Moxy to open in Aarau through hotel conversion project

Marriott International’s Moxy Hotels brand is set to grow its presence in Switzerland’s canton of Aargau with a new property in Aarau, slated to open by the end of 2028. The project involves converting the current Hotel Aarauerhof, located next to the city’s train station, into a 145-room Moxy hotel.

The initiative is a joint effort between Pensimo Group (property owner), The Chocolate on the Pillow Group (hotel operator), and Marriott International. After refurbishment and expansion, the property will provide around 3,750 square meters of guest and communal areas, including a bar, lounge café, fitness center, and event spaces.

“We are excited to partner with Marriott on the Moxy Aarau project and extend our reach in Switzerland. The hotel’s prime location near the train station and its appealing design will attract travelers and locals alike, bringing a fresh vibe to the city.” – Erik Florvaag, CEO and Managing Partner at The Chocolate on the Pillow Group.

In line with environmental concerns, Pensimo has chosen adaptive reuse over new construction.

“We are opting for a renovation rather than a new build due to environmental reasons. Constructing a new building emits more CO₂, which is not sustainable.” – Birgit Hattenkofer, Head of Development at Pensimo.

To ensure sustainable redevelopment, a study commission involving 11 architectural teams was launched in early 2025. The aim is to retain the existing structure as much as possible while meeting modern standards. The selected design will be announced in July 2025, guiding future plans for architectural integration, energy efficiency, and noise control.

Once operational, Moxy Aarau will be the fifth Moxy hotel in Switzerland, joining properties in Bern, Lausanne, Sion, and Rapperswil. This will be The Chocolate on the Pillow Group’s second Moxy venture in the country, showcasing Marriott’s strategic expansion of lifestyle brands in secondary urban areas across Europe.

This project reflects the industry’s trend towards urban densification, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design, highlighting Marriott’s commitment to growth in European markets.

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