Switzerland is the veritable playground for skiers, whether they’re experienced ones or newbies. Even as novices, we’ve loved the indulgent and charming ski resorts in the ‘Playground of Europe,’ as the country is known. When it comes to stays, Swiss chalets, in particular, are very popular due to their unique design. Originally humble mountain traditional, rustic wooden homes, they’ve become popular as holiday resorts and vacation homes. So, we were delighted by the sheer choices we had for Swiss chalet hotels. Not only did they range from luxury resorts to more boutique, intimate stays, but they also boasted a slew of amenities that would leave even the most nitpicky of travelers impressed. These include award-winning restaurants, spas, and heated infinity swimming pools with views of the Alps. And, of course, the digs were the epitome of Swiss comfort.
The best bit is that chalets in Switzerland range from luxury to even more affordable stays, allowing everyone to experience this gorgeous Alpine region. Here’s a guide to the best chalet stays in Switzerland, the Land of Milk and Honey.
Table of contents
- Ultima Gstaad
- Maiensässhotel Guarda Val
- LeCrans Hotel & Spa
- Chandolin Boutique Hotel
- Relais & Châteaux Chasa Montana Hotel & Spa
- Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa
- Six Senses Crans Montana
- Brücke 49
- Maison Bergdorf, Val de Travers
- The Brecon, Adelboden
- Experimental Chalet Verbier
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Switzerland?
- Where should I stay in Switzerland for the first time?
- What is the best way to travel around Switzerland?
Ultima Gstaad
11
We begin with Ultima Gstaad, a high-end luxury hotel in the heart of Gstaad in Switzerland. Staying in this village is perfect for those who are interested in celeb spotting and rubbing shoulders with the who’s who of entertainment royalty and the jet set. Unlike fellow Swiss chalets, this Alpine hideaway is a forward-thinking, modern property rather than offering a traditional Swiss hospitality experience. That being said, it blended attentive and discreet service with the warmth of a traditional Swiss chalet, making it one of the best staying experiences in Switzerland.
Spread out across 3 wooden chalets, the hotel is home to 6 private residences and 11 suites. Stylish steam fireplaces, Apple TVs, shisha bars, and mod-cons grace all the rooms, but the private residences are spectacles in their own right. These three-bedroom-plus spaces boasted sweeping balconies with daybeds and majestic views of the Alps. What’s more, they also had state-of-the-art open-plan kitchens, cozy, cocooned bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes, and slick bathrooms with BVLGARI bath products. Sigh.
We could wax lyrical about the amenities at this Ultima outpost, starting with the statement chandelier and Perspex piano in the lobby. Such flamboyant touches extend into the excellent restaurant, the bustling bar, and the lounge areas. Sensorial immersion is the order of the day at the spa, which offers some of the most bespoke treatments anywhere in the Swiss Alps. Plus, all the spa amenities speak the same language: there’s an ingenious snow shower, an oversized indoor pool, a steam room, and a glass-fronted sauna.
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Maiensässhotel Guarda Val
10
Maiensässhotel Guarda Val is an Engadine gem and a romantic spot sitting in the heart of Lenzerheide. This gorgeous hotel is unique because it offers 11 ancient huts and barns that are nearly 300 years old! Blending upmarket modern designs with homely mountain charms, this is a one-of-a-kind Maiensäss stay with Alpine tradition and luxury. We had the choice of 50 rooms across the 11 huts and barns, all of which are thoroughly modern on the inside. Think plush beds, minibars, fridges, complimentary Wi-Fi, and sleek, private bathrooms with complimentary bath products. We loved the concept of combining modern Alpine lifestyle and design with old, deep-rooted Graubunden Alpine traditions.
The amenities at Guarda Val left us impressed. After a day out on the slopes, traveling to which was an absolute breeze with the complimentary ski shuttle, we’d shut ourselves in at the spa. Besides an exhaustive menu, it also had a sauna and a hot tub. Ski storage aside, the hotel also had two amazing restaurants and a bar/lounge, where getting a drink was our favorite way to après-ski.
