Top 4 Most Prestigious Venues to Host a Business Meeting in Switzerland

Switzerland is home to numerous global and regional headquarters of international companies, startups, and corporations, and their numbers are increasing annually. According to PwC’s Private Business Attractiveness Index 2023, Switzerland leads among 33 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) across many categories including startup ecosystem, private business environment, tax regulations, education, and skills.

With this vibrant business environment, the demand for prime venues to host business meetings is high, while the supply of perfect business venues is limited. Whether for client pitches, investor meetings, or other gatherings, location remains paramount. This article will highlight four business event venues in Switzerland that each offer an exceptional setting for corporate gatherings with a blend of elegance, comfort, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

1. Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva

The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva perfectly embodies traditional luxury and historical charm, making it an ideal setting for prestigious meetings and events. Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, this historic gem embodies classic French traditions and offers an ageless elegance that has mesmerized guests since it first opened its doors in 1834.

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
Source: Pierre-Yves Rochon

Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the hotel’s interior seamlessly blends timeless sophistication with modern elegance, creating a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere. It’s a top choice for leisure and business travelers looking for unparalleled Swiss hospitality.

Guests at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues are treated to a plethora of luxurious amenities, including a rooftop spa, a Michelin Star-awarded Italian restaurant, and breathtaking views of the Old Town. The hotel’s prime location, near the Geneva Cornavin train station and just a short drive from Geneva International Airport, ensures seamless travel for international guests, making it an ideal destination for global business meetings and events.

Design of meeting rooms
Source: Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva

The Hotel des Bergues reserves an entire floor for hosting exceptional meetings and events. This extensive area includes a variety of rooms, such as the prestigious Salle des Nations. This historically significant space was carefully designed to host the founding meeting of the League of Nations.

Today, the Salle des Nations continues to uphold its legacy as an ideal venue for high-profile conferences, able to accommodate up to 350 guests. Twice a year, the hotel is transformed into a distinguished venue for Christie’s jewelry, watches, and wine auctions, solidifying the hotel’s reputation as a hub of luxury and sophistication.

2. Mandarin Oriental Palace in Lucerne

Mandarin Oriental Palace is a historic luxury hotel located in Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne. Known for their breathtaking views, sophisticated elegance, and impeccable service, the locations offer an exquisite fusion of contemporary luxury with signature oriental charm.

Mandarin Oriental Palace in Lucerne
Source: Adobe Stock

The hotel in Lucerne is Mandarin Oriental’s iconic landmark that has long epitomized luxury in central Switzerland. With a rich heritage dating back to 1906, it was previously known as the “Palace Luzern” before being acquired by the Mandarin Oriental group in 2019. As a part of the Mandarin Oriental Group, which operates over 40 hotels and residences in 26 countries, the hotel reflects the group’s commitment to excellence, which the 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Award highlighted.

Mandarin Oriental Palace seamlessly combines the timeless grandeur of its historic roots with modern amenities. Framed by the breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, the hotel provides an ideal setting for hosting a variety of gatherings that require both sophistication and practicality. Depending on the occasion, the hotel offers a range of bespoke meeting solutions, catering to classic or modern preferences.

Design of meeting rooms of the hotel in Lucerne
Source: Mandarin Oriental Palace

For grand celebrations and major events, the hotel features the Edelweiss Ballroom, capable of accommodating up to 200 guests. This elegant space is perfect for grand celebrations, conferences, and gala dinners. The Crocus and Primrose rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, are well-suited for smaller business meetings, negotiations, and presentations. These rooms can be used individually or combined to suit the specific requirements of your event.

Complementing the hotel’s exceptional event facilities are its world-class dining options, showcasing local Swiss cuisine and international flavors, crafted by renowned Michelin-starred chefs. The spa and wellness facilities are designed to offer guests a chance to relax and recharge, featuring holistic treatments that blend the best of Eastern and Western traditions.

3. FIVE Zurich

In stark contrast to the neoclassical aesthetics of the Hotel des Bergues, FIVE Zurich embodies the contemporary luxury of the Mediterranean style. Situated at the foot of the Uetliberg mountain and introduced to Switzerland in 2022 by FIVE Hospitality, the establishment has quickly earned acclaim as Zurich’s foremost sustainable hotel. Bringing a touch of Dubai glamour to Switzerland, it features immersive entertainment and gourmet cuisine, making it an excellent choice for meetings of forward-thinking businesses.

The building of the hotel in Zurich
Source: FIVE Zurich

FIVE Zurich offers versatile event spaces that can be tailored to various meeting formats, from intimate boardrooms to expansive conference setups. Markus Rapatz, the general manager of FIVE Zurich, envisions the hotel as an international lifestyle destination. He believes that “We believe that the luxury is to spend the best time,” and the hotel reflects this philosophy.

The hotel’s creative breakout areas stimulate informal discussions and inspire productive brainstorming sessions. Meanwhile, its award-winning restaurant provides an inviting backdrop for relaxed interactions and social gatherings, infusing every business encounter with vibrancy and sophistication.

