Hotel Review: The Alpina Gstaad, Switzerland

The Alpina Gstaad is in the town of Gstaad, nestling among the mountains. The town has long been frequented by the rich and famous. They usually come for the skiing and the tiny town centre is stuffed with high end designer stores. Opulent chalets scatter the surrounding hills, but don’t expect bling. This is an understated sort of place and the Alpina Gstaad is furnished with recycled wood from farms over Europe and local stone from the river. Works of contemporary art adorn the walls and there’s a designer electric Fiat 500 in the lobby, changing colour depending on the temperature.

Who for

The hotel is a destination in its own right, offering Swiss luxury and excellent cuisine, but it’s connected to an extensive network of footpaths if you want to take in the mountain air and work up an appetite. In effect if you want a bit luxury, good food and a chance to enjoy the outdoors you will find it here.

Accommodation

Bedroom Deluxe Suite

A total of 56 rooms ranging from deluxe to panorama suite and all have balconies. The Junior Suites have working fireplaces whilst the Deluxe Suites also have a lounge area.  All have flat screen TV’s with satellite channels, free internet access and large luxurious pillows. Rooms are decorated with genuine locally crafted accessories, including period bookcases containing an impressive collection of literature.

Facilities

Outdoor Pool

The hotel is situated on a spacious expanse of parkland overlooking the village of Gstaad and the Six Senses Spa has a Himalayan salt grotto, a Turkish bath and indoor and outdoor pools. There’s Tree House Club for kids, a cigar lounge and a Private Cinema where you get to choose the films.

Food and drink

The Sommet restaurant, run by Chef Martin Göschel, has one Michelin star and his unique tasting menu sources local produce. The wine list includes over 400 rare vintage bottles from across the world. Megu is the Japanese gourmet restaurant, also with a Michelin star, while the Swiss Stübli serves traditional Swiss fare including raclette and fondue.

Wi Fi available?

Yes, it’s free throughout the property.

Value for money

This summer, a Deluxe Room starts from 575CHF (around £425), based on two sharing, and includes breakfast, free access to pools, saunas, steam-baths and relaxation areas at the Six Senses Spa, parking as well as service charge, all taxes and VAT. Expensive but you’re paying for a high standard of accommodation and service.

Booking.com

What’s nearby

The hotel is in its own grounds, around a fifteen minute walk from the centre of Gstaad. From 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. there’s a free shuttle service to the foot of the ski slopes or hiking paths and to several restaurants in Gstaad. Try a ride in their Tesla or one of their superior Mercedes.

Gstaad

Getting there

The hotel is around two hours from Geneva airport and can arrange a chauffeur service. Otherwise take the train and they’ll pick you up from the station. If you have a private jet, then it can land at the small airport in Saanen, located just 6.5 km away.