Tiny Hotels and Lodgings: Hotels for truly every need

What is it all about?

Complex issues call for creative solutions! By creating the Tiny Hotels and Lodgings, we are not only proving that Switzerland has the right hotel for every need, but also promoting sustainability in a slightly different and surprising way. Because the little animal guests will have their very own hotels. And you can be part of it! Switzerland Tourism is looking for unique and fresh designs for a total of nine bee and insect hotels, as well as bird and hedgehog houses. The best entries will be selected by a jury of experts and implemented in the nine respective hotels (list below). The Tiny Hotels created will then be integrated into Switzerland Tourism’s communications and receive appropriate recognition.

Designs for various types of tiny hotels that contribute to the preservation of biodiversity may be submitted. In addition to bee and insect hotels, proposals for hedgehog houses and bird pools and houses are also welcome.

The project is being developed in professional collaboration with BienenSchweiz. The association supports all bees and pollinators and is generally committed to the preservation of biodiversity. BienenSchweiz provides Switzerland Tourism with expertise and advice on the topics of species protection, biodiversity and sustainability and monitors compliance with the criteria in this area.

Why?

With this project, Switzerland Tourism wants to highlight the diversity of the Swiss hotel industry, but also raise awareness of sustainable measures. Many people are aware of the various ecological problems, but creative ideas are needed to communicate them. Environmental protection must not only make sense, but also be exciting. This is where art can find solutions that reach people not only rationally but also emotionally.

Who can take part?

The competition is open to artists, designers, architects, students, carpenters and all interested parties who would like to engage with the topic from a design and technical perspective. Designs can be submitted by individuals, but also by groups (e.g. as part of a semester project, school work, etc.) and teams.

What should be taken into account?

We are looking for designs that are innovative in terms of design and take into account species protection criteria (see separate criteria document).

When creating the designs, it should be taken into account that they will be implemented in one of the 9 selected hotels (garden, terrace, roof, etc.) in spring 2025.

The structural implementation can, but does not have to, be carried out by the winners. This depends on the skills of the person submitting the design and will be defined individually with the parties concerned after the announcement.

How are the designs selected?

The best entries will be selected by a jury consisting of representatives from Switzerland Tourism, Hotellerie Suisse and experts in the fields of architecture and species conservation. Attention will be paid to compliance with the criteria relating to species protection and aspects such as creativity, innovative character, charisma and suitability for the respective hotels (for details see criteria below).

Why take part?

It’s worth taking part! The winning designs will be implemented in nine well-known Swiss hotel establishments and the Tiny Hotels created will then be integrated into Switzerland Tourism’s international communication. In this way, they will receive the recognition they deserve. In addition, the nine winners will be offered overnight stays in one of the participating hotels.

The following nine renowned hotels will each receive one of the winning designs and implement it in their buildings. All of these hotels offer sufficient surrounding areas and green spaces so that the resulting bee and insect hotels can be perfectly embedded. Please familiarize yourself with the hotels and the respective categories before submitting your design – it is up to you whether you submit a design that is generally suitable for all hotel categories and can be implemented flexibly in all accommodations, or a design that is specifically tailored to one of the following hotels. Please mention this in your application.

