Swiss precision

The Kameha Grand in Zurich opened on March 1 this year after two years of construction. The award-winning property is located in Glattpark, which is one of the most exciting shopping areas in Central Europe, instantly making it an interesting draw for GCC clients.

An international lifestyle hotel, Kameha Grand Zurich offers modern architecture that is stylish and comfortable as well as stunning design by tecArchitecture and neo-Baroque interiors by Marcel Wanders. Carsten Rath, founder and CEO of the Lifestyle Hospitality and Entertainment Group, which operates the Kameha Hotels & Resorts, tells TTN a bit more about The Autograph Collection hotel.

'The word Kameha comes from Hawaiian and means the unique one – this refers to our guest, who is always the focus of our attention.

'Our goal is to create a very personal favourite place for each guest – with warmth, passion and professionalism. Our attitude is always positive and our actions are innovative, authentic and understandable.'

The property has 245 unique rooms and 11 interestingly themed suites, including the intriguingly named Poker Face Suite, Fair Play Suite, Serenity Suite, Diva Suite, Watchmaker Suite, Workout Suite, Princess Suite, Burlesque Suite, Oriental Suite, Gentleman Suite and Ghostwriter Suite. The grand King Kameha Suite and the exclusive Space Suite, designed by the artist Michael Najjar, take up the top floor of the hotel.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Rath explains the inspiration behind a space-themed suite: 'We wanted to create a hotel suite that has never been seen before. I am a great fan of the artworks of Michael Najjar... I knew he was working as an artist since 2011 on a series about future space travel and space exploration. He will also fly into space himself with Virgin Galactic. So we both came up with the idea to create a room, which will be similar to a futuristic space station.

'You can book the Space Suite for CHF1,600 ($1,580). Alternatively, we offer our Galaxy Getaway Package for CHF1,845 ($1,825) including the accommodation in the Space Suite with space amenities upon arrival, a body flying or flight simulation experience, a personally signed outer space book by Michael Najjar and the opportunity to meet him in his studio in Berlin.'

SOURCE MARKETS

Although the hotel has not yet celebrated its first anniversary, it has gained quick popularity in Switzerland and beyond. 'We have a great mix of nationalities. Our most important source markets so far are Switzerland, the UK, US and Germany. Growing markets are India and China. We see an increase in wholesale contracts from the GCC countries during summer after Ramadan, business is traditionally strong from this region.'

Rath says: 'We are a business hotel that has allowed itself some exceptional features – but most of all, everything that the modern business traveller requires is available.'

At the same time the hotel is experiencing established leisure tour series with travel companies that offer tours through Switzerland and Europe.

'We have also high-end weekend travellers who appreciate the warmth of our service, our design, the recreational area close to the hotel, our facilities like the Kameha Spa and also the quality of our restaurants. Our L’Unico Restaurant is popular for its casual, family atmosphere and our Fine Dining Restaurant Yu Nijyo received its first star in the Michelin Guide and 15 points in the Gault-Millau a couple of weeks ago,' says the founder.

'The design of Marcel Wanders, also known as the ‘Lady Gaga of design’, is something you have to experience. Guests have to be willing to discover the many details, Marcel’s irony and humour. Once they do, they love our design.'

By Rashi Sen