Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels brand is expected to expand into Switzerland’s canton of Aargau with a new property in Aarau, scheduled to open by end of 2028. The project involves the conversion of the existing Hotel Aarauerhof, located adjacent to the city’s train station, into a 145-room Moxy hotel.
The development is a collaboration between Pensimo Group (property owner), The Chocolate on the Pillow Group (hotel operator), and Marriott International. Following renovation and vertical expansion, the property will offer approximately 3,750 square meters of guest and communal spaces, including a bar, lounge café, fitness area, and event facilities.
“With the Moxy Aarau, we are implementing another exciting project together with Marriott and are delighted to continue our expansion in Switzerland,” With this new hotel, we have secured a special location. Thanks to its central location directly next to the train station and inviting design, the Moxy Aarau will appeal not only to travelers but also to the local community, setting a new tone for the city." - Erik Florvaag, CEO and Managing Partner at The Chocolate on the Pillow Group.
Adaptive reuse prioritised for environmental reasons
Rather than pursue new construction, Pensimo has opted for a retrofitting strategy, citing environmental considerations.
“We don't want a new building. This is undesirable from an ecological perspective, as a new building releases significantly more climate-damaging CO₂ than a renovation.” - Birgit Hattenkofer, Head of Development at Pensimo
To guide the redevelopment, a study commission was launched in early 2025 involving 11 architectural teams. The goal is to preserve as much of the existing structure as possible while incorporating modern requirements. The winning design will be announced in July 2025 and will form the basis for a future development plan covering architectural integration, energy performance, and noise mitigation.
Regional presence and strategic growth
Once completed, Moxy Aarau will become the fifth Moxy location in Switzerland, joining existing properties in Bern, Lausanne, Sion, and Rapperswil. For The Chocolate on the Pillow Group, this will be the operator’s second Moxy property in the country.
The project reflects a wider trend in hospitality development focused on urban densification, adaptive reuse, and energy-efficient design. It also demonstrates Marriott’s continued expansion of its lifestyle brands in secondary urban markets across Europe.
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