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LeCrans Hotel & Spa
9
Open year-round, unlike most Swiss ski chalets, the five-star LeCrans Hotel & Spa is a classic Swiss chalet — angular, wooden, and luxurious. A former, humble family-run “pension,” this now-luxe getaway is ideal for those who’ve been skiing as long as they’ve been walking. No matter whether here for skiing or après-skiing, there’s something or the other to do at this fabulous resort.
The best bit is that one needn’t hurry to the slopes to enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Swiss Alps. This resort is all about the mountains, with each of its 15 rooms and suites also named after a famous range or peak. So, you might be in the heart of the Swiss Alps, but you also might be staying in the Dolomites – or the Everest! However, no matter where you stay, you’ll be unwinding in the very lap of luxury. Think vaulted ceilings and rustic-chic wood-beamed walls, Nespresso machines, bathrooms with jacuzzis, and full kitchens in the apartments. And no matter where you’re staying, you’re treated to sweeping views of the snow-capped mountains from private terraces and balconies.
The amenities at this resort are par excellence. For one, it has a vast array of wellness and spa offerings. For a whole other kind of restoration, there’s the Michelin-starred, rotunda-shaped Le Montblanc restaurant serving local and international fare. Indoor and outdoor pools with views of the Swiss Alps, a cigar room, a fitness center, a sublime spa, and free Wi-Fi throughout: this place really has it all.
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Chandolin Boutique Hotel
8
Most romantic. If sustainable and romantic Swiss chalet living is what you’re looking for, then consider the four-star Chandolin Boutique Hotel. This lovely hotel sits in a former chalet in the pretty village of Chandolin, one of the highest inhabited villages in Europe. What’s more, it even has ski-to-door access, making it a perfect base for an active yet romantic ski break. We had a choice of amazing, sophisticated, and cozy rooms and suites, all of which are decked out in warm palettes. Think wood panelling, neutral and pastel-hued linens and textures, and sleek, luxe bathrooms with bespoke bath products. Moreover, the best suites, like ours, even had private balconies with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Alps.
This chic chalet also overflows with equally chic amenities. The on-site gourmet restaurant serves amazing local and international cuisine, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. There’s also ski equipment for hire available, as well as a ski school for those who want to learn how to navigate the slopes. Finally, the spa has both indoor and outdoor elements, with two Nordic baths, sensory showers, a hammam, and a sauna.
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Relais & Châteaux Chasa Montana Hotel & Spa
7
There’s hardly a sought-after place in the world that doesn’t have a Relais & Châteaux property, does it? Welcome to the Relais & Châteaux Chasa Montana Hotel & Spa in the internationally famous skiing area of Ischgl in Switzerland. The exterior of this five-star resort in the heart of Samnaun boasted a traditional Engadine Swiss architecture, giving it a very ski chalet vibe. Choose from just 45 rooms and suites, all of which have very stylish Scandi interiors. What’s more, the place is overflowing with luxe bathrooms, minibars, satellite TVs, and sitting areas, with some of the best ones even featuring balconies with lovely views.
Chasa Montana overflows with amenities, as do every other five-star Swiss chalet stay. We especially loved the spa oasis with the Roman indoor pool, massage center, steam bath, and saunas. Moreover, they have not one but three restaurants on the property, which serve everything from traditional Samnaun dishes to international varieties. If that wasn’t enough, we even enjoyed six-course set meals of our choice in the winter season. Rounding things up is duty-free shopping and sports activities.
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Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa
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The exclusive, elegant, and award-winning Swiss-chalet-style Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa offers a taste of Switzerland for all seasons. In winter, it’s just steps from some of the best skiing opportunities in the snow-drenched village of Villars. Part of the Leading Hotels of the World, this hotel beautifully blends the elegance of a contemporary luxury hotel and the charm of a Swiss mountain chalet. We loved the traditional alpine wood-lined rooms and checked winter textiles, which we’d wrap around ourselves after hitting the slopes. The views from the floor-to-ceiling windows were jaw-dropping, but the ones from the alpine-luxe suites were an absolute knockout, especially since they also had private balconies.
Expect five-star amenities and service at this five-star resort, which serves mouthwatering cuisine in its signature restaurant. There’s also a cigar lounge and a pop-up summer terrace in the warmer season. We’d unwind in style at the hotel spa, with a steam room, a hot tub, massage treatments, a sauna, and fireside pools. The fantastic après-ski aside, the hotel also had a cinema, table football, billiards, a recreation room, and even an outdoor playground, all of which kept the kids busy.
