The newly opened Hotel Drei Berge is nestled in the cliffside of the Bernese Oberland Alps in Switzerland, some 1,638 meters above sea level. The idyllic property is the latest enterprise from Ramdane Touhami, the multi-dexterous creative force best known for his work at Officine Universelle Buly and his Parisian art direction agency Architecte Recherche Industrie, who discovered the picturesque village of Mürren in 2022 and then acquired the historic hotel, formerly known as Hotel Bellevue, shortly after.
Inside Hotel Drei Berge
The front desk at Hotel Dei Berge
Considering that Hotel Dei Berge is Touhami’s first major venture since the sale of Officine Universelle Buly to LVMH in 2021, fans of his captivating ethos and aesthetic will not be disappointed. Touhami oversaw the redesign and renovations for Hotel Dei Berge, which began in early 2023, with a focus on restoring the existing furniture and architecture where possible, and adding contemporary touches elsewhere.
In the lobby and public areas, original décor spanning the years since the hotel was first opened in 1907 muddles seamlessly with Touhami’s additions, making them almost impossible to discern. A handcrafted wooden reception desk, a newly created bespoke mural inspired by David Lynch’s Twin Peaks along with vintage posters and flags are offset by mid-century vintage furniture, new carpets and an array of antiques and carefully selected objects to complete the idealised vision of a holiday in the mountains.
Touhami and his team designed everything from the plates and glassware to the furniture
‘This place is designed as if we were at home. There is also a great dedication to the great designers of the mountain, from Molino to Perriand,’ Touhami shares. ‘There are so many references, the table to cut bread in the morning is Charlotte Perriand. But it is not just an aesthetic demonstration, we really live with these furniture pieces. We do not sanctify them.’
A bespoke mural inspired by David Lynch's Twin Peaks
As to why he decided to venture into hospitality following substantial stints in product, Touhami says, ‘It was really the location. I don’t like holidays, but I love the mountains. It was the perfect balance in a project for me! I think we've forgotten the fundamentals of a hotel - a very good bed, a spotless bathroom, very soft towels and a restaurant that only makes you eat fondues and dried meat. [We make] a very, very good coffee with some of the best waters in the world.’
Each of the hotel's 19 rooms features a custom-designed wooden bed by Architecte Rechere Industrie
Touhami’s exquisite approach continues through to each of the 19 rooms in the hotel, which range from suites and rooms of varying sizes. They are each named after a famous mountain range (his personal favourite is Jungfrau, with views of the Eiger and Mönch mountains) and feature wooden beds designed by Art Rechcerche Industrie and monogrammed bedlinens.
Red and white chevrons on the hotel's windows and doorways nod to its Swiss heritage
Utilitarian yet filled with finesse, they exemplify the thoughtful ethos that Touhami is known for - elevated and desirable yet remaining true to its intrinsic identity, which in this case is the traditional mountain community.
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