The Swiss Circle Story | Swissôtel Hotels and Resorts

Traditions old and new are important to us. We weave them into our spaces in ways that are refreshing, innovative and even award-winning. You may not notice them at first, but once you discover the story behind our revered brand icon, the Swissotel Circles, you’ll never overlook them again.

The Story Behind the Swissôtel Circles

Discover the story behind the Swissôtel Circles, one of the distinctive design features that connects Swissôtel Sydney to its Swiss heritage and contemporary design philosophy.

Inspired by traditional Swiss papercutting (Scherenschnitt), the Swissôtel Circles are a modern interpretation of the “Wheel of Life” – a centuries-old artistic tradition in which intricate silhouettes depict people, places, landscapes and scenes from everyday life. Swiss papercutting developed into a distinctive art form, particularly in the Swiss Alpine regions, where artists created detailed scenes using a single sheet of paper.

Today, we pair our circles with elements of Sydney, the home of our hotel. The result is a creation that’s as internationally inspired as we are. Together, our Swiss Circles tell the story of our diversity, fine craft traditions, and our hotel attributes in a contemporary yet timeless and surprising way.

A Design with an Award-Winning History

The design attracted international recognition. In 2009, the Swissôtel papercut concept received a Bronze Award from the Art Directors Club Germany, recognising the creativity and design execution behind the distinctive visual language.

Today, the Swissôtel Circles remain an important expression of the brand’s identity – bringing together Swiss heritage, craftsmanship, contemporary design and a sense of place.

At Swissôtel Sydney, they form part of the hotel’s unique character, offering guests a visual story that begins in Switzerland and continues here in the heart of Sydney.

Want our Swissotel Circles to be part of your everyday? Discover our exclusive range of Swissotel gifts here.