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Six Senses Crans Montana
5
Most luxurious. Traditional chalet architecture meets alpine chicness at the Six Senses Crans Montana. Sitting just above the Cry d’Er Gondola in the heart of Crans Montana, this ski-in-ski-out chalet hotel is the global Six Senses brand’s very first Alpine hotel. Views of the Matterhorn, one of the most spectacular sunset locations in the world, are the highlight of some of the rooms. However, all rooms are sleek, blending local wood and stone. Sliding glass walls lead to huge furnished balconies, while the freestanding baths are perfect for enjoying long and languorous soaks with views. For the ultimate in luxury, choose the three-bedroom apartments or higher, which even have saunas, kitchens, and telescopes for stargazing.
The wellness iterations of this chalet hotel are front and center. The spa, the glossy outdoor pool, and the gorgeous indoor pool are all sensational and lured us every single time. There’s also an invigorating world of saunas – bio salt, rock, Finnish – as well as an icy plunge pool and a steam room. A yoga studio and a fitness center top off the wellness offerings, with two restaurants, a clothing store, and a ski rental store rounding up the rest of the amenities.
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Brücke 49
4
Brücke 49 is one of the most unconventional alpine B&Bs we’ve ever stayed at. Sitting in an 18th-century structure, the place boasts oodles of rustic character and is a blend of muted hues on the inside. On the outside, the hardened symmetry and dark grey exterior are very classic Swiss chalet, with the Piz Tomül Mountain and the riverside setting adding drama. On the inside, it all softens, with wood-panelled rooms, sleek dark kitchens, lit fires, and elegant Scandi designs everywhere. We had the choice of just four bedrooms, which felt very intimate and exclusive. Interestingly, the two bathrooms are shared between the four rooms. However, they’re immaculate and pristine with touches like Aesop soap and wild flowers, making it better than some personal bathrooms we’ve seen.
Every morning, we’d wake to the first rays of sunshine streaming through the windows and breakfast spreads of homemade jams, fresh coffee, local cured meats, freshly baked bread, signature Swiss bircher muesli, and an array of alpine cheese. They even had an honesty drinks trolley. Finally, the location of the chalet is excellent: five lifts took us to the ski resort of Vals nearby, and all guests here even got reduced-price entries to Vals’ thermal baths
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Maison Bergdorf, Val de Travers
3
Best guesthouse. Imagine finding a luxurious B&B chalet in what is one of the most gorgeous Swiss towns; that’s the Maison Bergdorf in Val de Travers for you. This drop-dead gorgeous 19th-century cuckoo-clock chalet is a personal project of sorts, with just five bedrooms and a whole lot of Gothic vibe, with views of the mighty, snow-capped Jungfrau. We had a choice of just five individually decked out rooms and suites, all of which come equipped with sleek kitchenettes. However, what we enjoyed the most were the gardens, courtyards, fireplaces, and historic parlors, which made us feel like we were somewhere homely.
This warm and imaginative space is part of a growing trend of residences-turned-B&Bs-cum-galleries-and-shops. Many objects in the Maison, from books and blankets to lamps, are available to buy. Think tapestries, fully-stocked bookshelves, contemporary artwork, and a mix of custom-made and vintage furniture. We’d enjoy full, hearty breakfasts made by our host, Bea, on the verandah. Think fresh croissants, coffee, and even wine with amazing mountain views.
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The Brecon, Adelboden
2
Most contemporary. Adelboden has always been happy with affable obscurity, and The Brecon takes full advantage of that fact. Formerly the Cambrian hotel, this sleek chalet hotel might look like a classically Swiss chalet on the outside, but it does away with the Alpine clichés on the inside. Think a clubby midcentury vibe with open, flowing spaces, ripples of texture like Nordic Knot rugs and bouclé fabrics, and vintage furnishings. Oh, and this rare all-inclusive hotel also happens to be adults-only, so you can only imagine how eye-wateringly expensive it might be!
