Interior Design Hotel Switzerland
In the late 18th century the English poet William Cowper exclaimed: “Variety is the very spice of life” and I couldn’t agree more.
This probably explains my multiple interests and passions, such as travel, discovery and interior design. Hence, visiting unique hotels in the Swiss Alps not only satisfies my aforementioned passions, but also my love for nature. So when I heard that a new hotel with bold design had opened its doors in Flims, I had to go and see it for myself.
Starck urban architecture challenging, but also complementing its surroundings.
The Hide Hotel Flims is an urban experience in an alpine setting.
Conveniently located next to the cable car station Stenna, within a multi-purpose shopping and entertainment complex and at the bottom of the slopes, you literally have mountains of possibilities at your doorstep. The complex is a large, elongated concrete structure. The brutalist architecture is arguably not very authentic, but it sure is convenient. Supermarket, pharmacy, sports equipment rental as well as a few clothing stores got you covered with the essentials. A cinema, a bar and restaurant and the ‘Kindercity’ will keep you and your kids entertained even on rainy days.
Similar to a geode, the lobby walls change from indigo blue to purple depending on the light.
The design of The Hide Hotel Flims itself is all about contrast.
One of the underlying red threads of the overall eclectic design is inspired by geode rocks. As you enter the hotel you are met with an explosion of colours. Sofas, armchairs and poufs covered in ruby red, emerald green and mustard velvets are set against a vibrant indigo blue wall and ceiling featuring exposed piping. A large floral ‘Love’ sign separates the lounge area from the reception, where you are met by friendly staff wearing red biker leather jackets.
Each room features a comfortable outdoor space with panoramic views.
The rooms are spacious and equally colourful. Colour blocking inspired by sportswear and skillfully implemented create a bold and unusual yet welcoming ambiance. You will find a surprising range of contrasting materials, such as raw concrete and velvet. One wall is covered with elaborate geometric wood panelling, once again reminiscing of the shapes of geodes .
The wall-to-wall carpets almost look like a large watercolour painting.
Many elements in the rooms and the public areas were custom designed for The Hide Hotel Flims, but design enthusiasts like myself will spot fabrics by Designer’s Guild and Création Baumann as well as furniture from exclusive brands such as Moroso and B&B. Everyone else will surely enjoy the comforts of their Hästens Bed and appreciate the unique and eclectic interiors.
The mostly dark colours create a sense of mystery and intimacy.
With only 47 rooms and suites, The Hide is considered a boutique hotel. Yet you have a choice of two restaurants on property. The Hide Deli is a casual restaurant serving Swiss and Middle Eastern cuisine. The industrial styled interiors feature an open kitchen, a bar covered in aqua coloured metro tiles and a terrace directly accessible by ski.
The Hide Restaurant is an elegant grill restaurant, specializing in meats, but also serving vegetarian and vegan options.
The diner styled benches are covered in plush velvets buttoned down like a Chesterfield sofa adding a glamorous touch to the space. Extravagant brass light fixtures further enhance the look.
Beautiful details create a harmonious and soothing ambiance at The Hide Spa.
As always, my favourite part of a hotel is the Spa. At The Hide Hotel Flims I found 1000 m2 of pure bliss. Various saunas, steam baths and relaxation areas invite you to relax after a long day on the slopes or hiking one of the many trails of the region. There’s also a generous private spa that can be closed off upon request. The colour scheme of the spa, unlike the rest of the hotel, is soothing and held in mostly neutral colours.
Soothing colours, intricate wood panelling and warm pools of light create a true haven of relaxation.
I particularly liked the different zones, including a circular seating area with stunning Bocci lighting and a terrace featuring comfortable outdoor lounge furniture.The contemporary interior design has an urban chic feel to it. The fabulous facilities make it one of the best hotel spas in Switzerland, that I’ve visited.
If you are looking for a rustic alpine experience then The Hide may not be your first choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a fresh approach to alpine chic with all imaginable conveniences at your doorstep, then The Hide Hotel Flims, member of Design Hotels, is the place for you! As the famous 1920’s interior decorator Billy Baldwin once said: “Comfort is perhaps the ultimate luxury.”
Happy stylish discoveries!
Simone xx
P.S. If you love hotels with an urban flavour, lots of colour and quirky details, then you may also like the Huus Gstaad (Switzerland), Hotel Nomad Basel (Switzerland), the 25hours hotel Zurich West (Switzerland) and the Citizen M Tower of London (UK).
BONUS TIPS:
Restaurant Conn: in the middle of nowhere in a beautiful somewhere
Lake Cauma is one of the most instagrammed places in Switzerland. It’s an easy walk from Flims offering spectacular sights along the way. Less famous, but equally beautiful (and much less touristic) is Lake Chresta. For those like me, who can’t decide which one to visit, I got the perfect solution. Visit them both and stop half way for lunch at the Restaurant Conn. The Conn is conveniently located right next to the viewpoint overlooking the famous Rhine Gorge aka Swiss Grand Canyon.
This circuit hike, including a relaxed lunch break at the Conn, takes around 5 hours.
You can work up an appetite whilst walking alongside Lake Cauma and admiring the breathtaking views of the gorge and then work off the calories on your way back passing Lake Chresta. I highly recommend a walk around the lake to take in its beauty and absorb the serenity of this place. As for the Conn itself, you will find a choice of hearty and healthy dishes to boost your energy as well as some lovely local wines. I went for one of their specialities, the polenta with mushrooms and it was simply divine.
Restaurant Cavigilli: a must when in Flims
Photography:
Simone Aïda Baur of Global Inspirations Design
Courtesy of The Hide Hotel Flims
Note: This blog post was created in collaboration with The Hide Hotel Flims, Restaurant Conn and Restaurant Cavigilli (press trip).
