11 Best Hotels in Saint Moritz Switzerland

As the unofficial headquarters of the best winter tomfoolery in the world, St Moritz is the epitome of classic Alpine merriment. Tucked in the Upper Engadin Valley and around a spectacular lake, this playground of the rich also happens to be one of the world’s best skiing spots. Plus, there’s moonlit skating, skijoring, black-tie suppers — the glamour works. At the heart of it all were the lodgings — both lavish and slightly less lavish — which were scattered all over the region. The best hotels in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, range across sizes and vibes; there were the glamorous grand behemoths that peacock their Alpine tourism pedigree, and there were also smaller, boutique hotels where intimate service is the key.

They sat atop the hills, along the slopes, in the thick forests, and all over St Moritz. No matter how or where they were, they were all breathtaking and certainly made our holiday more memorable. To that end, here’s a guide to the best stays in St. Moritz, one of the best ski resorts in the world.

Hotel Giardino Mountain

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Best family-friendly. We begin with the Hotel Giardino Mountain, which sits a mere five-minute drive from St. Moritz in the charming town of Champfèr. The façade is pure Engadine and looks almost good to eat, akin to a marzipan miniature! On the inside, the vibe is all Alpine classic, with vaulted arches, timbered ceilings, et al.

The rooms and suites at this hotel range from cozy singles and double rooms to spacious junior suites and even larger. Nevertheless, they’re all outfitted in a cream and pale wood palette, with accents and pops of color in saturated lime and fuchsia. We loved the identifiably Alpine appearance, but they’re modern through and through. Moreover, they came with a bunch of mod-cons, including flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, plush beds, mini-fridges, and luxe, cosmopolitan bathrooms.

Meanwhile, the hotel does great when it comes to amenities, too. Not only does it have three restaurants and two bars, but it also includes the two-Michelin-starred Ecco St. Moritz. So, we didn’t have to venture outside the hotel’s walls for food at all. Finally, the spa with its steam room, sauna, and treatment rooms is a perfect restorative destination after a long day on the slopes.

Hotel Nolda

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Sitting just a 10-minute walk from the town center is the charming mountain lodge of
Hotel Nolda. Boasting an excellent piste-side location, this property even has a bus stop nearby, allowing us to get around easily despite not having a car. Plus, we were a mere five-minute walk from Signal Gondola. We loved the cozy rooms and suites, which were done up in traditional style with crisp white linen and pine-clad walls, besides the fabulous views, of course. Not only were the digs allergy-friendly, but they also have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridge bars, and sleek bathrooms.

We spent a lot of time at the hotel because of its superb amenities. Since it was a has-it-all alpine base, we’d spend days doing everything from hiking to skiing and a host of other wintertime activities. After that, we’d reserve time to unwind in the modern spa. Since we were on a romantic vacation, we even took the winter carriage ride! Did we mention that the signature restaurant also served all meals, including a superb buffet breakfast in the morning? Yep.

Nira Alpina

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Nestled at the foot of Mt Corvatsch, the quirky Nira Alpina is a chic mountain retreat that sits a 10-minute drive from the town of St. Moritz. We loved the quirky touches at this ski hotel, which is ideal for the well-traveled who are looking for something different from their mountain holiday. The unpretentious style, along with the slew of amenities, just like any other four-star, is what makes this one of the best alpine retreats in the Swiss Alps.

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Choose from 70 rooms and suites, all of which feature huge balconies or terraces with panoramic windows that overlook the Engadin mountains. True to its Swiss Alps roots, the decor is the ideal blend of contemporary and traditional, with natural materials such as suede, Italian stone, and Swiss Spruce used throughout. Moreover, the granite bathrooms featured deep baths and waterfall showers, which were great for sinking into after a long day on the slopes.