The rooms and suites have a sense of relaxed warmth and are clear of hotel clutter. While some have mushroomy stools and white-and-black tables, others have boucle-clad sofas. We loved the two-tone wooden cabinet that contains cocktail ingredients, the dusk-pink luxe bathrooms, and the wooden balconies with stunning wraparound views. For the best views, choose the double-aspect Waterfall Corner rooms.
Since it’s adults only, we were treated to rare and unusual fully inclusive meals and drinks, including aperitifs, cocktails, and nightcaps. The terrace pool was a delight, especially since it boasts views of the magnificent Bernese Oberland. A boot room for winter sports and a short walk to the ski lifts take care of everything winter. Wrapping things up is the second-floor spa with a wood-lined sauna, a wide range of treatments, and a relaxation lounge with an open fire leading out to the pool terrace.
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Experimental Chalet Verbier
1
Best overall. Sitting at the top of the list is Experimental Chalet Verbier, a retro hotel in the heart of Switzerland’s ‘alpine Ibiza,’ the ski resort town of Verbier. Despite being the capital of cool, this good-looking and fun hotel is for all ages and everyone, whether you’re here to ski or indulge in après ski. The traditional Swiss chalet façade is just that — a façade. On the inside, it’s all midcentury-modern and Insta-interiors-meets-alpine comfort. Choose from just 39 rooms and suites, all of which are a wonderful blend of über cool and charmingly retro. We especially loved the top-floor suites, which had sleek private Jacuzzis on the sprawling terraces.
“Staying at Experimental Chalet Verbier was the ultimate in Swiss chalet staying experiences!”
WOW Travel
The amenities here are the real ticket. For one, a free shuttle ran directly from the hotel’s back room to the ski lifts nearby. The back room, or the downstairs ski room, is cleverly decked out with lockers, gloves, and boot warmers. We were thoroughly impressed by the ski concierge service, which took care of all the ski equipment hire from Les Ruinettes nearby. Traditional amenities include the spa, which is strategically next to the game-changing Experimental Cocktail Club bar, which itself is a fitting destination. However, celeb spotting is best done at next door’s Farm Club, which has been a Verbier institution for more than half a century.
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Our Verdict!
Staying in a Swiss chalet is a special experience, which is why every stay on this list is special. That being said, here’s a smaller list to help you choose where to stay.
- Best overall: Experimental Chalet Verbier
- Most contemporary: The Brecon, Adelboden
- Best guesthouse: Maison Bergdorf, Val de Travers
- Most luxurious: Six Senses Crans Montana
- Most romantic: Chandolin Boutique Hotel
Where to Stay in Switzerland?
Switzerland might look modest in size compared to many other countries, but it’s grand, especially since it’s gorgeous in every direction. So, which city, town, or village should one stay in when traveling to Switzerland?
One of our top choices has always been Interlaken, which sits at a crossroads of experiences. Not only could we see and travel to alpine vistas, but we could also indulge in a wide variety of diverse adventures in the form of day trips. Next, there are heavy hitters like Verbier, Gstaad, and St. Moritz, which are A-listers on the Swiss skiing scene. They’re home to the most ski chalets, even on this list. Switzerland is also family-friendly in a fantastic way, with family-oriented and scenic Lenzerheide. Its skiing and sledding slopes are ideal for everyone: non-skiers, families, and skiers, including novices and cross-country fans. The cracking beginner’s choice Crans-Montana is equally amazing, with gentle, sun-kissed slopes and views of Mont Blanc and Matterhorn in the distance.
Finally, there are smaller Swiss alpine villages such as Adelboden and Chandolin, which are a mix of skiing, gorgeous scenery with rivers and bridges, and lovely historic villages.
Also, here are a few small towns in Switzerland worth visiting.
Where should I stay in Switzerland for the first time?
For first-timers, popular cities and areas include the cities of Lucerne and Interlaken in the Jungfrau region, Zermatt for the Matterhorn, Zurich, and Geneva for an international feel.
What is the best way to travel around Switzerland?
As has been made evident in popular culture, trains are by far the most convenient and fastest way to get around the country. The cities and towns in Switzerland are serviced by the Intercity, Regio, Interregio, suburban, and mountain railways.