The Dolder Grand, ZH	The renovation and new construction by the renowned London architects Foster and Partners have turned the Dolder into a luxury hotel of superlatives. It is enthroned like a landmark in an elevated position with views of the city, lake and mountains. 175 spacious rooms and suites as well as 5 restaurants, 1 fine dining restaurant, an all-day restaurant, bar and exclusive Japanese-inspired spa on 4000 m2. And soon also a shelter for animal guests. Learn more Category: Spa & Wellness Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: Hedgehog house
Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne, VD	Beau-Rivage Palace is distinguished not only by its 160-year history, but also by its evolution: set in 4 hectares of private park on the shores of Lake Geneva, it boasts 168 rooms and suites offering elegance and comfort with the latest technology. Discover the 4 restaurants (including PIC at the Beau-Rivage Palace), 2 bars and the 1,500 m2 Guerlain spa. Learn more Category: Luxury Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: open
Peaks Place Laax, GR	As a certified flat hotel for skiing, biking, hiking and wellness, the Peaks Place in Laax is the base camp for outdoor experiences. The best thing? The usual hotel services combined with the privacy of a holiday flat. The 850 m2 La Senda Spa and Wellness centre provides relaxing moments. And in the first regio.garantie-certified restaurant, s’nani, you will be spoilt with brutally local delicacies. Learn more Category: Bike Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: open
Hôtel des Horlogers Le Brassus, JU	The Hotel Horlogers represents the Snow Sports Hotels and Lodgings cooperation. The cross-country ski trails and winter hiking routes through the magnificent Vallée de Joux are in the immediate vicinity. Thanks to direct access to the family ski area of Le Brassus, guests can enjoy the slopes in complete relaxation. There is a ski school on site. This avant-garde hotel offers elegant, modern rooms and suites and a fantastic panoramic location. Learn more Category: Snow Sports Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: open
Silo Boutique & Design Hostel, BS	The former grain silo is a striking industrial building in Basel. The conversion into a design hostel was realized by the renowned architecture firm Harry Gugger Studio. The futuristic architecture with its ultra-modern and cheeky interior is a formal experience in a class of its own: living in art thanks to sleeping boxes, concrete walls and views. It is the first boutique hostel in Switzerland. Learn more Category: Boutique & Design Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: open
Villa Carona, TI	The garden and Swiss Historic Hotel is a personally managed oasis of well-being near Lugano. Each room in the 200-year-old patrician house is individually furnished with antique furniture. The dreamy garden provides a perfect new home for the animal residents. Learn more Category: Swiss Historic Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: open
Märchenhotel Braunwald, GL	There are 1001 fairytales, but only 1 fairytale hotel. This family-friendly hotel is located in car-free Braunwald on the sun terrace in Glarnerland. The hotel offers a wellness area with sauna, family pools, lots of activities for children and various playgrounds. Highlight: In summer there is a small animal zoo with alpacas, rabbits, goats, llamas and chickens. Learn more Category: Family Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: open
Posthotel Rössli Gstaad	A charming gem dating back to 1845 in the heart of Gstaad: the oldest hotel on the square is now lovingly run by the fourth generation of the Widmer family. The eye-catcher is the historic wooden façade with its artistic carvings. Inside, fragrant Swiss stone pine wood and cozy guest lounges provide comfort. Learn more Category: Typically Swiss Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: Bird house
See & Parkhotel Feldbach, TG	The See & Park Hotel Feldbach in Steckborn is a special place with a special history dating back to 1252: where nuns once lived, guests can now expect hotel comfort and culinary delights in a dreamlike setting on the shores of Lake Constance. The large park with its old trees and adjoining rose garden provides a perfect home for the future inhabitants of the wild bee hotel. Learn more Category: Inspiring Meeting Hotels and Lodgings Type of design requested: Wild bee hotel

Application form

Please only use the online form for your application. By submitting a draft, you accept the conditions of participation.

Contact

For information on species protection, please contact BienenSchweiz mathias.goetti@bienenschweiz.ch or silena.wegmann@bienenschweiz.ch. For questions about the call for entries, competition and campaign, please contact Switzerland Tourism at tinyhotels@switzerland.com.

Let your creativity run wild! As long as the criteria (see criteria document above) are observed, there are practically no limits. Nevertheless, it can sometimes help to get inspiration. Below are some real implementations and fictitious examples as food for thought.

Real examples	Project
Baur au Lac, Zürich	BeeHive
Real Insect Estate	Real Insect Estate
Real Insect Estate	Real Insect Estate
Luxury insect hotels	Luxus Insektenhotels