History of Sorell Hotels
In 1898, innovative Zurich townswomen, who had previously made a name managing alcohol-free inns, ambitiously resolved to set up a spa center on the Zürichberg mountain just outside the city. It was to be a place where the population of Zurich could come to relax on the weekends and during holidays. After an intensive construction phase, the spa center was completed in 1900 and the Hotel Zürichberg was opened. The construction costs amounted to around half a million Swiss francs - a huge sum at that time. Nevertheless, guests were charged only three Swiss francs per overnight stay, including full board.
In 1907, the «Zurich Women’s Association for Alcohol-Free Inns» launched its next hotel project and opened an accommodation facility in Rütli. Eight years later, when the beautifully located Rigiblick spa center was offered for sale, the association was able to purchase it. These were the greatest achievements of this committed group of women. With the exception of the Hotel Seidenhof (1942), no further acquisitions were made during the following 100 years.
A new era was ushered in when the Hotel Seefeld opened its doors in 2001 after having been purchased two years previously and carefully refurbished in the meantime. The Group, which had previously operated as ZFV Hotels, was renamed Sorell Hotels. The new name, derived from a combination of the first and last name of the founder of ZFV Enterprises, Susanna Orelli, was successfully launched in 2002.
Sorell Hotels has pursued a clear strategy of growth since that time. In the same year, the Group ventured beyond the city of Zurich and purchased the Hotel Rüden in Schaffhausen. Seven further hotels were added within five years, including the Hotel Ador (2003, Bern), the Hotel Asora (2004, Arosa), the Aparthotel Rigiblick (2004, Zurich), the Hotel Argovia (2005, Aarau), the Hotel Arabelle (2005, Bern), the Hotel Tamina (2007, Bad Ragaz) and the Hotel Krone (2008, Winterthur).
Today, Sorell Hotels manages more hotels across Switzerland than any other Swiss hotel group. They consist predominantly of city hotels in the three-star and four-star categories. However, the acquisition of the Hotels Asora and Tamina means that the Group is also represented in the area of leisure hotels.
Each Sorell Hotel has its own individual charm. Maintaining the individuality of each hotel will remain high on the agenda as the Group continues its development.
- Sorell Hotels
- Flüelastrasse 51
- CH-8047 Zürich
- Fon +41 44 388 35 35
- Fax +41 44 388 35 36