Best Independent Style Hotels in Gstaad

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.

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.

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.