A strategic investment project in the heart of the Alps: The rebirth of the Hotel Derby in Leukerbad

Welcome to Leukerbad, the pearl of the Upper Valais, an iconic spa resort nestled in the heart of an exceptional natural environment. Known for having the largest thermal water reserves in Europe, the resort welcomes more than 700,000 overnight stays each year and boasts a steadily increasing occupancy rate. And yet, a unique opportunity remains to be seized: the complete transformation of the Hotel Derby, an innovative project intelligently positioned to meet the new expectations of the hotel market.

Located in the heart of the village, close to the thermal baths, the SportArena, the municipal crèche and the children's ski lifts, the Hotel Derby enjoys a strategic location. Formerly a 1970s-style bed and breakfast hotel now in decline, the building has exceptional potential to become a benchmark for contemporary and eco-responsible hospitality in the region.

A modern and distinctive concept: experience, modularity and profitability

This repositioning project completely rethinks traditional hospitality to offer a modular, surprising and human living space, fully in line with current tourism values: slow tourism, authenticity, ecology and flexibility.

The architecture, designed by GMAA, emphasises an intelligent and economical design:

• 100 beds in 39 rooms, ranging from capsule dormitories to family suites in a chalet or penthouse style with a Nordic bath.
• Multifunctional common areas: communal kitchen, playroom with climbing wall, honesty box grocery store, soundproof music room, sauna available upon reservation, campfire area.
• Smooth and innovative services: connected reception, smart zoning (quiet areas vs family areas), optimised management with a ratio of 1 staff member per 3 rooms.

A market waiting for such a product

The hotel offering in Leukerbad is currently described as ‘very classic, not very trendy’ by local stakeholders. The Hotel Derby is therefore positioning itself as a direct response to this unmet demand, with an accessible, original and highly distinctive product.

The target markets are clearly identified:

• Families during school holidays (kids' club, intergenerational activities)
• Active groups: clubs, associations, sports or wellness breaks
• Swiss seniors seeking well-being, comfort and immersion in nature
• Couples and modern nomads attracted by flexibility and eco-responsibility

Measured and optimised financial potential

The project is deliberately positioned in the 3-star segment, with a dynamic pricing policy (prices per person, family offers, incentives for longer stays). Estimated operating income is based on a margin of 3.5% of turnover, with costs kept under control thanks to a streamlined operating model.

The ‘hotel-office’ concept without a restaurant avoids high fixed costs while ensuring an appropriate F&B offering (breakfast, local partnerships, self-service soups and local products). All this is reinforced by a strong ecological focusand storytelling rooted in local history.

Why invest?

A turnkey project, conceptualised, planned and ready to launch

An original positioning in an under-exploited market

A profitable model, aligned with the expectations of sustainable tourism

Architecture designed for flexibility and customer experience

A brand with strong emotional and digital potential: ‘New Derby – simply relax in Leukerbad’

Renovation budget with financial plan available