Background This property was formerly the Hotel de France, established in 1857. Back in the 19th century, the post office was located on the premises and so independent watchmakers would assemble here regularly to drop their components which they would work on during the winters for it to be posted to the assemblers who were mainly based in Geneva. The hotel changed names and owners over several decades. It was acquired by Audemars Piguet in 2003, when the name was changed to Hotel des Horlogers. A few years ago, AP enlisted Bjarke Ingels Group (the same group which worked on the design of the AP museum which is located only a few metres away) to redesign the hotel, which then reopened in 2020.
Where is it? Located in the village of Le Brassus in the Vallée de Joux, it’s a few minutes from the French border, and is about an hour’s drive from the airport in Geneva. Apart from AP, there are a number of other watchmakers based in the Vallée de Joux and this hotel is convenient for any of their visiting guests.
What’s it like? Audemars Piguet is keen that this isn’t positioned as an AP property – hence in the lobby, you’ll find books about other watchmakers including Longines and Rolex. There aren’t any overt watchmaking references to this hotel as well – instead, here the focus is on a design inspired by nature. The lobby’s ceiling features recycled trunks with roots, and the ribbed reception desk is a nod to ammonite fossils which can still be found on the grounds in front of the hotel where a glacier formerly existed. The property is a Minergie-Eco certified building and is an energy-positive structure.
Rooms The four-star boutique hotel comprises of 50 rooms built along a zig-zag layout. Each room has views looking out into the valley and the Risoud forest. I stayed in the Valley Guest room. The overhead light fixtures resemble oyster shells, and there are muted shades of colour in the decor. Interestingly, the safe in the room is at table level, which means that you’re unlikely to forget anything left in the back corner of it. In the bathroom, details such as the light around the magnifying mirror that comes on automatically as you approach it or the automatic defogging mechanism on the mirrors (very useful after a hot shower) make all the difference.
Food and drink The hotel has three restaurants, overseen by chef Emmanuel Renaut. Breakfast is served at Le Gogant and has an excellent selection of Swiss cheese and locally-sourced meats. An à la carte menu is made available for lunch and dinner too at Le Gogant. The Bar des Horlogers located behind the reception desks in the lobby offers a selection of cocktails, wines and spirits. The third restaurant, La Table des Horlogers, can seat 12 guests and is a gourmet restaurant with a tasting menu.
Meetings The hotel has two meeting rooms, Salle Clous de Paris and Salle Côtes de Genève – the latter is a large space that opens out onto a terrace. The boardroom can seat around 12 people.
Leisure The spa is stocked with Swiss brand Alepor whose products are made using local natural ingredients. The gym is on the same level as the spa, and since this hotel prioritises being eco-friendly, a conscious decision was made not to include a swimming pool. If you want to engage in activities outside the hotel, ask the staff to assist in organising hiking tours or ski trips as well as tours of watchmaking facilities in the vicinity during your stay.
Verdict The ultra-modern hotel is a great place to stay. Its focus on being an eco-conscious property is admirable, and Audemars Piguet has an outstanding hotel as a case study should it choose to grow its hospitality portfolio. Varun Godinho
Best for: Stunning views of the Risoud forest
Don’t miss: Breakfast at Le Gogant – the fare is typically Swiss and delicious
Price: Internet rates for a Valley Guest Room in mid-March start from CHF354
Contact: 8 Route de France, 1348 Vallée de Joux, Switzerland; +41 21 845 08 45; hoteldeshorlogers.com
