in the international hospitality industry today, as we also discussed in our article dedicated to the Corinthia Rome .
Courtesy of Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
But Badrutt’s Palace’s true legacy is its culture of hospitality. Every morning, the strains of the harp accompany guests’ breakfast, transforming an everyday moment into a ritual of refined elegance. It is one of the many gestures that speak to a place where service is not a formality, but a tradition passed down for over a century.
Perhaps this is the true luxury of Badrutt’s Palace: not to dazzle with excess, but to leave a lasting impression through elegant gestures, a focus on guests, and an art of hospitality that continues to make it one of the most iconic hotels in the world.
This philosophy is also reflected in other major icons of international hospitality, such as Castiglion del Bosco https://www.myluxuryexperiences.it/rosewood-castiglion-del-bosco-resort-europa/.
MLE Hospitality Executive Memo
Where: St. Moritz, Switzerland
Award: Art of Hospitality Award – The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026
Founded: 1896
A must-try: breakfast accompanied by live harp music and service that turns every gesture into an experience.
Design: The new Serlas Wing, designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, complements the historic spaces with a contemporary aesthetic.
Why it’s worth the trip: because it shows that true luxury doesn’t come from ostentation, but from the elegance of one’s actions and a culture of hospitality that spans generations.
See also
- Shebara: Natural Futurism in Luxury
- Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, the best resort in Europe
- Corinthia Rome: When a Bank Becomes a Hotel
- Delano Miami Beach: The Art Deco Icon Reborn
