The 5 Best Hotel Brokers in Switzerland (2025 Edition)

Selling a hotel in Switzerland is a very specific game. It’s not just real estate. It’s an operating business with a brand, a team, and a P&L.

And in a market like Switzerland, with complex ownership structures and a limited pool of quality buyers, choosing the right broker can be the difference between a quick, profitable deal and a year of radio silence.

This guide covers the five best hotel brokers in Switzerland for boutique and lifestyle hotels under 70 rooms.

We’ve looked at who actually knows hospitality, who has real buyer access, and who just calls themselves a “broker.”

How we selected

  • Hospitality knowledge — brokers who actually understand hotel operations and guest experience.

  • Buyer access — active buyers ready to invest, not just names in a database.

  • Modern marketing — real storytelling, not a PDF on a forgotten website.

  • Discretion and reach — the ability to go off-market or public depending on your goals.

  • Speed and execution — brokers who move fast and communicate clearly.

  • Location filter — ideally within two hours of a major international airport such as Zurich, Geneva, or Milan Malpensa.

#1 — The Hotell (Editor’s Choice)

The Hotell helps owners of boutique and lifestyle hotels sell their properties to serious investors across Europe. The team comes from hospitality, not residential real estate, which makes a world of difference. They know what buyers care about: positioning, numbers, and upside potential.

Strengths

  • Deep global network of family offices and private investors from the US, UAE, Asia, and Europe.

  • Marketing that actually works — cinematic visuals, storytelling, and targeted distribution.

  • Hands-on process with direct communication from start to finish.

Weaknesses

  • Smaller team compared to large corporate firms.

  • Focus is on quality, not quantity — only a limited number of hotels accepted per quarter.

Best for

  • Owners of distinctive hotels under 70 rooms in areas like Lake Geneva, Ticino, or the Swiss Alps looking for international exposure and a fast, discreet process.

#2 — Christie & Co Switzerland

Christie & Co is one of the biggest international real estate advisory groups.

They’re well-known for hotel valuations and transactions across Europe, but their Swiss focus leans heavily corporate.

If you run a 150-room branded property or a resort under a major flag, they’ll fit.

If you own an independent boutique hotel, you’ll be a small fish in a very large pond.

Strengths

  • Strong global network and polished corporate structure.

  • Trusted name for institutional buyers and large portfolios.

Weaknesses

  • Overly corporate and process-heavy — great for 100+ room hotels, not for boutique owners.

  • Hospitality is only one of many verticals they cover.

  • Little hands-on attention for smaller properties.

Best for

Institutional sellers and large resort owners, not family-run or boutique hotels.

#3 — Engel & Völkers Commercial Switzerland

Engel & Völkers is a household name in real estate, but hotels are a side product for them.

Their agents mainly handle residential and mixed-use buildings.

If you’re selling a mountain chalet, they’ll get you exposure.

If you’re selling a hotel, expect them to treat it like one.

Strengths

  • Large international brand recognition.

  • Good network of private real estate buyers, especially from Germany.

Weaknesses

  • Low hospitality expertise — most agents are not as strong with P&Ls, occupancy, or rate structures as hospitality experts would.

  • Outdated marketing and they might have listings that lack storytelling or investor appeal.

  • Buyer qualification process not explained.

Best for

Hybrid properties that sit between residential and hospitality — not serious hotel transactions.

#4 — Hotel Immobau AG

Hotel Immobau AG is one of the few Swiss brokerages focused purely on hotel and restaurant properties.

They’ve been around for years and know the domestic market inside out.

However, their reach ends where Switzerland ends.

Strengths

  • Decent knowledge of the local tourism market.

  • Personal relationships with Swiss hotel owners and buyers.

Weaknesses

  • Limited reach outside Switzerland.

  • Almost no international coverage from key markets like the UAE or US, which are critical for high-value Swiss hotels.

  • Weak digital marketing presence and dated materials that don’t attract global investors.

Best for

Local hoteliers who want to sell quietly within Switzerland.

#5 — Alpine Property Search

Alpine Property Search lists hotels and chalets across the Alps, including Switzerland, France, and Austria.

It’s more of a listings site than a true brokerage and is heavily real-estate focused.

While the name sounds promising, the execution is dated.

Strengths

  • Covers multiple Alpine countries.

  • Some visibility among British and European lifestyle investors.

Weaknesses

  • Very limited number of listings.

  • Low international exposure and weak digital presence.

  • Outdated website and marketing approach.

Best for

Owners of small mountain lodges looking for casual online visibility before working with a real broker.

How to choose the right partner in Switzerland

  • Focus on brokers who understand hospitality, not just real estate.

  • Ask how they plan to market your hotel — if the answer involves only a website listing, move on.

  • Check what kind of buyers they’re in contact with and how active those buyers actually are.

  • Make sure your hotel fits their focus area: boutique, resort, or branded.

  • Confirm they know how to navigate Swiss property laws and deal with international buyers.

  • Finally, check accessibility. A hotel within two hours of a major airport always sells faster and for more.

Methodology

This ranking is based on brokerage activity, listing quality, and track record in Swiss hospitality real estate.

We analyzed deal histories, marketing strategies, and buyer networks across more than 20 firms.

Only five made the cut for their relevance, credibility, and transparency in the boutique and lifestyle segment.

FAQs

How long does it take to sell a hotel in Switzerland?

  • Typically between 4 and 8 months, depending on location, size, and financial performance. Luxury mountain properties tend to move slower due to their price bracket.

Should I sell my hotel off-market or publicly?

  • Start off-market if you want discretion or already know your buyer type. Go public only when you need visibility and want to generate multiple offers.

Do Swiss buyers pay more than international ones?

  • Not always. International buyers often pay premiums for lifestyle and design. Swiss buyers focus more on yield and operational efficiency.

What makes a Swiss hotel attractive to investors?

  • Clean P&Ls, strong occupancy, clear concept, and proximity to airports like Zurich or Geneva. Alpine lifestyle, wellness positioning, and scalability add further value.

Final thoughts

Switzerland’s hotel market rewards precision, storytelling, and real investor access. Most brokers can list your hotel. Few can sell it.

If you want international exposure, professional marketing, and a process that actually delivers, start with The Hotell.

Their investor network spans the US, UAE, Asia, and Europe — and their hospitality background means they know how to position your hotel for the best possible sale.

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