At the beginning of March 2015, the ‘Kameha Grand Zurich’ hotel opened its doors. Carsten Rath’s 245 room lifestyle Hotel is an absolute feast for the eyes, down to every tiny detail.
Kameha Grand Zurich Hotel by Marcel Wanders
Before launching into tons of photos for you, here’s a cute little promotional video that was just created for the hotel’s fitness and workout center for your enjoyment:
An international grand hotel offering a 5-star experience, it sets new benchmarks for modern grand hotels with its architecture by Sebastian Knorr and gorgeous interior design and eleven whimsical themed suites by Marcel Wanders.
Those familiar with Wanders’ work will recognize his whimsical style, particularly his oversized objects, fun florals and silhouettes. Products and designs from Moooi can be found all over the hotel as well.
Photos of the main hotel’s interior design:
Main Lobby:
Lobby Lounge:
Lobby Bar (Pure Gold Bar):
Smoking Lounge:
Shisha Lounge:
Unico Restaurant:
Yu Nijyo Restaurant:
Spa and Fitness center
Bathroom in main lobby:
And a typical Deluxe Suite:
Photos of the Theme Suites:
The Diva:
The Serenity:
The Princess:
The Burlesque:
The Gentleman:
The Fair Play:
The Workout:
The Ghostwriter:
The Poker Face:
The Watchmaker:
and the Oriental Suite:
The Space Suite
Although not designed by Marcel Wanders, the hotel has another unusual theme suite worth pointing out.
Exclusively situated on the fifth floor, the Space Suite – designed by photographic artist Michael Najjar – offers you a unique and entirely special experience. The outer space furnishings have been designed down to the smallest detail with a floating bed, pictures of galaxies, hovering astronauts and models of rockets.
Selected literature, music and films about the orbit, as well as original works by Najjar fill the room. In addition, the suite has a dividable living and sleeping area, a walk-in closet, a bathroom with a rain shower and a kitchenette.
The hotel celebrates the rich heritage of Switzerland and is situated in a prominent new business area of Zurich, called Glattpark.
Inside unique elements of the local culture warmly welcome international guests. It is a place that could only exist in Zurich, with no other interiors like it. Here we present the photography from this new hotel to show a glimpse of the wonderful experience awaiting those who visit.
The hotel is situated in a prominent new business area of Zurich, called Glattpark, and accommodates accordingly with large spaces and suites for conventions, business meetings and other events. This includes the ‘Kameha Dome’ (shown below), a 710 square meter multi-use space recalling the grandeur of a ballroom.
From the moment people enter the lobby with its grand staircase and introduction to the unifying elements of the hotel, their journey begins. To ensure there is value for all guests, the visual, emotional and rational aspects have been considered from all sorts of viewpoints. This is done primarily by making the guest feel at home. The ideas and design itself also respects all the people who work in the hotel and incentivize towards high-end hospitality, creating a sense of generosity so that each guest can genuinely feel honored. Various types of themed suites further establish the desire to meet all kinds of possible preferences: the Diva, the Serenity, the Princess, the Burlesque, the Gentleman, The Fair Play, the Workout, the Ghostwriter, the Poker Face, the Watchmaker, and the Oriental Suite.
Guests are also made aware of where they are. The place tells a story, using archetypes, to evoke a sense of belonging and familiarity in an unexpected way. The most memorable and exciting aspects are picked from the Swiss culture and represented in the design, from walls covered in gold coins or chocolate bricks, to different kinds of tulips and other flowers found on the myriad of carpet designs and ornamental detailing, to safes present in every room.
There is continuity between hotels designed by Marcel Wanders, but each is completely different. The same holds true for the ‘Kameha Grand Zurich’. However, within the interior there is a throughline of concepts, objects and techniques. At the entrance of the hotel is a handcrafted Swiss bell.
In itself a wonder of design and technique, this signature element of Marcel Wanders is a gesture of gathering people together and making them feel welcome. This same bell can be found in the Japanese restaurant, where it derives an entirely different meaning while it remains fitting to the setting. Another example is the piece found on the headboard in the ‘Deluxe Suite’ (shown below), which is based on the traditional Swiss technique Scherenschnitte, a type of paper cutting art.
Transported to the Japanese setting, the same technique invokes the art of the shadow play. Among these inventive uses of elements are more surprises that go beyond the expected fittings of a hotel. A shisha lounge with Eastern designs and authentic offerings provides a relaxing haven for travelers. In the bathroom hangs a chandelier, creating a regal feeling during your morning and evening rituals.
Approached holistically, the design of the ‘Kameha Grand Zurich’ is locally embedded, achieved by respecting and drawing from the past with a contemporary twist, and overall surprising and internationally appealing.
To learn more or book a reservation, go here.
images courtesy of Marcel Wanders and The Kameha Grand Zurich