The Ritz-Carlton Zermatt

In conjunction with Strategic Hotel Consulting, who provided comprehensive market and financial feasibility studies and recommendations, we developed detailed project budgets and cash flows, including construction, FF&E, OS&E, marketing and sales budgets. We also prepared a preliminary planning, architect and interior design brief, as well as a general project brochure summarising the key elements. Once the market, financial feasibility studies and concept recommendations were completed and a project brochure finalised, Strategic Hotel Consulting tendered the project to various high-calibre operators such as Four Seasons, Cheval Blanc and Rosewood. Finally, after a detailed and intense tender process, the project was awarded to Marriott International for the Ritz-Carlton brand.

Based on the results from the previous phase, we developed a highly detailed project brief. We conducted site surveys, set up a project platform, developed a project organisation chart and schedule, and started the tender process for team procurement. This began with lead architects and architect of record, and was followed by engineers, specialist designers and consultants. At the same time, Strategic Hotel Consulting, Silveroc and Alexandra Plain started the negotiations with Marriott International for the dozens of other contracts required. The main contracts were successfully signed on 21^st January 2021. You can read the press release here.

AW² developed a preliminary design language with mood boards, sketches and plans. Work then proceeded to first concept design, which was developed in detailed consultation with the architect of record, engineers and specialist consultants. In close collaboration with the Marriott technical services team and Silveroc, first project specifications and a detailed first budget were also produced, to ensure compliance with operator standards, owner budget and schedule. The concept included the complete redesign of the hotel area, the challenge being to take what was originally a 20-hotel suite project and convert it to a 69-room hotel, including various food and beverage outlets and a spa, all within the constraints of an existing building permit. With the permit only requiring modification, 24 hotel residences divided into 6 chalets and a ski-in/ski-out chalet with food and beverage outlets were designed.

With the developed design being finalised and engineering in full throttle, the planning application is being prepared along with pre-consultations with authorities, political interests and other stakeholders. In parallel, a mock-up room is being designed in order to maximise value engineering. Planning application submission is scheduled for Q4 2021.

To come.

Stay tuned.

Scheduled for 2026.