One of St. Moritz’s culinary hotspots sits at the Nina Alpina, the signature Stars, where we’d enjoy meals. Of course, nothing beats the views of the snow-covered Engaine valley from the rooftop bar. Did we mention the presence of the Pichalain apres-ski hut for special occasions? Yes! It might be unpretentious in style, but it does wellness in style with the fantastic Nira Spa, with a vast whirlpool, a sauna, a steam room, a relaxation room with mood lighting, and a fully-equipped fitness center.

Hotel Chesa Spuondas

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If you don’t mind staying slightly out of the way, then the charming chalet Hotel Chesa Spuondas is ideal. Tucked in a scenic spot less than a five-minute drive from the town center of St Moritz, this hotel was perfect for our family with kids. That’s because this country escape not only had a playground but also babysitting amenities and tons of space for kids to run around and have fun. The hotel even has a slew of other family-friendly après-ski experiences, such as the games room, complete with a ping pong table.

When it comes to skiing, there were plenty of opportunities just 10 minutes away at Corviglia, what with the ski school and the snow park. Not only was there skiing, but there was also ice skating, tobogganing, bobsleighing, ice polo, and even snowboarding. During the summer months, there are endless treks and trails to explore through the surrounding countryside. You could even rent bikes and go off mountain biking!

We loved the choice of traditionally styled rooms and suites, which had large sash windows, private balconies, and pine cladding. They were furnished not like hotel rooms but rather like private bedrooms. The kids loved the space and their twin beds, while we had comfy double beds.

St. Moritz Youth Hostel

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Best hostel. Could you have imagined the uppity St. Moritz to have a hostel? Behold the St. Moritz Youth Hostel, which is the best way to experience a classy holiday in St. Moritz without breaking the bank.

Did you know that this is the only youth hostel in all of St. Moritz and the regions around, to boast its own raclette and fondue parlor? Yes! Offering stunning panoramic views over the town and the slopes, this hostel had free public Wi-Fi, which allowed us to stay connected and plan our itineraries for the upcoming days. We loved mingling with fellow travelers in the games room over a game of table tennis and billiards. There was also the common lounge area with a fireplace, which was perfect for colder nights. Moreover, we were within a stone’s throw from the best skiing in town, and the hostel even gave us discounted ski passes as we were staying for more than two nights! Free parking on the property and a bus stop with a connection right to the town center every half an hour was perfect for us travelers.

We had the choice of bright and modernly furnished private rooms and dorms, which were both female-only and mixed-gender ones. They all came with plush beds (bunk beds in the dorms), immaculate bathrooms (en-suite and shared ones), lockers for storage, charging points, lights, and soft linens.

Hotel Grace La Margna St. Moritz

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If you’ve had your fair share of St Moritz’s grande dames, then look no further than the Hotel Grace La Margna St. Moritz. This hotel sure had the sheer pluck to introduce muted modernity to the traditional and uppity St. Moritz, but it won over everyone, including us. Even after a contemporary tidy up, the hotel retains its old Art Nouveau character. We had the choice of 74 rooms and suites, with the new annexe Grace Wing ones being more contemporary. We loved the fresh, mid-century classic look, although they are all decked out with plush beds, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and luxe bathrooms with sleek bath products. Are views a priority for you? Then ensure that you book rooms or suites on the top floors of the other La Margna wing.

There were four restaurants and bars on the property, but the aptly named “The View” with its sweeping views from floor-to-ceiling windows is an absolute favorite. Moreover, the bar was perfect for a martini after leisurely days on the slopes. On days we didn’t ski, we’d enjoy afternoon tea in the vaulted-ceilinged Living Rooms. Sitting at the pinnacle of modernity is the spa, where a cutting-edge treatment menu, a steam bath, a jacuzzi, a huge pool, a private spa suite, and a lavish food menu transformed our experience.

