The freshly renovated Boutique Hotel Speer has given Rapperswil a stylish new meeting place along the shores of Lake Zurich. Renowned interior designer Virginia Maissen has transformed the only 4-star hotel in the "Rose City" with an elegant boutique design concept that seamlessly blends history with modern luxury.

Maissen, who has a passion for spaces with character, quirks, surprises, and a touch of humor, knows exactly what a hotel or restaurant needs to make guests feel welcome from the very first moment. "It's about authenticity and the feeling of being in a special place," describes the acclaimed interior designer about her vision. The Graubünden native has a definite sense for how space, light, and atmosphere can create a harmonious interplay between history and modernity. Notable examples from her portfolio include the Hotel Walther in Pontresina and the Hotel Josef in Zurich, with each project being custom-tailored and possessing a certain special something.

For the Boutique Hotel Speer, which belongs to the Sorell Group, Maissen faced the challenge of giving the classically elegant hotel building its own distinct identity. "There was no historical or stylistic substance, and the existing interior was essentially just functional," explains the design expert. She was determined to resolve this contradiction by creating spaces that reflect the unique character of Rapperswil and its lakeside setting.

Upon entering the newly designed rooms of Rapperswil's only 4-star hotel, guests are welcomed by soft colors, natural materials, and elegant furnishings. The eye-catching feature in each room is the textile wall panels that evoke old copper engravings of Rapperswil, reflecting the ambiance of the surrounding area. Unlike photo wallpapers, these panels maintain their appeal over time through subtle coloring and textile texture that feels unobtrusive. This design decision was made deliberately to showcase and subtly honor the city's cultural potential.

Each of the 56 rooms, ranging from standard singles to junior suites, tells a story inspired by the historic old town, the lakeside promenade, or the impressive Alpine backdrop. Guests feel as though they are strolling along the waterfront promenade even while in their rooms. The natural fiber paneling recalls the reed belt along the lake, while water waves are reflected in the bed headboards. Additional carefully selected details include high-quality natural stone in the bathrooms, warm oak floors in the rooms, custom-built furniture, and elegant comb plaster on the walls, all demonstrating how thoughtfully the interior was chosen to harmonize as a complete concept. Box-spring beds, rain showers, and a pillow menu ensure the highest level of comfort.

"We are very proud that we were able to win Virginia Maissen for the renovation of this house," says Flavio Schneeberger, Director of Operations & Projects at the owner, the ZFV Unternehmungen cooperative. "She managed to capture what is historically unique about Rapperswil without making it feel like a museum."

This redesign of the Boutique Hotel Speer reflects the values that the ZFV Group emphasizes with its new brand strategy for Sorell Hotels & Restaurants: individual character, local connection, and conscious use of resources. Guests will find complimentary refreshment stations on each floor offering water, coffee, and tea. "With our new appearance as a boutique hotel, we offer our guests not only stylish design but also genuine hospitality with local roots," emphasizes hostess Claudia Terhuven.

The Boutique Hotel Speer serves as an ideal starting point for discovering the charming town of Rapperswil, whether for a weekend getaway or a business stay. Located directly across from the train station, the hotel boasts over 100 years of history and is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the city, making it much more than just a place to sleep. The beautiful old town with small boutiques and cafes is right at the doorstep, as are the castle hill with its rose gardens and the lake itself. Guests have complimentary access to the nearby AuraVita Health Club & Day Spa.

The boutique hotel also offers plenty of retreat opportunities, whether in the rooms (some with lake views and balconies), on the cozy year-round terrace, or in the honesty bar in the ground-floor lobby. In the lobby, Maissen deliberately created contrasts by incorporating elements from the 1970s and photographs by Vincent von Ballmoos, which playfully lighten the design and bring ease and breaks into the classic ambiance. This thoughtful blend of old and new creates an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming, perfectly capturing the essence of Rapperswil's lakeside charm.