9 unique accommodations for Bees & Friends
Intro
To showcase the great diversity and sustainability of the Swiss hotel industry, nine insect hotels, birdhouses and hedgehog shelters will open in May 2025. These are the winning projects of an architecture competition organised by Switzerland Tourism. As part of the Bees & Friends hotel cooperation, these Swiss hotels will offer all guests, even the tiniest ones, accommodation of their dreams.
Bee Rivage, Lausanne
BEE Rivage – a luxurious retreat nestled in the park of the Beau Rivage Palace Lausanne. Its design is inspired by the four seasons, harmoniously integrating the local flora – and delighting even the most discerning bee.
The Tiny Dolder Grand, Zurich
The Tiny Dolder Grand – modeled after the ballroom of its namesake, the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich. While hedgehogs unwind below, birds enjoy a refined spa experience on the rooftop.
Summnest, Le Brassus
Summnest – an avant-garde wild bee hotel, its design echoes the cross-country ski trails that wind past the Hôtel des Horlogers in Le Brassus (JU) each winter. The go-to destination for sporty bees.
B-House, Steckborn
B-House– inspired by the architectural proportions of the monastery building of See & Park Hotel Feldbach (TG). With its many nesting tubes, it’s perfect for larger conferences and team-building retreats for busy bees.
Série Horns, Gstaad
Série Horns – designed in the shape of a posthorn, this hotel fits beautifully in front of the chalet of the Posthotel Rössli in Gstaad (BE). A favourite resting place for birds who appreciate a quintessentially Swiss atmosphere.
Wild Bee Lodges, Basel
Wild Bee Lodges – five eco-friendly lodges made from natural materials appeal to the design-savvy wild bee. Much like the neighbouring SiloBoutique & Design Hostel in Basel does for humans.
Bee-Märchen, Braunwald
Bee-Märchen – just like their human counterparts at the fairytale-inspired Märchenhotel Braunwald (GL), wild bees love to stop here with their offspring. They are joined by family clans of birds and butterflies in their own charming lodgings.
Peaky Place, Laax
Peaky Place – resembling the Peaks Place in Laax (GR), but sized perfectly for hedgehogs who enjoy life in the biking paradise. A small rooftop pump track completes the experience.
Villa Carona, Carona
Villa Carona – Bee Edition – visually modeled after the historic Villa Carona near Lugano, this charming residence will soon house 10,000 to 30,000 bees in a setting rich with history.