Badrutt’s Palace

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Badrutt’s Palace is almost on every traveler’s list, and it’s easy to see why. Its Neo-Gothic exterior hides a heady blend of old-world and modern interiors, and its high society history is extensive and impressive. Caspar Badrutt, along with his ski-jumping father, famously built this hotel in 1896 and also the Kulm Hotel nearby. Basically, they founded Alpine tourism in the Swiss Alps, ensuring that skiers had a great place to après-ski after all their slope carving capers.

We were impressed right off the bat with the ornate palatial lobby and its soaring and intricately carved timber ceilings and vast arches. With nearly a dozen restaurants to choose from, we were served practically every cuisine under the sun. The star of the first-rate wellness center was the pool, which overlooked stunning views of the Engadin Valley. Of course, there was a smorgasbord of winter frolicking that awaited us outside. When dusk fell, we’d lie in the leather chairs of the Le Grand Hall and listen to the tinkle of piano keys. Did we mention that beneath all that palatial heft, it’s home to the oldest nightclub in all of Switzerland?

The room interiors were sleek with subdued spins on classicism. Choose from 155 rooms and suites, all in different sizes and with decor, from modern and sharp to regal and classical. We got lucky with the corner Palace suite, which overlooked both the town and the slopes. From our sitting room, we could snuggle up and watch the sunset over the icy lake and the jagged snow peaks.

Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz

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Most luxurious. The Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz is an iconic and timeless five-star hotel in the Swiss Alps, and an icon in its own right. It sits in a palatial white-hued fairytale-like modern Swiss palace, complete with turrets, spires, and all, but the interiors have a contemporary aesthetic.

We loved the divergence from the Belle Epoque resplendence of the other St. Moritz Grande dames, with contemporary magenta and camel rooms and suites. There were choices for cosseting and plush rooms, suites, and residences, all of which radiate contemporary Swiss alpine charm. Think cool marble bathrooms, warm wood tones, and a clean Scandi design aesthetic. Mod-cons include sleek work desks, dimmable light switches, and flat-screen TVs, and ours even had a balcony. Sigh.

“If there was ever a winter palace where one could live, it would be the Kempinski in St. Moritz in winter — it’s the ultimate.”

WOW Travel

The three restaurants on the property are ornate and cozy at the same time, serving European, Italian, Indian, and other international cuisines. Sports enthusiasts will love the presence of the sprawling fitness center, a squash center, tennis courts, a ski shop, and even its own school. Our favorite, though, was the bells-and-whistles spa that sits on a natural spring. After skiing Corviglia’s groomed pistes, the spa with its laconiums, steam baths, and bio and Finnish saunas is absolutely worth. The pool might not have views, but its pillared splendor had us drooling.

Kulm Hotel

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Most historic hotel. Kulm Hotel is one of the original places that can be credited with establishing Alpine tourism in St. Moritz. This illustrious 19th-century hotel sits a stone’s throw from the funicular and the designer stores in town and happens to be the oldest hotel in St Moritz! So, if you’re looking for a fair bit of history in St. Moritz, then this is where you should be.

We were blown away by the opulent interiors, especially the lobby, where velvet sofas, chandeliers, and pillars add to the drama. It might have a general vintage vibe due to its Olympic winter sport pedigree, but the interiors have received a fresh makeover. Think a mix of pastels, faded tartans, and muted hues that reflect the Engadin shades, but paired with expansive spaces, opulent furnishings, and fantastic mountain views.

A long day on the slopes is well-rewarded at the hotel’s restaurants and bars. The Peruvian haunt, Amaru, is designed eccentrically, while we sipped on drinks at the legendary Sunny Bar. In fact, it has three more gourmet restaurants besides these two. Our favorite, though, was the lavish valley-view hydrotherapy spa, which not only has a seriously photogenic pool but also a plugged-in treatment menu.

Suvretta House

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Do you remember the swirly, turreted mansions in storybooks? Suvretta House is exactly that, with a staggering room count of 171 rooms and suites. It sits on the fringes of St. Moritz, a mile from the town center, but we aren’t complaining a bit. That being said, the hotel offers direct access to the slopes through a private button lift! If that wasn’t enough, it even has its own ski school, with great swathes of powder enveloping it. Who’s having the last laugh now?

