Alpine heirloom castle
Known as Gstaad's living room, the fireside Lobby Bar draws generations together over afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and nightly live piano.
“rooms remain sweet and homely with plaid fabrics, autumnal tones and snow-dusted mountain views.”
Where it shines
Exceptional
Family ownership since 1938, with white-glove dining rituals and multi-generational winter traditions.
Remarkable
Kitchens preparing off-menu dishes around the clock, alongside twenty years of luggage storage.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Rest of Europe
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery and Wallpaper*.
The interior is much as it was in the palace’s early days, though fresh renovations... have added or improved upon a range of amenities geared to the modern jet-setter.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Perched above the village, the hotel sits a ten-minute walk from Gstaad's pedestrianized promenade lined with timber chalets and luxury fashion boutiques.
The rooms
Classic alpine rooms feature beamed ceilings, tartan accents, and botanical prints, with private balconies opening onto views of the Bernese Oberland peaks.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The indoor pool looks out across snowy slopes, and heated outdoor waters face the surrounding alpine peaks.
The spa
A suspended fireplace warms the granite relaxation lounge, leading to private suites and a seven-stage hammam circuit.
The gym
Cardio machines and stationary bikes line floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the outdoor pool terrace and alpine slopes.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Le Grand Restaurant serves dinner beneath crystal chandeliers and carved ceilings, and drinks pour at the colorful pool bar.
It’s certainly understated rather than in-your-face luxury. The capacious lobby bar with its carved wooden pillars and enormous open fire is as much decorated by its famous guests as it is by its fabrics and paintwork.
How it began
During World War II, the Swiss government stored national gold reserves inside a fortified two-story bunker that today houses rustic restaurant La Fromagerie.
“The two-hour ritual begins with a foot bath and takes in a foam body massage, a steam bath, a dip in the truly stunning pool…”
Good to know
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Gstaad Palace
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Gstaad
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.