Design of meeting rooms of the hotel
Source: FIVE Zurich

FIVE Zurich has collaborated with renowned brands like Dior, Google, and Facebook, reflecting its status as a premier business destination. The hotel’s meeting space can comfortably accommodate up to 30 guests, making it ideal for intimate gatherings. The ballroom provides an elegant setting for up to 180 guests for larger events, ensuring that every event, big or small, is conducted with sophistication and style. Recognized with the prestigious 5-star Superior rating by HotellerieSuisse, FIVE Zurich upholds exacting standards of international guest service.

Art, music, and fashion are integral to the ethos of FIVE Zurich. Many of its venues have been created in collaboration with local artists, a nod to the hotel’s Swiss roots and a testament to its commitment to fostering a dynamic cultural environment.

4. Le Bijou in Zurich, Zug, Lucerne, Basel, Bern, and Geneva

Le Bijou offers a unique take on luxury accommodation, setting itself apart from traditional luxury hotels by providing high-end, fully serviced boutique apartments. It has grown from a single luxury facility in Zurich to a leading provider of tech-enabled accommodations, garnering praise from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and numerous media including Forbes, Bloomberg, The New York Times, CNBC, and many others.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak about Le Bijou
Source: Le Bijou

Unlike typical hotels, Le Bijou doesn’t provide traditional meeting spaces like ballrooms or conference rooms. Instead, its apartments are perfect for small, private meetings. Each apartment features custom-designed interiors, high-end furnishings, private wellness facilities, and advanced home automation systems, ensuring privacy and exclusivity for high-profile meetings, without the crowded lobbies or shared amenities.

Design of rooms at Le Bijou
Source: Le Bijou

At the heart of Le Bijou’s operations lies a seamlessly integrated system that redefines hospitality through advanced technology. James, the embodiment of Le Bijou’s virtual concierge service, sets a new standard in personalized guest experiences.

James operates as an around-the-clock virtual concierge, offering services from 24/7 assistance and transportation arrangements to private dining and shopping. The virtual concierge fulfills requests effortlessly through a tablet interface, eliminating the need for traditional reception calls and providing the utmost privacy during meetings.

The digital butler, ‘James,’ from Le Bijou, is always there and can do almost everything.
— Neue Zürcher Zeitung

In 2023, Le Bijou was recognized for its innovative approach, receiving the Swiss Location Award for being one of the best experience venues in Switzerland. Their Zurich apartments, in particular, boast an “outstanding” seal of approval based on guest ratings and expert evaluations.

We wanted to organize a special event for our prestige and luxury brand. For this, we were looking for a location that perfectly fits our customers and our product, and we got it all at Le Bijou.
– Elena Weber, Estée Lauder

Organization of an event for the luxury brand Estée Lauder in one of Le Bijou’s apartments in Zurich
Source: Le Bijou

Le Bijou’s city-center apartments are located in Zurich, Zug, Lucerne, Basel, Bern, and Geneva, providing easy access to major business districts and cultural attractions. The strategic positioning and bespoke services make Le Bijou a sophisticated alternative for business travelers seeking both convenience and luxury.

Final Thoughts

Each of these Swiss luxury hotels and apartments offers a unique experience for hosting meetings and events. The Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues provides historic grandeur and elegant meeting spaces, while FIVE Zurich offers modernity and dynamic environments.

The Mandarin Oriental Palace combines historic charm with modern luxury, and Le Bijou redefines hospitality with its fully serviced boutique apartments designed for private gatherings. Choosing the right venue depends on your specific needs, but any of these options offers an exceptional and luxurious event experience.

Disclaimer

This report including any corresponding information, services, statistics, products or opinions described or referenced therein (“Report”) is provided by HFWM AG (“HFWM”), a brokerage firm for financial instruments domiciled in Zug, Switzerland. This Report does not claim to be exhaustive and presents only specific characteristics of the financial instrument described. It is based on information and data provided by the issuer of the respective financial instrument. While HFWM (owner and operator of the Moonshot platform) has taken considerable care to ensure that the Report is accurate and up-to-date, no assurance or guarantee is given, either expressly or implied, that the Report is accurate, complete or up-to-date. Neither HFWM, any related company, its executive management, employees, or agents accept responsibility and cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect or consequential loss suffered by an investor or any other person as a result from the use of the Report. Furthermore, HFWM does not assume any warranty or guarantee of any kind, expressed, statutory, or implied, concerning the information contained in the Report, any part thereof, or any results obtained from there.

The financial instruments mentioned in this Report as well as this Report itself are addressed in principle at qualified investors within the meaning of Art. 10(3) and 3ter of the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes of 23 June 2006, CISA, and at professional or institutional clients within the meaning of Art. 4(3-5) or Art. 5(1) and (4) of the Swiss Federal Act on Financial Services of 15 June 2018, FinSA (“Qualified Investors”). Certain financial instruments mentioned in this Report which are not explicitly restricted to Qualified Investors are also addressed to persons in Switzerland that do not meet the definition of Qualified Investor under the CISA or the FinSA (“Non-Qualified Investors”). If the financial instruments are directed exclusively at Qualified Investors, access to the relevant Report and any related information, services, opinions described or referenced therein, is restricted to Qualified Investors.