It’s no surprise that the amenities at Suvretta’s are top-notch, especially the grand restaurant with the Murano chandeliers and intricately carved oak ceilings. Even the rest of the interiors blend British and Swiss heritage materials and prints. Green vintage Ford buses escorted us around everywhere, whether it was the sprawling tennis courts, the spa with its glass-encased swimming pool, the Curling Guest Club, or the 1920s-style St Anton’s bar. If you love après-ski, Suvretta is popular for hosting big-ticket St. Moritz events, such as the Snow Polo.

This prevalent Gilded Age drama is dialed down dramatically in the digs, with the cream fabrics, sumptuous furnishings, and soothing sage and terracotta accents giving them an elegant, calm look.

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

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Best overall. Sitting at the top of the list is the Carlton Hotel, which occupies the sunniest spot in all of St Moritz. Perched on the northern side of the lake, high above the town, this five-star hotel boasts a unique sense of privacy and jaw-droppingly gorgeous valley views from its lofty perch. Rumor has it that the place was originally built for the Russian Tsars, so we could see old Imperial Russia’s pomp and splendor everywhere. In fact, the double-headed eagle can be seen everywhere, right from the rooms to the kids’ club to the sun terrace.

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The digs are the trump card, with just 60 in number, making staying here exceptionally intimate and exclusive. Not only are all of them suites, but they all face south with sweeping lake views, and most of them have balconies! We loved the Italian-inspired interiors, which include heavy-drape curtains, jacquard upholstery, cradle-soft king beds, Murano glass lamps, and Venetian stucco ceilings. Did we mention the spacious marble bathrooms? Yep. 

The Russian theme spills over to the amenities, including the three-storied spa, which has an array of steam rooms, saunas, and a fabulously inviting indoor/outdoor pool. As are the restaurants, there are two Italian and international cuisine-serving ones, one of which is also a two Michelin-starred one. Moreover, there’s even a shuttle service to the Corviglia cable car station for skiing opportunities. An on-site ski rental shop, an “outdoor butler,” and a roster of outdoor activities, including torchlit twilight walks, ice bathing, and more, round up the amenities here.  

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the stays in St. Moritz on this list, the ones below are rather special.

• Best overall: Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
• Best hostel: St. Moritz Youth Hostel
• Most luxurious: Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz
• Most historic hotel: Kulm Hotel

Where to Stay in St. Moritz?

St Moritz is one of the best vacation ideas in winter, and it’s easy to see why. Its origins go back to when rich mineral springs were discovered in the region, and later Alpine winter sports here caught everyone’s fancy. Today, it’s the favorite European ski resort of well-heeled chionophiles. 

Two of the best areas in St. Moritz are St. Moritz-Bad and St. Moritz-Dorf. While the former is the apartment and spa hub, the latter is the glamorous, historic town center. If your focus is spa, wellness, or more budget-conscious travel, then St. Moritz-Bad offers a more relaxed atmosphere and better choice of stays. However, if budget isn’t an issue, or you need easy access to upscale dining and skiing, then it makes more sense to stay in the village. Ideally, a hotel with ski-in/ski-out access near the lake or in the Dorf is perfect for skiers.

How many days are enough for St. Moritz?

Three days is the perfect amount of time to explore St. Moritz for first-time visitors.

Is St. Moritz good for beginners?

Yes. Some of the smaller slopes in and around St. Moritz, such as Zuoz, are perfect for families and beginner skiers. These areas offer gentler slopes and a more relaxed skiing environment, making them ideal for learning and improving skiing skills.2

Which is better, Zermatt or St. Moritz?

Zermatt might feel more commercial since it’s easier to reach, but St. Moritz has a classier atmosphere. That being said, Zermatt is more iconic due to the presence of the Matterhorn.