Hotel de Londres, Brig, Switzerland

Located in the Swiss canton of Le Valais, Hotel de Londres enjoys an enviable position in the carefree old town of Brig. First opened in 1844, the property once played host to aristocratic Englishmen fuelling up before braving the Alps. Now, the team at architecture studio, Atelier Zurich, pay homage to the hotel’s heritage, while adding a witty injection of British humour. Styled with substance, white subway tiled bathrooms lend an air of austerity, while textiles by UK interiors and lifestyle brands House of Hackney and Timorous Beasties, add a flourish and a gentle nod to the Belle Époque era. With an eye on Alpine tradition, the 18 simply designed rooms and suites are home to a softly lit palette, exuding a relaxed ambiance. Scrubbed and oiled wooden floors, pristine linens and geometric headboards add Swiss flavour and attic suites reflect the surrounding landscape with pitched roofs constructed from Larch and Fir. Guests are encouraged to gather in the clubhouse-style lounge, where there is an honesty bar, kitchen, library and a grand terrace overlooking the town square.