Ultra-Luxury European Hotel Wins Hotel of the Year
The start of a new year is always an exciting time in the hospitality sector – a chance to reflect on the successes of the past year as well as anticipate any renovations, new ventures, or developments on the horizon. It’s also the season of accolades and recognition. So, as we say goodbye to 2024 and ring in the new year of 2025, we turn our attention to Zurich to see the hotel GaultMillau recently crowned 2025’s Hotel of the Year…
Pictured: Benjamin Halat (Executive Chef), Dominik Reiner (General Manager), Urs Heller (GaultMillau), Dario Moresco (ORSINI Chef de Cuisine)
In a gala evening nothing short of spectacular, GaultMillau revealed its 2025 Hotel of the Year, as none other than the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich.
The Mandarin Oriental Savoy which originally opened in 1838 and was famously once home to Franz Liszt, Charles Dickens and Richard Wagner, is Zurich’s oldest five-star hotel and has long been a style icon in Zurich’s hospitality scene. Following an $80 million renovation, which brought new life to its historic spaces, the hotel reopened in December 2023 and has since achieved an extraordinary 91% occupancy rate.
Led by Parisian architect Tristan Auer, this renovation saw the design team restore old iconic features such as the historic Guildhall and Grand Ballroom, as well as introduce 44 rooms and 36 suites with modern luxuries, including private balconies and rooftop terraces. And in a move to stay ever more relevant in today’s society, Auer made sure to extend his vision to a more sustainable future, integrating a number of commendable eco-friendly practices into the project’s construction and operation. Approximately 90% of the design elements and furniture are said to be crafted in Switzerland with local craftsmanship remaining a key focus in the renovation as well as a big uphaul in energy-efficient practices (thought to half the hotel’s CO2 emissions) and ethically sourced amenities.
Culinary Excellence at Its Core
And yet, notwithstanding the notable hard work of Auer and his team, during the press conference it was the “first-class cuisine” that Urs Heller from Gault Millau highlighted as the key reasons why Mandarin Oriental Savoy won the 2025 award.
Pictured: Benjamin Halat (Executive Chef), Gianmarco D'Alonzo (ORSINI Sous Chef), Antonio Guida (Consultant Chef), Dario Moresco (ORSINI Chef de Cuisine)
Here’s a look inside…
At the heart of the hotel’s offering sits ORSINI, an intimate Italian fine-dining restaurant led by Consultant Chef Antonio Guida, known for his work at the two-Michelin-starred Seta at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. ORSINI combines authentic Italian culinary traditions with modern flair, sourcing the finest ingredients locally and from Italy. Its interior, inspired by Italian artistry, features Murano glass ceramics and elegant décor, making it an ideal venue for private dinners, gala evenings or leadership retreats.
Then there’s the Savoy Brasserie & Bar which offers a vibrant alternative, blending French sophistication with Swiss traditions. This all-day dining venue, with its Gatsby-era glamour, lends itself to anything from casual brunches to stylish cocktail receptions. A private dining room provides added seclusion for smaller events, while the outdoor terrace, open in warmer months, offers an inviting al fresco space.
Head over to the large, illuminated fireplace and you’ll find the Mandarin Lounge offering a relaxed yet refined setting ideal for informal meetings, networking sessions, or afternoon tea. Finally, you have the 1838 rooftop bar bringing the very best panoramic views of Zurich and with it a stunning backdrop for launch parties, post-conference gatherings, or celebratory events.
The M.O. Way
Behind every success story is a dedicated team, and Mandarin Oriental Savoy is no exception. From General Manager Dominik Reiner’s key involvement in the hotel’s new makeover to Chef Antonio Guida’s culinary artistry, it’s been an exciting few years for Zurich’s much-loved landmark.
When asked about the award, Dominik Reiner said:
“We are honoured to have brought this iconic hotel on Zurich's Paradeplatz back to life in such style and are thrilled that GaultMillau has awarded it with this prestigious recognition, less than a year after opening”.
Sincere congratulations go to General Manager Dominik Reiner and the entire team at the Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich for this well-deserved recognition.
Mandarin Oriental are participating at inVOYAGE Abu Dhabi – apply to attend
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