Thun, SwitzerlandOld Town
Boutique Hotel Schlossberg
Castle prison conversion
Castle prison conversion
Guests stay where inmates once slept, inside a nineteenth-century prison wing perched beside the town's medieval keep.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Guest quarters carved from 19th-century prison cells beside Thun's 12th-century medieval keep.
Notable
Crisp modern interiors set against preserved period details and centuries-old Tower Room frescoes.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Who would have thought a stay in a prison wing could come with such an air of luxury?
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Thun's Old Town square lies down the hill, and the castle grounds look out toward the Bernese Alps.
The rooms
Fourteen rooms occupy the former cell blocks with crisp modern finishes. Centuries-old frescoes cover the walls of the Tower Room.
Sauna and steam bath
Tiered timber benches sit under a starry ceiling in the Finnish sauna, beside a steam bath and soaking tub.
The spa
A whirlpool jacuzzi sits beside the timber locker room, where shelves hold fresh towels and a brass singing bowl.
Restaurant Schlossberg
The New Castle dining room sets long tables under curved vaulted ceilings, serving regional Alpine dishes and local wines.
At the table
The cobblestone summer terrace serves local wine and coffee overlooking town rooftops and the waters of Lake Thun.
How it began
Swiss entrepreneur Hans-Ulrich Müller leased the vacant regional prison from the city in 2010 to build the hotel.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.