At the base of the Matterhorn mountain, lies Zermatt, a beautiful and peaceful idyll, thanks in part, to its car-free policy. Come wintertime, it’s a snow lover’s paradise with 360 km of pistes, the longest runs in Europe and Snowpark Zermatt for freestylers and snowboarders (Olympians have been known to train at the park). And it’s popular among the skiing community year-round, due to its high location, enabling summer skiing. Walking, cycling, climbing, ice-skating, lake swimming, paragliding and off-piste heli-skiing are some of the additional activities available here. But where should you stay while visiting Zermatt? These are our picks of the best hotels.
The Omnia Zermatt
Imagine sitting in a hot marble whirlpool, looking out to a majestic mountain as the steam rises, indulging in treatments at a slick spa, dining in a Michelin starred restaurant and sipping cocktails in a Cavern Club, before retiring to an oversized, extra comfy bed in a sophisticated bedroom. This is The Omnia. It has an alfresco terrace, a pool that spans both inside and outside the building, a well-stocked library, artistic in-house chefs, a roaring log fire, an electric shuttle service and just 30 bedrooms. Designed in a modern American style, The Omnia has a very grown-up feel that’s perfect for couples.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
Arrive at this hotel in your choice of a horse-drawn carriage or electric bus. The multi-award-winning Grand Hotel Zermatterhof first opened its doors in 1879. Much of its original charm can still be enjoyed today, alongside the contemporary touches. The Alpine Wellness Spa incorporates an indoor pool with a waterfall. Dine on French-Italian cuisine at its Prato Borni restaurant, Mediterranean food at the Brasserie Lusi and a decadent fondue at saycheese! Drinks can be taken by the fireside at the Ruden Bar, or to piano accompaniment at Stars. Many of the 78 rooms have their own balconies, while the fancier suites have fireplaces and jacuzzis.
Riffelalp Resort 2222m
The name provides a fairly clear clue, but this is in fact the highest luxury hotel in the whole of Europe. So much so, the resort can’t actually be accessed by car. Instead, guests take the train to the property, passing breathtaking views en route. Once installed, visitors can enjoy direct ski in-ski out access to the slopes. Ski rental is available at the property, plus there are swimming pools, a tennis court, billiards, bowling and activities for kids. The decor is very much a modern take on chalet living, although the building dates as far back as the 19th-century.
Cervo Mountain Resort
Redesigned by the multi-award-winning studio, Dreimeta, and fully renovated in 2020, the Cervo Mountain Resort has an airy, modern, New England feel. Its overhaul has included major improvements in the way of sustainability – a geothermal pump enables the building to generate almost all of its own power for heating and hot water. The main restaurant, Bazaar, focuses on plant-based dishes and is loosely themed around the markets of the East. Italian dishes can be ordered at Madre Nostra, while the third eatery, Ferdinand, serves local cuisine. Choose between three accommodation types at this resort: The Huntsman, The Nomad and The Alpinist. Its Ashram Spa offers meditation sessions, Onsen baths, massages, and treatments.
Hotel Monte Rosa
This is the town’s oldest hotel, a cosy Victorian building, once a family home, with a long history. And this past has had an impact on the ambience; it does indeed feel homely, in a very upmarket way. The boutique property has 41 bedrooms and while there’s no spa onsite (its lack pleasantly contributes to the country house feel), guests can use the facilities at the nearby Mont Cervin Palace. Yet the hotel’s Brasserie Belle-Époque, with its stuccoed ceilings and chandeliers, creates a contrasting sense of vintage grandeur, The leafy gardens and pretty window boxes make the exterior especially picturesque and equally suited to summer visits as the peak winter season.
