Gstaad, a luxury resort in the Bernese Oberland region of the Swiss Alps, is world-renowned for its sophisticated ski experiences – where snow-capped peaks frame charming chalets and pristine slopes transform into playgrounds for the elite. With an extensive network of cable cars offering convenient access to surrounding ski areas, such as Wispile and Rinderberg, the area boasts an expanse of all-level pistes and cross-country trails and the nearby Glacier 3000 presents year-round opportunities to enjoy action on the slopes. Summer is also an outdoor enthusiast’s dream with golf, mountain biking, rafting and hiking just some of the warm-weather sports to choose from. Aside from the many outdoor adventures, Gstaad is home to the shortest shopping street in Switzerland and offers a superb selection of gourmet restaurants and luxury hotels. Read on to discover our favourite luxury hotels in Gstaad – where the harmony of tradition and indulgence creates an atmosphere of unrivalled elegance in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Grand Hotel Park Gstaad
Dating back to 1910, this five floor hotel sports a traditional style, both inside and out. It has four restaurants (its newest, Chubut, has been inspired by the food of Patagonian Argentina) and a wine bar/cigar lounge. Found close to the slopes, the hotel also has an indoor salt infused pool and an outdoor pool, a spa, a tennis court (that doubles as an ice rink), a club for kids and 94 forms of sleeping accommodation. Grand Hotel Park Gstaad’s fanciest room, is a four bedded penthouse suite – the largest in the Alps – with butler service and a private spa.
Gstaad Palace Hotel
The grand turreted building housing the Palace Hotel is like something from a Disney movie – or a Bond film (Roger Moore himself once booked in here). Indeed, this has a reputation as one of the finest places to stay in the whole of Switzerland. Its elevated position looks out across the town and serves as an ever-present lofty landmark. The hotel is perfect for active types; an Olympic sized outdoor pool, another indoor pool, a pilates studio and a tennis court. Guests have a choice of four eateries, including La Fromagerie, housed in a former Swiss gold vault. The authentically retro GreenGo Club is the hotel’s late-night venue and has hosted many big names since its mid-century heyday.
The Alpina Gstaad
One of Gstaad’s newer hotels, having opened in 2012, The Alpina has just 57 rooms. This gives it more of a boutique feel than some of its imposing neighbours. But it still packs a punch when it comes to facilities. Its Six Senses Spa boasts a range of thermal rooms, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a gym and a juice bar. There’s also a ski shop, a Graff diamond boutique, a hair salon and a cinema. When it comes to food, the options are plentiful too – Megu, a fine dining Japanese restaurant, a Swiss Stübli, French cuisine at Sommetand and a casual lounge bar.
Le Grand Bellevue
A pale gold exterior, art deco signage and a lavish entrance ensure guests receive an impressive welcome here. It’s another small hotel in terms of bedrooms – 57 to be exact. But, like The Alpina, it has much to offer in the way of amenities; a huge subterranean spa with a 17 zone thermal suite, a salt grotto and an indoor hydrotherapy pool, an outdoor spa pool, fitness classes, tennis courts, a kids’ club, a playroom and a cinema. The main restaurant, Leonard’s, has a Michelin star, while Le Petit Chalet serves traditional Swiss comfort foods and there’s the Sushi Bar for lighter, more casual meals.