Words Vidula KotianImages Maximilian Mair

For brothers Günter and Manfred Weilguni, hospitality isn’t a career—it’s the family dialect. They grew up in Innsbruck, where Tyrolean tourism pulses through daily life, learning early how a warm welcome can turn a house into a haven. “In Tyrol, hospitality is everywhere,” Manfred says. “We absorbed it without even noticing.”

Their paths stretched far beyond the Alps. Günter worked the decks of international cruise ships before sharpening his business instincts at Switzerland’s top hotel school and Cornell University. Manfred began behind the stove, training as a chef and perfecting his craft in five-star kitchens, later stepping into management and earning Swiss Certified Hotelier stripes.

Together, they’ve shaped some of Switzerland’s most distinctive properties, such as Hotel Spedition Thun and The Hide in Flims. Each project sharpened their philosophy: hotels should connect people, stir curiosity, and balance playfulness with purpose.

Their latest, The Home Hotel Zürich in Sihlcity, is that vision in full bloom. Set in a former paper mill and inspired by Dada’s spirit of creative rebellion, the hotel is equal parts gathering place, artwork, and sanctuary. “Being a host is more than a job for us,” Günter says. “It’s a way of life.” And with The Home, the Weilguni brothers have built not just another hotel, but a stage for connection and surprise.

You’ve drawn inspiration from the Dada movement. Why Dada? What about it speaks to you?

Manfred Weilguni: Dada was born in Zürich in 1916 as a protest, a creative revolt, a desire for something radically new. That spirit inspired us. Dada is bold, experimental, and unconventional—just like our approach with The Home. We wanted to create a hotel that pushes boundaries, tells stories, and invites conversation. Cabaret Voltaire was a starting point, and that energy still lives in our atmosphere today.

How hands-on were you with the design? Do you have any favorite design details or stories from that process?

Günter Weilguni: We were closely involved from the first sketches to the final implementation. Together with Stylt Trampoli, we developed a design that deliberately plays with contrast—raw and refined, industrial and playful. Every design element is part of a larger narrative that runs through the entire hotel. One detail we love is the pairing of original terrazzo flooring with custom-made carpets. That tension between old and new really defines the character of The Home—a tribute to the creative freedom of Dadaism.

You’ve developed other hotels across the region. How is The Home different from your previous projects?

Manfred: The Home is a complete work of art. It fuses cultural heritage with urban energy, turning a protected landmark into a modern hotel without losing its soul. The building’s industrial roots meet dada-inspired playfulness and timeless elegance. It’s a place that inspires, provokes, and moves you—more consistently curated than anything we’ve done before.

Why open in Zürich? What gap did you see?

Günter: Zürich is cosmopolitan and creative—but when it comes to hotels, we felt there was room for something new. We wanted a concept that’s bold and emotional—a hotel that doesn’t just host guests, but inspires them. At the same time, Zürich is a powerhouse—globally connected yet accessible, making it ideal for guests looking for something special.

“Community is the heartbeat of The Home. We’re not on the fringe of the city; we’re in the middle of its cultural pulse.”

Manfred Weilguni

The Home is meant to be a meeting place for locals too—how are you bringing the community in?

Manfred: Community is the heartbeat of The Home. The Living Room hosts DJs, readings, and live acts that pull in Zürich’s creatives alongside our guests. At LouLou, we serve French cuisine with a modern twist—a spot for business lunches, after-work drinks, or long dinners with friends. We’re not on the fringe of the city; we’re in the middle of its cultural pulse.

What talent do you wish you had?

Günter: When I hear my niece at the piano, I wish I had her musical gift—to sit at a grand piano and simply play.

Manfred: I admire people with true discipline—especially in sports. For me, fitness is more of a long-term project, but I’m sticking with it.

Who are your real-life heroes?

Günter: My friend Christoph Hoffmann—a visionary, a doer, a hotel pioneer. With concepts like 25hours and Bikini Hotels, he’s shown how creativity, courage, and authenticity can rethink the hotel industry.

Manfred: Daniel Hope, the world-renowned violinist and new artistic director of the Menuhin Festival in Gstaad—a truly powerful and inspiring figure.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger selves, what would it be? Would you do anything differently now?

Günter: Without constant effort and discipline, success in this industry is hard to come by. I might have told my younger self that a little earlier—even though work-life balance often takes a back seat. But getting up early creates space for the things that keep me grounded, like skiing or cycling in the mountains.

Manfred: Stay curious, embrace challenges, and don’t settle too soon. Growth never stops—that’s what makes the journey exciting.

“We wanted a concept that’s bold and emotional—a hotel that doesn’t just host guests, but inspires them.”

Günter Weilguni