Certain financial instruments may qualify as structured products under the FinSA. As such, structured products do not constitute shares in collective investment schemes within the meaning of CISA and are, therefore, not subject to authorization and supervision by the FINMA. None of the information provided in this Report should be construed as an offer in Switzerland for the purchase or sale of financial instruments or any related services, nor as advertising pursuant to Art. 68 FinSA in Switzerland for financial instruments or any related services. This Report does not constitute a prospectus pursuant to Art. 35 et seqq. of the FinSA and may not fulfill the information standards required thereunder. This Report does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice.

The information provided in the Report has been prepared without regard to the objectives, financial situation, personal circumstances, or needs of any particular investor. The valuation of financial instruments may have been performed on a fair value or market price basis (e.g., based on the current sales price of the same securities). Please note that the above-mentioned financial instruments might be subject to lock-up periods. HFWM neither provides any liquidity for the sale of financial instruments nor guarantees that the current valuation of financial instruments can be realized in the event of a sale. The guidance for reporting financial instruments and their performance to tax authorities can solely be used as an indication, and HFWM does not take any liability for its accuracy.

Please consult with your tax expert or consultant to correctly declare financial instruments and potential earnings such as dividends, capital gains, or interests received.

By accessing the website of “Moonshot” (owned and operated by HFWM AG, Switzerland, with company number CHE 279.251.514 AG) or any affiliated company mentioned on its website (the “Website”), you confirm that you have understood and agreed with the terms of use and the conditions of the Website. If you do not agree with the terms and conditions, you must not access the Website.

The content of this website is advertising for financial instruments. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.

By accessing this Website you furthermore confirm that you are a resident of Switzerland and a professional-client in the sense of articles 4 para. 3 to 5 or article 5 para. 1 and 4 of the Financial Services Act (FinSA).

None of the financial instruments referred to on the Website will be made available, nor will the corresponding term sheets, prospectuses, or other information documentation, as the case may be, be distributed to persons residing in any country, state, or jurisdiction where the marketing of such financial instruments would be contradictory to local law or regulation. Persons to whom such restrictions apply must not access the Website. Website users are responsible themselves for ensuring that they are legally entitled to access the Website. None of the financial instruments referred to on the Website is or will be registered in the United States of America under the 1933 Securities Act, as amended. Therefore, none of them is intended to be offered, either directly or indirectly, in the United States of America (including its territories and colonies), to nationals and persons domiciled in the United States of America, to persons normally domiciled in the United States of America or to persons for the benefit of or in favour of US nationals (as defined in Regulation S of the 1933 Securities Act). Persons to whom such restrictions apply must not access the Website.

The information provided on our website constitutes advertisement for financial instruments in the sense of article 68 FinSA. It is for information purposes only and does neither constitute investment advice, a solicitation, or a recommendation to buy or sell any financial instruments, nor does it constitute recommendations or guidance for decisions concerning any investments and is not a result of objective or independent research. The Website's content does not claim to be exhaustive and presents only certain characteristics of the instrument described. It is based on information and data provided by the issuer of the respective financial instrument. Although reasonable efforts have been performed by HFWM AG to ensure that the information contained on the Website is up to date and accurate, and despite HFWM AG is as diligent as possible in compiling and updating the information on the Website, it has not verified and cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the information presented on the Website and HFWM AG does not assume any warranty or guarantee of any kind, expressed, statutory, or implied, with regard to the information contained on the Website, any part thereof, or any results obtained therefrom. The information provided on the Website has been prepared without regard to the objectives, financial situation, personal circumstances, or needs of any particular investor. Whilst interested investors are strongly encouraged to carefully review all relevant investment information provided on the Website, interested investors should in any case consult with their own financial and tax advisor regarding the risks and rewards of any financial instrument presented on the Website before making any investment decision.

Users may leave the Website by clicking on a link. Visiting these external websites shall be done exclusively at users’ own risk. Moonshot (HFWM AG) has not verified the content or security of external websites accessible through links on its own Website and does not assume any responsibility for the information they contain, particularly not for any offers, information, or opinions. Moonshot (HFWM AG) does not assume any responsibility for any damage caused during visits to such external websites. Users may visit external websites under their own responsibility and at their own risk.

Moonshot (HFWM AG) shall not be liable for losses resulting from email messages that are received late or not at all. This also applies to other unprotected forms of communication whose function and risk exposure is similar to that of email messages.

Past performance is no guarantee for future returns. In particular, there is no guarantee that an investor’s capital will be protected or that the value of employed capital or of shares will be equal to or greater than an investor’s original investment when the investor sells his shares or withdraws his capital.
HFWM AG and its contractual partners decline any liability (including negligence and third-party liability) for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage arising from reliance on this Website, in connection with the information, performance data, and other statements, links, or other communications contained on the Website or related to the risks of the financial instruments presented on the Website or the risks of financial markets.