1996founded on
1 October
19hoteliers with
one idea
On 1 October 1996, Olaf V. Reinhardt, Laurenz Schmid and 17 further Swiss hoteliers founded a community with one clear idea: to bring independent hosts together, make their strengths visible and give them greater impact as a group.
Over three decades, that idea grew into a distinctive collection of hotels – privately run, quality-driven and carried by people who see hospitality not as a service, but as an attitude.
Esther DysliManaging Director since 1 October 1996Their work shaped this group of hotels over decades and anchored its core values.
The winners of our anniversary competition will be published here on 1 October.For data protection reasons, we are not permitted to publish the full names. Thank you for your understanding.
199619 Swiss hoteliers found Alpine Classic Hotels – by hoteliers, for hoteliers.
The first member hotel outside Switzerland joins.
Our own online reservation system for leisure hotels goes live – at a time when that was still new.
The group already counts 45 member hotels.
2005Alpine Classic Hotels becomes Private Selection Hotels – with the promise "magically personal".
2008Stefanie Brüllhart receives the Milestone young talent award "Excellence in Tourism".
2018With our own tours from hotel to hotel, travel becomes part of our brand.
2021Olaf V. Reinhardt and Laurenz Schmid retire. Their values remain.
2025With Grand Metropolitan Hotels we gain reach and expertise – and remain independent.
2026The next 30 years begin now.
Every one of our hotels has a face: hosts who run their house with heart.
From a spa hotel in the mountains to a house by the lake – each with its own character, its own kitchen and its own story.
Our hiking, biking and discovery tours connect regions, trails and hosts into one journey.
The world of travel keeps changing. What remains is the warm welcome, the honest interest and the character of a privately run house. Modern technology should take work off our hosts' shoulders – not replace their personality.
We look ahead with curiosity and energy – and with the belief that the finest journeys begin where people make other people happy.
Because happy are those who can make others happy.
