Berghotel Muottas Muragl, Switzerland

In Switzerland, the 104 year old Berghotel Muottas Muragl has been completely renovated. The transformation called for the hotel to double in size, but with that, it was a massive goal of the architects and the hotel owners, Romantik Hotels, to reduce the energy consumption and create the first "plus-energy" hotel in the Alps. "This was achieved by insulating the building to be in sync with the latest insulation standards (Swiss "Minergie" ecological label) and by generating renewable energy from five different sources," the architects explained.

The post renovation energy strategy led to an impressive 64% decrease in energy consumption! At 8,000 feet above sea level, hotel guests can only arrive two ways, by helicopter, or by one tram that goes from the village below to the hotel; making this an exclusive and private escape for ski bums around the world. An incredible feature of the hotel is the outdoor terrace, where you can sip you mimosas while adoring the snow capped  peaks.

When faced with the design, the architects chose quality over quantity as they created 16 modern yet comfortable suites. The rooms are covered in local Swiss stone pine and walnut, and are complemented with plaid curtains, stand alone bath tubs, and stone sinks. Each of the 16 suites has a breathtaking view of the Alps, so don't worry, you wont travel all the way to Switzerland and get stuck with the view over looking the parking garage!

Photography: Berghotel Muottas Muragl